Ethiopia: Bombing in Jimma (Oromia region) August 24 /update 2

Event

A bomb exploded in the town of Jimma (Oromia region) on Thursday, August 24, injuring at least 13 people. It is unclear who is responsible for the attack. The bombing occurred amid a five-day stay-at-home strike (August 23-27) taking place throughout Oromia, which reportedly is being widely observed.

Context

The Oromo Federalist Congress called for the strike to demand the release of political prisoners, to commemorate those killed by security forces in previous protests, and to denounce tax increases. The United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) has advised people to postpone travel to the western part of the region (up to the towns of Ambo and Weliso) until the end of the strike.

Months of violent anti-government protests, primarily concentrated in the Oromia region, took place in 2016, resulting in the deaths of around 600 people. The protests led to the implementation of a state of emergency which lasted from October 8, 2016, until August 4, 2017. At least 21,000 people were reportedly arrested during the state of emergency period and more than 8000 are still behind bars or being prosecuted for crimes they are accused of committing during the unrest.

Advice

Individuals present in Oromia are advised to monitor developments to the sociopolitical situation, to avoid all potential protests due to the possibility of violence, and to have alternative communication plans in place in anticipation of possible telecommunications blackouts (which can occur with little to no notice in Ethiopia).