Ethiopia: Deadly protest in Alamata (Tigray region) October 21

Event

Security forces used live ammunition to disperse a demonstration by members of the Raya people in the town of Alamata (Tigray region) on Sunday, October 21. They were protesting the inclusion of Alamata in the Tigray region, which occurred in the 1990s and continues to fuel tensions. At least seven protesters were killed and 35 others injured. Further such protests are possible in the coming days and weeks.

Context

The Raya people of Alamata claim that their ethnic identity is not respected in the current administrative divisions and demand to be administratively attached to the Amhara region.

The federal system in Ethiopia has been a source of growing ethnic tensions and local and federal governments have systematically repressed attempts to contest the administrative divisions. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's political reforms, notably efforts to unite the country, have provoked a number of demonstrations by ethnic groups to demand the respect of their identity.

Advice

Individuals present in Ethiopia are advised to monitor the situation and avoid all protests as violence may flare up without warning.