Ethiopia: President of Somali region resigns August 6 /update 1

Event

The president of Ethiopia’s Somali region, Abdi “Illey” Mohamoud Omar, resigned on Monday, August 6. Following Omar’s resignation, Ahmed Abdi Mohamed was named as the new president of the region. Earlier on Monday, violent clashes were reported between members of the Somali and Oromo communities in the city of Dire Dawa. According to local media reports, the federal security forces has assumed responsibility for restoring order in the region from Liyu paramilitary forces, particularly in Jigjiga. Tensions remain high in the region, and the UK's Foreign and Commonwealth Office has issued a travel advisory, warning individuals to avoid travel to the Somali region, as well as to the cities of Dire Dawa and Harar. Further violence is possible in the coming days and weeks.

Context

Violent protests to denounce proposed reforms from the federal government broke out in Jigjiga and other areas of the Somali region on August 3 and continued through August 5. The Ethiopian military deployed to Jigjiga on the evening of August 3 and clashed with local paramilitary forces. According to regional officials, fighting on August 4 resulted in 29 people being killed in Jigjiga. Looting and other violence was reported in Jijiga and Dhegahbur, with demonstrators setting fire to a church.

Advice

Individuals present in the Somali region of Ethiopia are advised to monitor the situation, avoid any large gatherings and demonstrations due to the risk of violence, and adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities or their home governments.