In a bid to address the intensifying conflict between the national army and local fighters in the northern region of Amhara, Ethiopia’s federal government declared a “state of emergency” on Friday.
The situation has reached a point where it has become challenging to control the escalating violence under existing laws, according to the office of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
“It has become necessary to declare a state of emergency as a situation has emerged where it has become difficult to control this unacceptable movement under current law,” the statement read.
While the statement did not explicitly specify whether the state of emergency applied nationwide or was limited to Amhara, which lies to the north of the capital Addis Ababa, it reflects the severity of the crisis.
The escalating clashes have already drawn concerns from foreign governments, leading them to issue travel warnings, and have forced Ethiopian Airlines to cancel flights for the safety of passengers and staff.
Tensions have been mounting since April when the federal government announced its plans to dismantle regional forces, including those in Amhara. The move was met with resistance from nationalists who feared that this measure would weaken Ethiopia’s second most populous region.
The persistent disagreements and rising tensions eventually led to the current violent clashes between the national army and local fighters.
On Thursday, the authorities in Amhara urgently requested the federal government’s assistance in managing the security situation, as it had become increasingly difficult to control. The ongoing violence has not only posed a threat to the constitutional order but has also caused significant social and economic disruptions in the region.
The decision to invoke a state of emergency was described as “unanimous” by the Ethiopian government, highlighting the gravity of the situation and the necessity to take immediate measures to restore peace and stability.
As the situation unfolds, the nation and the international community closely watch how the state of emergency will be implemented and its potential impact on the overall security and stability of the country.
The declaration of a state of emergency underscores the urgency and seriousness of the ongoing crisis in Ethiopia.
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