Ethiopia declares ‘state of emergency’ over Amhara violence

On Friday, Ethiopia’s federal government declared a six-month “state of emergency” due to escalating violent clashes between the national army and local fighters in the northern region of Amhara. This unrest comes just nine months after the conclusion of a devastating two-year war in the neighboring Tigray region, which also involved fighters from Amhara.

The office of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed explained in a statement posted on social media that the declaration of a state of emergency became necessary as the current laws were unable to control the unacceptable movement in the country.

Initially, the measures will be applied specifically to Amhara for six months, but the government clarified that they could be extended to other regions if necessary in response to any security threats.

The clashes in Amhara have intensified in recent weeks, leading foreign governments to issue travel warnings and flights to be grounded.

Tensions began rising in April when the federal government announced its plan to disband regional forces, including those in Amhara, causing concerns among nationalists that it would weaken the region.

In response to the deteriorating security situation and the social and economic disruptions, local authorities in Amhara sought assistance from the federal government in managing security.

The government deemed the violence as endangering the constitutional order and made the decision to impose the state of emergency unanimously.

As part of the state of emergency, street rallies and gatherings are prohibited, and violators could face imprisonment ranging from three to ten years. The decree also grants the authorities the power to impose curfews and conduct searches and arrests without a warrant.