A human rights watchdog has reported that 75 people have been killed protesting a government project in the Oromia region. The government has described the protesters as “terrorists,” prompting international concern.
International outcry
The US State Department on Saturday expressed concern over the crackdown, urging the government to allow “peaceful protests.”
“The United States is deeply concerned by the recent clashes in the Oromia region of Ethiopia that reportedly have resulted in the deaths of numerous protesters,” the State Department said in a statement.
“We urge the government of Ethiopia to permit peaceful protest and commit to a constructive dialogue to address legitimate grievances,” it added.
The region of Oromia is the most populous federal state in the East African country, with 27 million people. It is inhabited by the Oromo people, Ethiopia’s largest ethnic group.
ls/tj (AFP, dpa)
