This archive report was first published on 2 July 2020.
Violence has erupted in Ethiopia after the murder of popular singer Hachalu Hundessa, a key figure in the country's democratic transition.
According to Oromia police chief Ararsa Merdasa, at least 81 people have been killed in the violence, including three Oromia special police force members.
The singer's murder on Monday night sparked protests in Addis Ababa and the region of Oromia, which surrounds the capital and is the heartland of the Oromo people.
Angry protesters broke out in Addis Ababa and the region of Oromia, with the worst violence taking place in Hachalu's hometown of Ambo, west of Addis Ababa.
At the core of the anger was Oromo nationalists' desire to see Hachalu buried in Addis Ababa, historically at the heart of their territory, from where they feel they have been displaced.
It was a plan by the federal government to expand the capital into surrounding Oromia, which kickstarted years of anti-government protests that swept Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to power in 2018, as the first Oromo to hold the post.
Ambo spokesman Milkessa Beyene said that Hachalu's body had arrived in the town for burial on Thursday but 'a group of youths who wanted the funeral to happen in Addis Ababa clashed with security forces, causing unrest.'
He said there were 'fatalities', including Hachalu's uncle.
Also provoking anger was the arrest of leading opposition politician Jawar Mohammed, also an Oromo, who was arrested along with 34 other people for trying to intercept Hachalu's body and return it to the capital.
Security forces opened fire on demonstrators demanding Jawar's release in the town of Holeta, west of Addis Ababa, said Teshome Bongase, a representative of the opposition Oromo Federalist Congress.
"The protesters were saying that Jawar is not a thief, he just wants Hachalu's body to be buried with respect. This is their culture, that is what they are asking for," said Teshome.
