Death toll of Ethiopia protests climbs to 27 in continued violence
Official reports state the death toll has climbed to over 27 following continued violence that hit more than 15 towns and cities in Oromia state of Ethiopia since Wednesday, October 23, 2019.
Two more people were reportedly killed in Ambo, in addition to three people killed on Wednesday. Eighty-year-old Morada Mossa was one of the victims. Dozens of others were reportedly wounded in clashes between security forces and protesters.
Ambo Hospital Medical Director Abebe Fetene was quoted as saying that two of the 14 injured people who were admitted to the hospital were dead on Thursday. Nine of the victims who suffered light injuries returned home after medication.
East Harargae Zonal Communication Bureau confirmed that six people were killed during the protracted violence in two towns of the zone. No causalities were reported in the protests held in other four towns of the zone, Communication Expert of the Zone, Ayele Deressa said
He also confirmed that five of the victims were killed in Goru Gotu of East Harargae after the protest was turned into religious disputes between Muslim followers and Ethiopian orthodox Christians.
One of the victims, a resident of Aweday town, was shot dead by members of defense forces, the town’s mayor Jafar Muhamed was quoted as saying to the BBC.
Another six people were confirmed dead in Dodola town of west Arsi. Four of the victims arrived Dodola General Hospital dead, Medical Director of the Hospital Dr. Tola Biyu said.
Dr. Tola confirmed that the protests, which began on Thursday morning, turned into religious conflicts. Hundreds of the residents of the town were sheltered in nearby Kidanemihret Church as the religious disputes had gone worse.
The city of Harar witnessed the death of three persons as the neighboring Dire Dawa saw the loss five others during the violence which quickly turned into ethnic-based clashes.
Eyewitnesses told Ezega.com that ethnic Oromo youth warned non-Oromo residents to leave the city as soon as possible.
Four of the victims passed away after arriving in Dil Chora Hospital along with the other seven injured victims, Dr. Abdurhaman Abubeker, Medical Director of the Hospital said.
According to the medical director, the victims were attacked either by gun bullets or sharp weapons.
Undisclosed persons were also killed in Adama, the capital of Oromia regional state in clashes between the Qeerroo and youth residents of the city. A factory, more than 20 shops owned to non-Oromo nationals, and 15 vehicles were burned down in the city, 100 kilometers east of Addis Ababa.
The latest violence comes after Qeerroo leader and activist Jawar Mohammed on his Facebook page claimed that security forces had advanced to his residence to arrest him. Jawar Mohammed has since called for the violence to stop. In an effort to calm down the explosive situation, the Oromia region and central government officials apologized for the misunderstanding recent developments have been created that sparked the violence.
All roads leading to Addis Ababa from regions remain closed. Addis Ababa residents who went out on business are reportedly unable to return home and are staying in hotels outside the city.
