Following days of clashes between the military and local armed fighters in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, the federal government declared a state of emergency on Friday. The escalation of violence in the second most populous region of Ethiopia has led to a security crisis, prompting the need for extraordinary measures.
A statement from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s office explained that the state of emergency was deemed necessary as it had become difficult to control the escalating situation through regular legal means. However, the statement did not specify whether the restriction would be limited to Amhara or apply across the entire country.
The conflict in Amhara erupted earlier in the week between the Fano militia and the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF), rapidly turning into a serious security concern. The Fano militia, which lacks a formal command structure, had previously supported federal troops in the civil war in the neighboring Tigray region, which concluded with a truce in November of the previous year. However, tensions have risen due to perceived neglect by the national government regarding Amhara’s security concerns.
Reports of clashes between Fano fighters and ENDF troops near Debre Tabor on Tuesday and Wednesday further intensified the crisis. Amhara’s government subsequently sought additional assistance from federal authorities to restore order in the region. In a letter to Ethiopia’s prime minister, the regional authorities emphasized the serious economic, social, and humanitarian impact of the disturbances.
The state of emergency empowers the government to take various measures, including the establishment of roadblocks, disruptions to transport services, imposition of curfews, and deployment of the military in specific areas. Additionally, mobile internet remains suspended in the region, and Ethiopian Airlines has canceled flights to three of the four airports it serves in Amhara.
As the state of emergency takes effect, authorities are attempting to regain control and stabilize the situation. The declaration underscores the gravity of the conflict in Amhara and the need for swift action to address the escalating security crisis.
Source: With Agencies