9 dead in unrest in Ethiopia’s central Oromia regional state

ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 15 (Xinhua) — Unrest in Ethiopia’s central Oromia regional state left nine people dead, a regional official said on Wednesday evening.

Speaking to journalists, Umi Abajemal, deputy head of the Oromia regional state communication affairs bureau, said a further 13 people were injured in the unrest that affected various parts of Oromia.

She also said most areas affected by the blocking of roads and ceasing of commercial activities is returning to normal.

The deaths in the Oromia regional state occurred during a three-day strike called by activists starting on Monday to call for release of prisoners and political reforms.

The Ethiopian government seemingly relenting to the protesters’ demands freed hundreds of jailed suspects on Wednesday.

Ethiopia is still reeling from unrest that affected large parts of the country in 2016.

The unrest in 2016 led to the deaths of hundreds and was dubbed by analysts as the gravest challenge the ruling coalition Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front faced in 25 years.

The unrest involving parts of the three most populous regions of Amhara, Oromia and Southern led to an imposition of martial law in October 2016 which was only lifted in August 2017.

However, sporadic deadly protests especially in Amhara and Oromia regional states in recent months have renewed fears about Ethiopia’s stability.