Renewed protests in Ethiopia’s central Oromia regional state should be peaceful and legal, an Ethiopian official said on Thursday.
Speaking to Xinhua, Negeri Lencho, Minister of Ethiopia Government Communication Affairs Office (GCAO) said protesters should seek to peacefully express their opinions as guaranteed by Ethiopia’s constitution.
“The Ethiopian government is working on availing funds for youth to engage in income generating activities and answering other popular demands,” he said, adding that the government will take legal actions on those who engage in violent activities.
Oromia, Ethiopia’s largest regional state, has seen large anti-government protests by ethnic Oromos since the end of 2015 leaving hundreds dead.
Oromos, Ethiopia’s largest ethnic group making up a third of the country’s 100 million population, complain of decades of economic, political and social marginalization by successive governments.
Martial Law declared in October 2016 and later lifted in August 2017 had calmed Oromia regional state, but renewed anti-government protests earlier this month left several people dead. Enditem
Source: Xinhua/NewsGhana.com.gh
