Ethiopia: Religious tensions in Gojjam (Amhara region) Dec. 21-22

Event

Arson attacks targeting mosques in the city of Mota (east of Gojjam zone; Amhara region) have been reported overnight on Saturday, December 21. Two mosques were burned down and two others were seriously damaged in the attack. According to local sources, the attack was triggered after an Orthodox church caught fire in the area the day prior.

Related protests were held in the cities of Shashemene and Jimma (Oromia region) on Sunday, December 22.

Heightened security measures are expected in the area in the coming days and additional related protests are possible. Violence between demonstrators and security forces cannot be ruled out.  

Advice

Individuals in Ethiopia, and particularly those in Amhara, are advised to monitor the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations due to potential violence, anticipate heightened security measures and transportation disruptions near large public gatherings and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments.