Ethiopia: Shutdown strike in Oromia March 5-7

Event

Activists in the state of Oromia announced a three-day shutdown strike to begin Monday, March 5, in protest of the ratification of the government-imposed state of emergency. Protesters claim the recent ratification vote failed to receive the necessary two-thirds support in parliament, making the state of emergency illegitimate. Participating businesses will close and public transportation will not operate where the strike is observed. In response the government may temporarily disrupt communications networks (e.g. internet service) to hinder the organization of protests. Medical facilities are expected to remain open. Protest leaders advised individuals to conclude any necessary travel by Sunday afternoon and to remain at home during the shutdown period. Security will likely be deployed should protests occur, and violence cannot be ruled out.

Context

On Friday, March 2, the Ethiopian parliament ratified the state of emergency that was announced on February 16 following the resignation of then-Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn. A heightened security presence is to be expected across Ethiopian cities while the state of emergency remains in effect. The ruling coalition is expected to nominate Desalegn's successor during the week of March 5. Associated measures, implemented amid an increasingly tense security environment, include a ban on protests and the production and distribution of publications deemed to incite violence.

The move comes amid increasingly rapid reforms undertaken by the ruling Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) in recent weeks. The constituent regional parties of the EPRDF, the Oromo Peoples' Democratic Organization (OPDO), and the Amhara National Democratic Movement (ANDM) have reportedly been locked in a power struggle to replace Desalegn following his resignation.

Advice

Individuals in the Oromia region are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid any large gatherings and demonstrations due to the risk of violence, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities or their home government.