Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) rebels accused government of bombing villages in Ogaden region with high civilian casualties. Government denied; claimed killed 100 rebels in last month. UN Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs John Holmes visited region 27 November, expressed concern at Ogaden developments.

Ogaden National Liberation Front claimed 250 Ethiopian troops killed in clashes in Wardher region 20-21 October. Government denied number but admitted local government-aligned militia may have been involved. PM Meles Zenawi accused opposition of collaborating with insurgent Oromo Liberation Front, after Oromo Federalist Democratic Movement leader Bulcha Demeksa complained about government arrests and harassment in region.

Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) accused Ethiopian government of punishing civilians for rebel activity in troubled Ogaden region and alleged attempted genocide. Addis Ababa denied charge. UN 19 September report called for independent probe into accounts of serious human rights violations. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reported humanitarian crisis in region: government denied claims MSF being blocked from working there. Authorities reportedly defused 2 unexploded bombs in Addis Ababa 15 September, arrested 3 suspects.

International Committee of the Red Cross withdrew from restive Ogaden region early August following expulsion order. Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) rebels warned oil companies after tough government crackdown and statement rebel activity “eliminated”. UN fact-finding mission arrived 30 August to investigate alleged human rights abuses. Government blamed ONLF for 2 explosions 5 August in Jijiga killing 1; ONLF denied. Médecins Sans Frontières said 31 August blocked from Ogaden. Government released another 31 opposition members, including 4 journalists, detained after 2005 post- election violence. Ethiopia ordered Norway to withdraw 6 diplomats, citing attempts to “destabilise” Horn; Oslo to cut aid. Ethiopian millennium celebrations due 11 September.

Situation deteriorated in Ogaden region. Government claimed trying to flush out Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) militias while reports of villages burnt and population moved into “protected” areas. WFP warned restrictions on trade and movement of aid due to military operations could cause humanitarian crisis. ICRC given 7 days to leave region 24 July by regional government for allegedly “consorting with rebels”. ONLF claimed ambush on military convoy killed 43 government soldiers 2 July. Opposition members held in detention for 2 years and found guilty in June, released following signing of document admitting guilt - 1 group leader said he signed under duress.

Federal High Court found 38 opposition members guilty 11 June on charges including “outrages against the constitution” in connection with 2005 election violence. Human rights groups condemned trial. Some defendants reportedly signed deal for release. PM Zenawi announced crackdown on ONLF in Somali region of Ethiopia early June. ONLF accused government 25 June of bombing 3 villages, killing 40. Aid agencies corroborated government crackdown in area.

Violence reportedly escalated in Ogaden region as Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) and Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) claimed they killed up to 157 Ethiopian troops in joint attacks in east throughout month; denied by government. At least 16 killed in 2 grenade attacks in Ogaden 28 May: ONLF denied government accusation they were responsible. 3 New York Times journalists held for 5 days in Ogaden region, released 21 May.

Attack on oil field in remote Ogaden region 24 April killed 74, including 9 Chinese. Ogaden National Liberation Front claimed responsibility; Ethiopia blamed Eritrea. Addis denied reinforcing troops in Mogadishu 6 April, said civilian casualties and instability exaggerated 24 April. High Court released 25 journalists and opposition supporters for lack of evidence, dismissed charges against others, in controversial trial following disputed 2005 elections.

Ethiopian troops remained in Somalia, despite pronouncements and ceremonies to contrary. PM Meles Zenawi stated as soon as AU firmly established in Somalia, “we’ll move out completely”. High Court adjourned its verdict on cases of jailed opposition leaders and journalists for third time.

Federal High Court again adjourned trial of opposition activists on charges of instigating November 2005 unrest to overthrow government in which 193 protesters were killed by security forces. U.S. officials said Pentagon secretly used airstrip in eastern Ethiopia to carry out attacks on Somalia during Ethiopian invasion: Ethiopia denied claims. Clashes over grazing land between rival Borana and Gabra tribes in Moyale, mid-February, killed 19, while at least 43 reportedly killed in similar clashes in south eastern Ogaden region.