Ethiopian government urges resumption of classes at unrest-hit universities

ADDIS ABABA, Dec. 19 (Xinhua) -- The Ethiopian government on Tuesday called on students to return to classes in unrest-hit universities.

Minister of Ethiopia Government Communications Affairs Office Negeri Lencho said the federal government is working with regional governments to calm the situation after four students were confirmed to have been killed in unrest in three universities.

He rejected claims by activists that the toll is higher.

Clashes between university students on Dec. 10-11 at the universities also left several other students dead injured.

The unrest seems to have significantly eased in recent days but scores of students in various universities have reportedly left their campuses for fear of violence.

"As a precaution to avoid deadly incidents, the Ethiopian government... has advised students in unrest-hit universities to stay in their dorms after 8 p.m.," Lencho said.

In recent years, Ethiopia's higher education institutions have become scenes of violence between students over ethnic and religious differences. Enditem