NAIROBI, KENYA – Ethiopia’s federal government has declared a “state of emergency” as violent clashes intensify between the national army and local fighters in the northern region of Amhara.
In a statement posted on social media, the office of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said, “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 did not clarify whether the state of emergency applied nationwide or was limited to Amhara, which is situated to the north of the capital, Addis Ababa.
The escalating clashes in Amhara between the national army and local fighters have raised concern, leading to travel warnings from foreign governments and the suspension of flights by Ethiopian Airlines.
Tensions in the region have been on the rise since April, when the federal government announced its decision to dismantle regional forces, including those in Amhara.
This move was met with resistance from nationalists in the region, who feared it would weaken Ethiopia’s second most populous area.
On Thursday, local authorities in Amhara sought assistance from the federal government to manage security, as the situation had become “difficult to control” and was causing social and economic disruption in the region.
The government cited that the violence “endangered the constitutional order,” leading to the unanimous decision to invoke a state of emergency.
Amhara’s regional forces and local militias had supported the national army during the two-year conflict with rebels from the neighboring Tigray region.
Although a peace deal was reached in November 2022, tensions persist as Amhara’s “special forces” and fighters from the Fano militia group continue to control Western Tigray, an area claimed by both Tigray and Amhara.
The disbanding of regional forces announced by Prime Minister Abiy in April led to protests in Amhara, further heightening the tension in the region.
The UK’s Foreign Office has issued a warning to its citizens against traveling to certain parts of Amhara, noting the “increased violence” characterized by the Fano militia’s control over these areas.
Similarly, the Spanish Embassy in Addis Ababa has urged its nationals to avoid travel to Amhara due to the region’s instability.
Ethiopian Airlines has suspended flights to the cities of Lalibela and Gondar in response to the ongoing clashes and security concerns.
Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen expressed concern about the security issues in the Amhara region, emphasizing the importance of peace during this historical time.
