As hostilities between local forces and the military worsen, Ethiopia’s Council of Ministers has declared a state of emergency in the Amhara region of the country.
Following a statement by the regional head that normal law enforcement was no longer able to stop the violence, the prime minister’s office made the announcement on Friday. Parliament must approve the declaration.
Since April, when federal authorities took action to disarm Amhara’s security forces in response to the end of the devastating two-year conflict in the adjacent Tigray region, Ethiopia’s second-most populated province has been engulfed in unrest. Authorities attempted to destroy the Fano, an unofficial Amhara militia, last year.
Residents in the Amhara region have reported fighting this week as demonstrators blocked highways and militia members attacked army units. Lalibela and Gondar, two well-known tourist destinations, no longer have any flights. Access to the internet has been affected.
Moving around may be restricted, and detention authority may be heightened.
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