Falls Church, Virginia (3/31/2023) – OLLAA is alarmed by reports of escalating tensions between communities in the Guji and Borana zones of Oromia following the announcement by the Oromia regional government that they would be restructuring the Oromia region and creating a new zone, called the East Borana zone. Since that announcement was made, there have been protests throughout the Guji zone by residents who felt they were not consulted by relevant authorities during the decision-making process.
Unfortunately, tensions between the Borana Oromos and Guji Oromos appear to be rising in recent weeks related to the redistricting, and there have been numerous posts circulating on social media calling for violence in recent days. These social media users are calling for attacks on vehicles passing through their respective areas, and attacks on anyone who refers to the headquarter of East Borana as Nagelle Borana. In Ethiopia, social media is very sensitive, and there is reason to be concerned such posts might lead to bloodshed.
OLLAA is extremely concerned at the reports of escalating tensions between the Borana and Guji and urges all community members to remain calm and to refrain from acts of violence or from issuing calls that incite violence. We also call on the Government of Ethiopia and other stakeholders to call for peace and to take measures to calm the situation.
OLLAA is an umbrella organization that works in collaboration with dozens of Oromo communities around the world.