Ethiopia: Armed assailants kill 15 civilians in attack in Oromia State April 30

Event

According to reports released May 1, unidentified assailants carried out an attack on a passenger bus near Amuru, Horo Guduru Welega Zone, Oromia State, April 30. The bus was traveling from Bure, Amhara State, to Nekemte, Oromia State, when the attack occurred. The assailants reportedly stopped the bus, ordered the passengers off, then opened fire, killing 15 of them. There have been no claims of responsibility for the attack, though local authorities have blamed the attack on the members of the Oromo Liberation Front-Shene (OLF-S).

The Ethiopian government is highly likely to deploy additional troops to the impacted area to stabilize the situation. Officials may impose movement restrictions and establish checkpoints. Restrictions may be expanded should violence continue.

Context

Regional security officials regularly accuse the Oromo Liberation Front-Shene (OLF-S) of similar attacks. The group is a breakaway faction of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), which split off after the OLF signed a peace accord with the federal government in August 2018.

Advice

Exercise extreme caution if operating in the impacted areas of Oromia State and SNNPR until the situation stabilizes and government forces have secured the area. Heed the instructions of local authorities. Maintain contact with your diplomatic mission.