The Latest Breaking News from Oromia

Can Ethiopia ever be at peace? Four reasons conflict keeps flaring up

Ethiopia has experienced recurrent conflicts for over five decades. This includes a long-running civil war sparked by the overthrow of Emperor Haile Selassie in 1974, renewed fighting in Tigray, and ongoing conflicts in Amhara and Oromia.

The Conversation · Oct 15

Halima Kedir was mocked for planting trees; her garden inspired neighbours

Halima Kedir, 35, from the Berbere district of Ethiopia's Oromia region, was mocked and discouraged by her neighbours when she first began planting trees. Years later, her garden is lush with banana, olive and grevillea trees, and the same neighbours who doubted her are now following her lead. Her story…

The Times of India · Sep 23

Can an ancient Oromo philosophy help Ethiopia build peace? Why Namummaa matters

Ethiopia’s Oromo people have an indigenous philosophy known as Namummaa, or “humanness”, which places relationships and peace at the centre of social life. The Oromo are Ethiopia’s most populous ethnic group, making up about 38% of the country’s population of 105 million people. Most live in Oromia, a region that…

The Conversation · Jun 22

Killing of politician from Ethiopia's Oromia region sparks fear of unrest

In Ethiopia, the killing of a senior politician from the Oromo Liberation Front has already led to protests and is likely to aggravate tensions in Oromia, the country's largest and most populous region. At the same time, all parties agree that his death is a great loss for Ethiopia.

Radio France Internationale · Apr 14, 2024

‘This is a pandemic’: Ethiopia’s Oromia region gripped by surge in kidnappings

First it was rebel groups using abduction for political aims, but in a broken economy collecting ransoms is seen as easy money and now anyone can be a target

The Guardian - UK · Jan 23, 2024

As Tigray calms, Ethiopia sees growing conflict in Oromia

As one deadly conflict in Ethiopia begins to calm, another is growing, challenging a government that’s eager to persuade the international community to lift sanctions and revive what was once one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies

The Independent UK · Dec 14, 2022

Abiy Ahmed gained power in Ethiopia with the help of young people – four years later he's silencing them

When Abiy Ahmed took power as Ethiopia’s prime minister in April 2018, he was the youngest head of government in Africa.

The Conversation · Dec 8, 2022

Gunmen kill dozens in Ethiopia’s Oromia region: Report

Witnesses say at least 42 people have been killed as clashes between the Oromo and Amhara groups escalate.

Al Jazeera · Sep 2, 2022

Haacaaluu Hundeesaa: sublime Ethiopian singer who inspired Oromo struggle protesters

I speak to myself whispering Our situation has defied resolution, our misery isn’t improving We are in despair and idling, that is why I am whispering. So sings Haacaaluu Hundeessaa to his people, the Oromo, in the song Waa’ee Keenya (Our struggle), calling on them to take action against centuries…

The Conversation · Aug 30, 2022

Amnesty Urges Probe into 'Horrific' Ethnic Massacre in Ethiopia

Amnesty International on Thursday called for an investigation into a massacre of more than 400 Amhara civilians in Ethiopia's Oromia region last month, citing eyewitnesses who blamed a local rebel group for the killings.

Asharq Al-Awsat · Jul 21, 2022