In July riots took place near Tsige’s home after the assassination of Hachalu Hundessa, a popular musician and activist from the Oromo ethnic group. In recent years towns and cities in southern Ethiopia, especially in Oromia, have been flashpoints for political and ethnic turmoil. For urban officials, leasing and administering high-value land is a source of revenue, rents and patronage. An added sore is that public housing built on land that belonged to Oromo farmers was typically given to more prosperous city-dwellers. As Ethiopia prepares for delayed elections some time next year, towns will be places to watch—and worry about.

Source: Ethiopian News July 30, 2020 14:48 UTC