The BIC is concerned following recent reports of massacres in Oromia region, Ethiopia, including particularly concerning claims that such attacks were ethnically-motivated towards the Amhara people. Reports of up to 320 casualties are deeply concerning, especially as Ethiopia grapples with widespread tensions that have coalesced into violence across the country, notably in Tigray.
The BIC's Political Analyst, Ben Lowings noted:
"In Ethiopia there has been a disturbing number of attacks that appear to be motivated by ethnic tensions. This is incredibly concerning and authorities should do their utmost to bring perpetrators to justice. A thorough independent investigation should be conducted for the massacre in Oromia to ensure that there is accountability for these horrific acts. However, the underlying grievances between the many ethnic groups in this diverse nation whether real or perceived, are profound and deep. The Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, and his government must do more to develop national structures that are representative and fair to all groups in Ethiopia. And the international community should do more to support this so that what happened, and is continuing to happen in Tigray, Oromia, Amhara and elsewhere, never occurs again."