Why Metu
Metu, also known as Mattuu in the Oromo language, is a market town and separate woreda located in the Illubabor Zone of the Oromia Region in south-western Ethiopia. Positioned along the Sor River, this highland settlement sits at an altitude of 1,605 meters with geographical coordinates of 8°18′N 35°35′E. Between 1978 and the implementation of a new constitution in 1995, Metu served as the administrative capital of the former Illubabor Province.
The town has historically functioned as a key commercial hub for the coffee trade. International merchants resided in Metu as early as the 1930s to purchase harvested crops directly from local farmers. Around that time, early telecommunications connected the settlement by telephone line to Gore and Addis Ababa. In modern times, the town draws its electrical power from the nearby Sor Hydroelectric Station, while local public amenities include a high school and a regional hospital.
Metu's history is closely tied to regional transport routes. On 9 July 1927, Greek nationals T. Zewos and A. Donalis were contracted to construct a 180-kilometer road linking the area and Gore with Gambela. During the 1930s, the town served as the final stop before reaching Gore, initially operating as a gathering point for mule caravans before evolving into a terminal for the Ethiopian Transport Motor Company. Later, on 11 July 1995, a major incident occurred at the Bishari prison in Metu when a grenade blast killed guards and at least six others, leading to a reported escape of roughly 400 prisoners.
Natural attractions around Metu center on its water features and greenery. The town is recognized for its local waterfalls, most notably Sor Falls, along with the expansive surrounding forest ecosystem and its resident wildlife. Demographically, the 2007 national census documented Metu's population at 28,782 residents, divided between 14,400 men and 14,382 women. Islam represents the primary religion of the populace at 47.55%, while Ethiopian Orthodox and Protestant Christian denominations are observed by 26% of the population each.
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