At least 30 civilians have been killed in an attack by gunmen in a village in the Ethiopian region of Oromia.

According to Farmer Wossen Andaege, his neighbours were killed during the Tuesday night attack in the West Wollega Zone of Oromia. He identified the victims as ethnic Amharas.

Ethiopia is facing several ethnic rivalries over land, power and resources, ignited ahead of the country’s national elections scheduled for June.

Witnesses said on Wednesday that the latest outbreak of ethnic violence is aimed at challenging the federal government.

The Oromo are Ethiopia’s largest ethnic group and the Amhara are its second largest. The two neighbouring regions of Amhara and Oromiya share a border. Civilians from one ethnic group living on the other side of the border have both been subject to attacks in recent months.

By Sandrine M.