Africa
Ethiopia Declares State Of Emergency In Amhara Region
Flights to two popular tourist towns, Lalibela and Gondar, have been suspended. Internet access has been affected.
Ethiopia’s Council of Ministers has declared a state of emergency in the Amhara region, following a surge in violence and unrest between regional forces and the military.
The Move aims to restore stability and ensure the safety of citizens in the troubled area.
The prime minister’s office announced the decision on Friday after the region’s leader said regular law enforcement was no longer able to contain the violence. The declaration needs approval from Parliament.
Ethiopia’s second most populous region has been gripped by instability since April when federal authorities moved to disarm Amhara’s security forces following the end of the devasting two-year war in the neighboring Tigray region. Authorities last year also tried to dismantle the informal Amhara militia known as Fano.
A state of emergency likely means restrictions on movement and increased powers of detention.