By France 24,

In recent months, Ethiopia has seen its worst unrest in a decade. Members of Ethiopia’s Oromo ethnic group, which feels left out of the country’s booming economy, have taken to the streets in protest.

Protesters are calling for equal rights and an end to what they call corruption, land grabs and government oppression. Some Oromo families have been forced off their land, and the government refuses to officially recognise the Oromo language. The government has cracked down on the protests, and activists and human rights groups say over 200 people have been killed.

FRANCE 24’s reporter spoke to the families of several victims.

EDITOR’S NOTE:

The booming land grab in Ethiopia has contributed to the disposition of many poor Oromo farmers and turned them into beggars and daily labourers.

Oromia is the country’s largest region, and many there believe the government did not want to redevelop services and roads, but that it was engaged in a land-grab.

The Oromo protest movement opposes the mass eviction of poor farmers.

Though the government shelved its plan due to the tension, protests continued as the Oromo called for equal rights.

Unless the regime allows the constitutional right to dissent, the discontent that boils over in Oromia will soon engulf the entire country.