International focus on the war in northern Ethiopia has obscured state violence elsewhere.
Category: English
Prosperity Party’s win is a loss for Oromia—and Ethiopia
Despite his focus on unity, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has failed to reconcile Ethiopian and Oromo political identities, and so failed to live up to his own promises.
Chaos in the Rift—a microcosm of Ethiopia’s brutal polarization
In Oromia, mayhem followed the 29 June slaying of beloved singer Hachalu Hundessa. And as Oromo protesters rose up in Batu, security forces stood down.
Ethiopia’s COVID-19 quandary
Uncertainty shrouds the actual spread of the virus so far and the most appropriate method of tackling it in the Ethiopian context
Amid blackout, western Oromia plunges deeper into chaos and confusion
The government is once more employing repressive tactics to try and stamp out a rebellion, but they may be having the opposite effect
Southern comfort on the rocks
As Sidama finally gets its referendum on regional statehood, Ethiopia’s often peripheral Southern Question is set to assume center stage
Two steps forward, one step back for Oromia?
After months more turmoil, there’s a fresh chance for the Oromo Liberation Front to enter peaceful politics, but many doubts remain
Lemma: “Pushing away investment will not help”
This is a full transcript of Oromia Chief Administrator Lemma Megersa’s response to lawmakers at the regional parliament on February 26, 2019 where he discusses a range of administrative challenges, from compensation demands slowing road projects to attempts at destabilizing the region’s borders.
OLF integration underway yet tensions remain
Oromo Liberation Front fighters have begun integration into regional security forces, although there are still reports of disagreements and insecurity.
Team Lemma’s choice: power or peace?
Having invited the Oromo Liberation Front back home, Team Lemma is trying to work out how to retain control while also accommodating the popular movement.