ESAT News (January 19, 2016)
People in various parts of the Oromia region of Ethiopia continued their protest against the government today despite call by the Oromia Regional State yesterday urging the protesters for calm.
Protest continued for the fourth day in Meisso, East Hararghe and residents called on the authorities to stop the brutal killing innocent citizens by the regime kill squads. Six people were killed over the weekend in Meisso, bringing the total number of deaths to over 150. Residents of Meisso fear the death toll could be higher. Sources say they could not tell the exact number of deaths or injuries due to the chaotic situation in the area.
Sources told ESAT today that protesters in East Wollega also took to the streets chanting antigovernment slogans. Security forces used force to disperse the crowd. It is not clear how many people sustained injuries or if there were any deaths.
The protest in the Oromia region of Ethiopia was sparked two months ago when the government tried to implement a master plan which aimed to widen the city limits of Addis Ababa to the surrounding farming communities who are mainly from the Oromo ethnic group. Over 150 people were killed and another 5000 people were detained in the last two months of protest.