http://neurope.eu/article/ethnic-clashes-break-out-in-ethiopia/
PUBLISHED 12:08 DECEMBER 17, 2015 UPDATED 12:08 DECEMBER 17, 2015
Ethnic clashes break out in Ethiopia
By NEOnline | TB
The European Human Rights Council has warned that two of Ethiopia’s largest ethnic groups were involved in fatal clashes in the Oromia region that have displaced families and destroyed property.
As reported by Bloomberg, existing disputes between Oromo and Amhara people in Ameya Woreda of Oromia state flared on December 12, according to Betsate Terefe, executive director of the Addis Ababa-based group. The conflict comes amid more than three weeks of protests across the region over a government plan to integrate the capital, Addis Ababa, with towns in Oromia.
“Real ethnic conflict broke out and is under way,” he said in an e-mailed statement on December 13. “Many houses burned, people killed and wounded.” There is no evidence the Oromo protests are connected to the Ameya conflict, which was “instigated” by local officials to take resources from the Amhara in the area, he said.
Ethiopia is a multi-ethnic federation whose constitution gives groups the right to self-government and protects their language and culture, according to Bloomberg. Oromo protesters say the plan for the capital will lead to a further loss of autonomy and marginalization for Oromo living on the outskirts of the capital. The government says integrated development will benefit everyone.
According to Bloomberg, Communications Minister Getachew Reda said a minimum of five people have died during the demonstrations, which he said started off largely peaceful and have degenerated into extremist Oromo groups trying to incite further unrest by attacking Amhara, officials, factories and government installations.
“The security forces will be taking very responsible and measured steps to neutralise the armed gangs which are now terrorising the people in the region in those localities,” he told Bloomberg by phone from the capital on December 14.
Received on Thu Dec 17 2015 - 11:03:24 EST