This archive report was first published on 23 July 2019.
On July 22, 2019, Ethiopia's government announced that soldiers and federal police would take over security in the southern region, following days of violence that left at least 18 people dead.
The unrest stems from efforts by the Sidama ethnic group, the largest in the southern region, to establish a new semi-autonomous state, a project that has put them on a collision course with the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
Protests erupted last week as Sidama activists sought to declare their own territory separate from the diverse Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region.
According to hospital officials, at least 18 people have been killed in the violence, with some Sidama activists putting the death toll as high as 60.
At least 150 people had been arrested in connection with the violence as of Friday, Hawassa Mayor Sukare Shuda told regional state media.
"The regular security structure has been unable to ensure rule of law and has been stymied by various agendas," said a statement read on regional state television.
"From today onward the southern region will be under a federal security forces-led command post," the statement added.
