Ethiopia: Gunmen kill seven people in Oromia region August 8

Event

Gunmen killed seven members of the same family and wounded three others in an attack in Bordede (Oromia region) on Thursday, August 8. The gunmen have yet to be identified and officials have not determined a motive. A heightened security presence is expected in and around Bordede over the coming weeks; additional violence cannot be ruled out.

Context

A heightened security presence is to be expected in Oromia as the government enforces disarmament efforts with the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) rebels. While the OLF agreed to a ceasefire in July 2018, former OLF leader Dawud Ibsa, who returned to Ethiopia from exile in September, claims that the group has not agreed to a disarmament framework. This has led to heightened hostilities, with the government now declaring it will enforce the disarmament through force if necessary.

Advice

Individuals in the Oromia region are advised to monitor developments to the situation, remain vigilant for militant activity, avoid any large gatherings and demonstrations due to the risk of violence, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities or their home governments.