This archive report was first published on 22 July 2019.
Published on July 22, 2019, by the BBC, a report emerged of deadly clashes in the Sidama region of Ethiopia.
Activists from the Sidama ethnic group, who make up 4% of the population, were set to declare their own federal state on Thursday, July 18, 2019. However, the government failed to hold a promised referendum on the issue, leading to widespread protests.
According to hospital officials, security forces fired bullets during the protests, resulting in the deaths of at least 25 people. Local acting security head Andinet Ashenafi confirmed that four people were killed in the city of Hawassa and 26 others sustained wounds.
Reports from activists and opposition groups cited a higher death toll, with fatalities as high as 60. However, Andinet Ashenafi warned against what he called 'exaggerated numbers.'
Members of other ethnic groups were also killed after being attacked by angry mobs. The internet has been blocked in parts of the south of the country since Thursday, including the main city of Hawassa.
