November 7, 2006 (ET) -
In increasing sign of tension in Ethiopia, a 4th year University student of Oromo descent is killed overnight in Makale. The victim identified as Shibiru Damisse, a 3rd year student majoring in history, was a native of Gimbi, Western Oromia.
According to sources from Makale, the victim was killed in front of his dormitory by assailants who waited and struck him down as soon as electricity went down, which happens around 7pm local Makale time.
Tension has been rising between Oromo students and security forces in Makale. The immediate cause of the tension is the denial of graduation certificates to Oromo students who had been vocal in their support for respect for human rights in the country and their opposition against the ruling party.
The corpse is being flown to Finfinne/Addis Ababa tonight for a medical evaluation of the cause of death at the Menelik mortuary.
The killers are presumed to be members of the TPLF/EPRDF security forces whom analysts describe as edgy and anxious about the prospect of rising popular protest against the regime throughout the country.
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