This archive report was first published on 25 October 2019.
Published on October 25, 2019, violence in Ethiopia has claimed at least 16 lives, with Amnesty International attributing the deaths to protests against Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
Amnesty International researcher Fisseha Tekle confirmed the deaths, stating that the number of fatalities is likely higher due to emerging reports.
The violence began with protests in Addis Ababa, the capital, and the Oromia region, sparked by a high-profile activist accusing security forces of trying to orchestrate an attack against him.
Activist Jawar Mohammed, a former ally of Prime Minister Abiy and member of the Oromo ethnic group, has become critical of some of Abiy's policies.
Divisions within the Oromo support base that swept Abiy to power last year could undermine his position ahead of elections planned for May 2020.
Security forces have been accused of opening fire on protesters, with at least six people killed in the town of Ambo.
Ethnic and religious violence has been reported in multiple towns and cities, including Dodola, Harar, Balerobe, and Adama.
Property belonging to the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church has been targeted, with followers defending themselves against attacks.
Amnesty International has called on security forces to use restraint, stating that lethal force should only be used as a last resort to protect lives.
