2014–2016 Oromo protests

The 2014–2016 Oromo protests were a series of protests and resistance first sparked on 25 April 2014. The initial actions were taken in opposition to the Addis Ababa Master Plan, and resumed on 12 November 2015 by university students and farmers in the town of Ginchi, located 80 km southwest of Addis Ababa, encircled by the Oromia region. The plan was to expand the capital into the Oromia special zone, leading to fears that native Oromo farmers would lose their land and be displaced. The plan was later dropped but protests continued, highlighting issues such as marginalization and human rights. Mulatu Gemechu, deputy chairman of the opposition Oromo Federalist Congress, expressed to Reuters: "so far, we have compiled a list of 33 protesters killed by armed security forces that included police and soldiers but I am very sure the list will grow". Protesters demanded social and political reforms, including an end to human rights abuses like government killings of civilians, mass arrests, government land seizures, and political marginalization of opposition groups. The government responded by restricting access to the internet and attacking as well as arresting protesters.

2014–2016 Oromo protests
Part of Oromo conflict
Wolqayt demonstration in 2016
Date25 April 2014 – December 2016
Location
Oromia Region, Addis Ababa north-western, southern and eastern part of the regions Ambo, Dembi Dolo, and NekemteAmhara Region, Gondar, Bahir Dar,
Caused by
  • Oromo youth demonstrations started as a controversial 2014 Addis Ababa Master Plan to expand the capital into Oromia Special Zone Surrounding Finfinne destroys the territorial integrity of Oromia by dividing it into two region.
  • Amhara youth protesting in solidarity with the Oromo people and other Ethiopians against the authoritarian rule of the Tigray People's Liberation Front.
  • Most extreme drought in 50 years followed by extreme flooding, both displacing parts of the population
  • While economic growth and industrialization takes place, the government disregards the rights and needs of the rural population, these are left behind
  • Human rights abuses (detention of opposition demonstrators) Oromia Region
  • Previous annexation of Wolqayt Tsegede in to the Tigray region.
  • Unfair distribution of wealth
  • Political marginalization
  • Land seizures by the Ethiopian government
Goals
Methods
  • Protests
  • Demonstrations
Status
  • A controversial Addis Ababa expansion plan sparked deadly violence in state of Oromia, which completely surrounding Addis Ababa was cancelled
  • Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn submitted his resignation as Prime Minister of Ethiopia and EPRDF chairperson on 15 February 2018 in response to Oromo protests succeeded by Abiy Ahmed Ali
  • Hundreds of killings and thousands of arrests in recent months by police
  • At least 90 shot and killed by police (as of 8 August)– 500 (claimed by Human Rights Watch)
  • Thousands of protesters attacked and/or arrested by police
  • Suspected jailbreak attempt at Kaliti Prison resulting in at least 23 deaths
  • Irreechaa Festival massacre resulting from police confrontation results in the deaths of 55–300 people
  • Six-month state of emergency declared on 9 October 2016
Parties
Oromo pro-democratic protesters
Lead figures

Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn

Casualties
Death(s)5000+ (as of October 2016)
Detained1,645

In the three days leading up to 8 August 2016, Reuters reported that at least 90 protesters had been shot and killed by Ethiopian security forces, marking the most violent crackdown against protesters in sub-Saharan Africa since at least 75 people were killed during protests in Oromia Region in November and December 2015.

According to Human Rights Watch, at least 500 people are estimated to have been killed as of October 2016.

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