Ethiopia's 100 million citizens come from dozens of ethnic groups with competing claims to land, resources and influence. Local leaders are now taking advantage of the new freedoms to build ethnic power bases. Large ethnic groups that dominate in many regions are demanding more territory and resources. While Ethiopia's constitution guarantees all ethnic groups the right to a referendum on self-determination, the government has long forbidden such votes. Ethnic militias are committing vigilante violence, killing local government officials, burning homes and raping women, according to Addis-based officials, diplomats and aid workers.

Source: Ethiopian News June 24, 2019 17:26 UTC