At least seven worshippers died during a festival celebrating Epiphany in Ethiopia last Saturday after security forces opened fire upon them, the UN has reported.
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights said that the incident took place in Woldiya City, about 500 kilometres north of the capital Addis Ababa. Security forces, who were trying to stop a group of people celebrating the Ethiopian Orthodox festival of Epiphany from chanting anti-government songs, reportedly opened fire upon them, killing seven and injuring a number of others.
Protestors reportedly blocked roads and destroyed a number of properties in the aftermath.
Ravina Shamdasani, a spokesperson for the OHCHR, said the event was “all the more regrettable” as it came just two weeks after the country’s ruling coalition – the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front – had officially announced it would undertake reforms.
Ms Shamdasani called on authorities to take all feasible measures to prevent the use of force by security forces and for a “prompt, independent, impartial and effective investigation to ensure those responsible for any violations are held accountable”.
