Anti-government protests are sweeping through Ethiopia and turning deadly

Thomson Reuters

Demonstrators chant slogans while flashing the Oromo protest gesture during Irreecha, the thanksgiving festival of the Oromo people, in Bishoftu town, Oromia region, Ethiopia, October 2, 2016.

At least 55 people, including one US citizen, died during a stampede following a clash between anti-government protesters and police in Ethiopia on Sunday.

Protests over economic conditions and widespread human rights abuses began last November in Ethiopia's Oromia region.

Riots and violent clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement have become disturbingly common over the last year.

This weekend's protest was just the latest in a string of increasingly bitter and, in many cases, fatal confrontations between the people and the government.