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Cairo-Addis Ababa dispute over Oromo could derail dam talks

Ethiopia has accused Cairo of supporting anti-government protests by Oromo, which some fear could have negative repercussions on Renaissance Dam negotiations.
Protestors run from tear gas launched by security personnel during the Irecha, the thanks giving festival of the Oromo people in Bishoftu town of Oromia region, Ethiopia, October 2, 2016. REUTERS/Tiksa Negeri     TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY - RTSQFPV
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CAIRO — At a time when Addis Ababa is facing protests and calls for equality, job opportunities and economic prosperity in the Oromia region — the largest regional state in terms of both area and population — construction at the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam site continues at a quick pace. According to an Oct. 17 statement by Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister Debretsion Gebremichael, 54% of the construction at the site is now complete.

The crackdown on protests this year in Oromia has left at least 400 people dead. Residents of the region accuse the government of taking over their land and compensating them at very low prices, before selling the land to foreign investors at extremely high prices. Locals also complain about an absence of jobs.

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