Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has asked ethnic groups pushing to form breakaway regions to be patient and join him in building “a great Ethiopia”.

Abiy made the plea during a visit to leaders of the Kafficho ethnic group, that are seeking to create a new federal-state, saying that the action is heightening further destabilization in Ethiopia’s diverse southern region.

The southern region was rocked by violence two months ago following a similar campaign by the Sidama ethnic group.

“We have historical problems, that’s why it’s so much about being sensational or tribalistic,” Meaza Assefa, a local merchant said.

Ethiopia’s constitution requires the government to organise a referendum for any ethnic group that wants to form a new entity. At least 11 groups have submitted such bids in the south.