Tension beats parts of Ethiopia

July 22, 2014 (ESAT)

Most parts of Ethiopia had been in tension after conflicts erupted between residents and government securities and many were detained.

In Merahabete, Central Northern Ethiopia, a civilian has been killed in a clash that started in relation to problem with an electric transformer. Residents have later started protesting by throwing stones against armed police officers, who were shooting back at them.

The total number of casualties is not yet known but a few civilians have been wounded and taken to hospital.

Despite the continuing tension, the Zonal Administrator has summoned the local people.

Similarly, in the town of Enfraz, Northern Gonder, local youth, who said were affected due to problems of water and electricity, had blocked the roads and disrupted transportation. After hours of interruption, the protesters were forcefully dispersed by the local police. At least four youths have been detained suspected of organising the protest.

Separately, twelve people have been arrested in Metema town, North Western Ethiopia in a problem that is related to the ongoing border controversy with the Sudan.

The residents told ESAT that some Sudanese investors are coming more than 42 KM inside Ethiopia, beyond the land that the current Ethiopian government gave to the Sudan, to evict Ethiopian farmers from their lands by paying lump sum to local security officials.

Twelve youth that opposed the actions have been detained.