It was reported that at least 17 people have lost their lives in clashes between Ethiopian security forces and activists who are calling for their new autonomous state (Sidama ethnic group). According to the report our (Viewers Corner News) correspondent gathered, about 13 civilians were killed in a town (Wotera Rassa) near Hawassa city, also hospital authority in Hawassa city said that 4 people died of gunshot wounds in the hospital. The Ethiopia constitution requires the government to organize a referendum for any ethnic group that wants to form a new entity within a year of them requesting it, Ethiopia already has nine semi-autonomous regions. The Sidama, the largest ethnic group in the southern region have been agitating for a semi-autonomous state and the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed sees this as a political challenge.
Source: Viewers Corner News.