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At least 33 killed in anti-government protests in Ethiopia

Policemen attempt to control protesters chanting slogans during a demonstration in Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, August 6, 2016. (Photo by Reuters)

At least 33 people have lost their lives and dozens more injured across Ethiopia over the weekend during clashes between police and anti-government protesters.

According to Ethiopian opposition party officials speaking on Monday, the fatalities occurred in the wake of violence which erupted during the weekend when police fired tear gas and blocked roads leading to several towns in the country’s northern and western regions.

The rallies had reportedly been called by opposition groups from the main Ethiopian ethnic group, the Oromo people.

"So far, we have compiled a list of 33 protesters killed by armed security forces that included police and soldiers but I am very sure the list will grow," said Mulatu Gemechu, the deputy chairman of the opposition Oromo Federalist Congress.

"Twenty-six people have also been injured, while several have been detained," he added.

The protests started after the Ethiopian government triggered territorial disputes in November last year over the expansion of the municipal boundaries of the country’s capital, Addis Ababa, into Oromia, the region where the Oromo people are concentrated.

The move could result in farmers from the Oromo ethnic group being displaced and losing their land and property.

The Ethiopian government was forced to revoke the expansion project in January but sporadic protests have continued in the region.

Meanwhile, a diplomatic source with the opposition group in Ethiopia has confirmed the deaths of nearly 50 people during the weekend clashes.

"We have reports of between 48 to 50 protesters killed in Oromia. This death toll might be higher because there was a lot of wounded," said Merera Gudina, the chairman of the Oromo People’s Congress, a political party representing the Oromo people.

Conflicting reports on the death toll result from blocking access to social media which was imposed by authorities in the East African country on Friday.


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