.,Foreign embassies raise concern over Ethiopia’s deadly violence

Apprehension has continued to engulf foreigners in Ethiopia and their embassies as clannish violence in the country gets deadlier and spreading.

Among other foreign embassies in the horn of Africa, the United States Embassy in Ethiopia has expressed grave concern over the ongoing deadly violence in the country.

Agency report revealed that among other casualties, about 15 people were killed by state forces in the town of Chelenko in the east Hararghe zone of Oromia region. The federal forces were blamed for the fatalities were reported to have shot at protesters.

A simmering security crisis has also hit some university campuses across the country leading to the closure of some facilities. The government was yet to comment on the particular situation.

It is important that the Ethiopian government ensure the safety of all Ethiopian citizens, and hold accountable those responsible for violence.

The U.S. statement titled “U.S. Embassy Statement Following Deaths at Chelenko and Universities,” read as follows: “We are troubled and saddened by reports of violence that has resulted in deaths and injuries in the town of Chelenko and at several universities over the past two days. We extend our condolences to the families and friends of the victims.

“It is important that the Ethiopian government ensure the safety of all Ethiopian citizens, and hold accountable those responsible for violence.

“We encourage the people of Ethiopia to uphold their admirable and longstanding tradition of respect for their country’s ethnic diversity and its tradition of peaceful co-existence, and to seek constructive means to raise concerns and resolve their differences.”

Bonny Amadi with agency report