Unidentified gunmen 13 May ambushed UN convoy in Ogaden region leaving 1 UN staff dead, 1 injured, 2 missing. Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) and Ethiopian govt traded accusations of responsibility, also over killing of 100 civilians in region 10-15 May. UN suspended aid operations in region. ONLF 26 May said it seized town of Galalshe in Jigjiga region from govt, freed 2 missing WFP employees.

1,600 Eritrean refugees 20 Apr gathered in Addis Ababa calling for democratic rule in Eritrea; in noticeable escalation of rhetoric FM Hailemariam Desalegn next day openly declared support to Eritrean rebel groups fighting to overthrow Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki. Following series of mass arrests, govt 30 March confirmed 121 members of banned rebel armed group Oromo Liberation Front detained as further evidence being gathered. Human Rights Watch 6 Apr indicated detention of members of 2 Oromo ethnic opposition parties politically motivated, urged govt to release those detained.

At least 130 arrested following early month reports some 60 churches, at least 28 houses burned in western Oromia; PM blamed Islamist extremists trying to fuel communal tensions. In series of mid-March interviews media reported govt actively advocating overthrow of govt in neighbouring Eritrea, accused Eritrea of supplying explosives to radical elements in attempt to destabilise Djibouti ahead of April election. Following Feb report of govt troops involved in fighting on Somali border against Islamic militant al-Shabaab, govt forces and Ahlu Sunna Wal Jama’a militia early month advanced towards other al-Shabaab strongholds in central and southern Somalia.

Govt mid-Jan released over 400 Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) rebels; move follows Oct agreement between govt and breakaway ONLF faction led by Salahdin Abdulrahman. Mohamed Omar Osman-led ONLF faction reiterated group’s intent to continue struggle.

Rebel Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) 22 Dec claimed govt forces killed more that 20 civilians in mainly Somali-dominated region in east.

EU 8 Nov released final election observation report for 23 May parliamentary elections; emphasised “serious flaws” gave unfair advantage to ruling Peoples’ Revolutionary Democratic Front. PM Zenawi dismissed report.

Govt 12 Oct announced peace deal with faction of rebel Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) to end long-running insurgency, 16 Oct released ONLF prisoners. Separate ONLF faction leader Abderhamane Mahadi dismissed agreement as propaganda, vowed to continue armed struggle. Human Rights Watch 19 Oct accused govt of using foreign aid to suppress political dissent; govt denied allegations.

Ethiopian official 15 Sept said 123 Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) fighters killed, 90 surrounded in Somali Region; followed reports that around 200 rebels landed on Somaliland coast 11 Sept, denied by ONLF.

At least 10 reportedly killed 17 Aug in fighting between Ethiopian troops and Somali militia in Somali region. High court jailed 30 on terrorism charges late month.

Highest court 20 July rejected case brought by opposition challenging May parliamentary election results.