Protests against govt continued in Oromia region despite Oromo People’s Democratic Organisation (OPDO) regional govt 12 Jan announcing cancellation of controversial Addis Ababa development plan. Some 140 protesters reportedly killed by security forces since mid-Nov. Five reported killed, 30 injured in grenade attack on Jimma university, Oromia region 10 Jan. At least 27 reportedly killed 28-30 Jan during ethnic clashes between Nuer and Anyuak groups in Gambella region.

Protests against govt plan to expand Addis Ababa erupted in Oromia region: some 75 civilians and four police reportedly killed in clashes, hundreds injured and scores arrested throughout month. Ten members of opposition Ginbot-7, designated as terrorist organisation by state, arrested after reported shootout with police 9 Dec in Gonder town. Grenade attack on Grand Anwar Mosque in capital 11 Dec injured 24. Govt early month warned number of people suffering food insecurity due to drought now ten million. Govt 29 Dec signed agreement with Sudan and Egypt on use of contractors, implementing declaration of principles of Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.

Tripartite meeting 7 Nov on renaissance dam ended without agreement on future use of contractors. Ethiopian forces reportedly killed three police in Marsabit county in Kenya 20 Nov after crossing border in pursuit of Oromo Liberation Front rebels who reportedly killed local chief in Dukale village near Kenyan border (see Kenya).

Following May elections in which ruling EPRDF and allied party won all parliamentary seats, PM Desalegn re-elected 5 Oct for first full term after assuming role after former PM Zenawi’s death in 2012. Desalegn 7 Oct formed new govt of technocrats. Five Ethiopian dissident groups in exile 24 Oct announced formation of “People’s Alliance for Freedom and Democracy” to challenge EPRDF rule. Nine bloggers and journalists detained since April 2014 cleared of terrorism charges 16 Oct.

Joint anti-terrorism taskforce 15 Sept confirmed armed Tigrayan Peoples Democratic Movement (TPDM) chairman Mola Asgedom 11 Sept surrendered after fleeing to Sudan from Eritrea with unconfirmed number of fighters. Mola’s flight followed 7 Sept formation of united coalition opposition movement “Salvation of Ethiopia through Democracy” comprising TPDM, Arbegnoch Ginbot 7 for Unity and Democratic Movement (AGUDM), Afar Peoples Liberation Movement (APLM) and Amhara Democratic Force Movement (ADFM); Mola had been elected deputy chairman of coalition.

High Court 3 Aug convicted eighteen Muslim activists and journalists, sentenced them to 7-22 years’ prison for terrorism, conspiracy to establish an Islamic state. Authorities 20 Aug charged twenty with plotting to form Islamic govt, promoting and inciting extremist ideology. Tripartite talks between Ethiopia, Egypt and Sudan on Renaissance Dam resumed 20 Aug.

Newly-formed armed opposition group “Arbengoch Ginbot 7 Unity and Democratic Movement” (AGUDM) 2 July took first military action in Western Tigray state, bordering Eritrea; some 50 reported killed. PM Desalegn confirmed clashes, warned authorities will take direct military action against Eritrea for alleged support to Ethiopian armed opposition groups. Federal police 10 July said counter-attack launched against group, killing 30.

Results of 24 May parliamentary elections announced 22 June: ruling EPRDF took all seats; AU observers said elections “calm, peaceful and credible” but opposition alleged intimidation, said four activists killed since poll. UK 25 June warned Ethiopia over treatment of imprisoned opposition figure and UK citizen Andargachew Tsige.

Parliamentary elections held 24 May, results expected 22 June but preliminary results late May indicate landslide victory for ruling Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) and allied groups. Opposition Blue Party rejected results and elections process. AU mission said elections calm and credible; opposition groups accused govt of harassment, illegal detentions ahead of polls.

Govt 20 April declared three days of mourning 21-23 April following Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIL) killing of some 30 Ethiopians held captive in Libya. Tens of thousands marched in govt-supported anti-IS rally 22 April; march in Addis Ababa turned violent when protesters calling for action clashed with police who arrested at least 100, used tear gas to disperse demonstration.