melting pot

Ethiopia: Somali, Oromo….the turbulent politics around Dire Dawa

By Mistir Sew

Premium badge Reserved for subscribers

Posted on August 4, 2021 05:36

Ethiopia Defense Forces © Women bring items to give to the youth joining the Defense Forces, at Meskel Square, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Tuesday, July 27 2021. (AP Photo)
Women bring items to give to the youth joining the Defense Forces, at Meskel Square, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Tuesday, July 27 2021. (AP Photo)

The diversity of the city on the fringes of Oromia and Somali regions is also a recipe for turbulent politics. Efrem Mulat describes 23 October 2019 as a “dark day” unlike any he had seen before. He was no stranger to protests and street violence – but he actually had not brushed with death.

This article is published in partnership with Ethiopia Insight.

“It was crazy,” he said. “You never knew if a bullet or a piece of rock would land on you.” His hometown Dire Dawa, often portrayed in popular culture as an embodiment of multicultural coexistence, witnessed multiple violent incidents in that year – many of which had ethnic and religious undertones.

In October 2019, security forces fired tear gas to control widespread clashes among youth from different faith groups. Roads to and from the city were closed while the city transportation was halted. Buildings – particularly in the vicinity called Kebele 5 – were set ablaze. Ambulances rushed to Dil Chora Hospital carrying the injured. The incident was triggered by rocks thrown at churchgoers returning from an Epiphany celebration, observed with much festivity among Orthodox Christians.

In June 2019, at least two were killed when

There's more to this story

Get unlimited access to our exclusive journalism and features today. Our award-winning team of correspondents and editors report from over 54 African countries, from Cape Town to Cairo, from Abidjan to Abuja to Addis Ababa. Africa. Unlocked.

Subscribe Now

cancel anytime