Federal forces shot at protesters and killed 21 people in Woalita Zone, with many more sustaining gunshot wounds, as reported by Addis Standard in the press release of the Wolaita People’s Democratic Front.
According to the report, protests have been underway in Wolaita, demanding statehood of the zonal administration for several months. The question appears to have the backing of zonal officials, as well as civil society groups and community representatives. However, it was not met with a green light from the federal and regional administrations.
The latest protest erupted following the mass detention of officials and representatives who have been pushing the statehood agenda. Protesters were blocking roads, burning tires, and wood on the main streets. According to witnesses, the federal police’s crackdown left people, including a child, dead and wounded in towns including Sodo, Boditi, and Areka.
After a day of calm, another round of protest broke out due to rumors about a new regional state structure that denies Wolaita the statehood it has been demanding.
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