Ethnic fighting in Ethiopia

This item appears on page 16 of the February 2018 issue.

Clashes between Somali and Oromo people in the central-Ethiopian state of Oromia killed at least 61 people and injured more than 100. The violence began after a prominent member of the Oromo community was killed on Dec. 14 and a military group made up of ethnically Somali Ethiopians was accused, leading to reprisal killings. Both Oromos and Somalis were killed in subsequent attacks.

The US Department of State warns of the risks of traveling in Ethiopia. Reports of unrest continue, particularly in the Gondar region, Bahir Dar in Amhara state and parts of Oromia. Be aware that the Ethiopian government may use force and live fire in response to demonstrations and that even gatherings intended to be peaceful can be met with a violent response or turn violent without warning.