At least 17 killed in political unrest in southern EthiopiaADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) — At least 17 people have been killed in southern Ethiopia during protests that followed the weekend arrests of local officials, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission confirmed Thursday. Security forces met the protests with force after the arrests of Wolaita zone officials, the rights commission said. “There were also mass arrests of youths who tried to protest following the arrests of local officials and the killing of civilians. Wolaita zone officials have long sought regional statehood, a proposal which they say has not been entertained properly by regional officials. They have said they would unilaterally declare the formation of a new regional state if their request was not addressed.

Source: Ethiopian News August 13, 2020 16:18 UTC