Demonstrations were held at the University of Addis Ababa on 4 January 1993 by students protesting the United Nation's involvement in an independence referendum in Eritrea (Amnesty International 5 Jan. 1993). A number of people were reportedly killed and injured during this demonstration (ibid).

According to Voice of Ethiopia Network, the chancellor and vice chancellor of the university were dismissed and the school was closed as a direct result of this demonstration (17 Jan. 1993). As well, the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) government issued "a strong warning that it will take all necessary steps against anyone intending to carry out an illegal action" (ibid.).

New African notes that the university was closed in January 1993 and further indicates that a crackdown started against alleged dissidents (Oct. 1993, 34). According to this source, 41 members of the teaching staff were arrested in April 1993, including Professor Asrat Woldeyes, who was reportedly jailed in July 1993 because of his role as President of the All Amhara Peoples Organisation, the main opposition group to the EPRDF government (ibid.). For more information about this demonstration and the number of fatalities, please see the attached Response to Information Request ETH14714.

This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Amnesty International. 5 January 1993. Urgent Action. (AI Index: AFR 25/01/93). London: Amnesty International.

New African [London]. October 1993. No. 312. Andrew Lycett. "Calls for a National Conference."

Voice of Ethiopia Network [Addis Ababa, in Amharic]. 17 January 1993. "Government Issues Statement on University Incidents." (FBIS-AFR-93-011 19 Jan. 1993, p. 6)

Amnesty International. 5 January 1993. Urgent Action. (AI Index: AFR 25/01/93). London: Amnesty International.

Documentation, Information and Research Branch (DIRB), Immigration and Refugee Board, Ottawa. 23 July 1993. Response to Information Request ETH14714.

New African [London]. October 1993. No. 312. Andrew Lycett. "Calls for a National Conference."

Voice of Ethiopia Network [Addis Ababa, in Amharic]. 17 January 1993. "Government Issues Statement on University Incidents." (FBIS-AFR-93-011 19 Jan. 1993, p. 6)