6-9-2016
A non-violent anti-government economic protest of abstaining and stopping the supply of commodities and services and the general strike by businesses in the Oromia region of Ethiopia has kicked off today.
Many towns, businesses and markets have reportedly participated in the protest.
It is planned to continue for the next three days. This means that the trading for the Ethiopian New Year of September 11, 2016 (September 1, 2009 EC) and the Ethiopian economy would generally be affected.
It is possible to understand from social media activists and reports that the supply of fruits, vegetables, cereals, and transport, shops and restaurants have been stopped in the Oromia region. Farmers and business people are the main participants of the economic boycott.
Last week, residents of Northern Gonder had blocked the transport of Teff and Coffee to the Tigray region, which as a result the price of Enjera, Teff and Coffee has escalated in recent weeks in Tigray region.
Oromia region is one of the most fertile regions of Ethiopia and produces the largest amount of coffee, fruits, cattle and the Khat stimulant.
Markets have been deserted. Added with the shortage of foreign currency, the trend of people taking their monies out of government banks this week, the economic boycott is likely to cause yet another crisis for the government.