Ethiopia: Disruptive protests continue in Oromia region /update 1

Event

Large gatherings and associated road closures across the Oromia region continued on Tuesday, February 13. Disruptions to travel were reported in various areas, including near the capital Addis Ababa, as well as the towns of Harar and Dire Dawa. Further related disruptions, with the potential for violent unrest, is likely as protests continue.

Context

Youth movements in the Amhara and Oromia regions called for a three-day stay-at-home strike February 12-14. Businesses were expected to remain closed and public transportation services suspended during this time. Security forces reportedly attacked students protesting at Haramaya University on Monday; the campus was closed following the clashes.

The aim of the general strike is to demand the resignation of the government, as well as the unconditional release of all political prisoners and the withdrawl of defense forces from regional towns.

Advice

Individuals in the Amhara and Oromia regions are advised to avoid any large gatherings, as security forces may crack down on protests with excessive force, and keep abreast of any changes to the political and security situation.

On a more general note, due to the terrorist threat linked to the Somali group Al-Shabaab, many Western governments advise their citizens against all travel to the Ogaden region and other areas along the border with Somalia, as well as nonessential travel to the rest of the Ethiopian Somali region. The Eritrean, Sudanese, South Sudanese, and Kenyan borders are also considered high-risk destinations