Ethiopian government declares ‘State of Emergency’ following Amhara Violence

On Friday, the federal government of Ethiopia announced a declaration of a “state of emergency” in response to escalating violent clashes between the national army and local combatants hailing from the northern Amhara region.

In a statement shared on social media, the office of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed conveyed, “Given the circumstances wherein it has become increasingly challenging to manage this unacceptable movement within the bounds of existing legislation, the necessity of declaring a state of emergency has emerged.”

The announcement, however, left ambiguity about whether the state of emergency was imposed nationwide or solely within Amhara, situated north of the capital Addis Ababa.

Questions directed to Abiy’s administration from AFP remain unanswered at the moment.

In recent weeks, confrontations between the national army and local fighters in Amhara have intensified, provoking advisory notices from foreign governments and the suspension of flights by Ethiopian Airlines, the national carrier.

Tensions have been on the rise since April when the federal government disclosed its intention to dissolve regional forces, including those in Amhara. This move, perceived by nationalists as a potential weakening of Ethiopia’s second most populous region, triggered heightened tensions.

Last Thursday, local authorities in Amhara appealed to the federal government for assistance in maintaining security, citing a situation that had become “difficult to manage” and was causing disruptions both socially and economically in the region.

The government asserted that the violence posed a threat to the “constitutional order,” justifying the unanimous decision to invoke the state of emergency.

The Strained Context Amhara’s regional forces and local militias had aligned with the national army during their two-year conflict against rebels from the adjacent Tigray region.

Although the conflict concluded with a peace agreement in November 2022, Amhara’s “special forces” and members of the Fano militia group retained control over Western Tigray, a fertile territory contested by both Tigray and Amhara.

The peace accord incited unrest among nationalist factions in Amhara, and tensions escalated further following Abiy’s announcement of regional force dissolution in April.

The prime minister advocated for the integration of these fighters into the national army or regional police, emphasizing the enhancement of “unity” within Ethiopia’s multi-ethnic landscape. However, this initiative spurred protests in Amhara.

Ethiopian army spokesperson Getnet Adane revealed in a recent press briefing that individuals claiming affiliation with Fano were responsible for the outbreak of violence.

The UK’s Foreign Office cautioned its citizens against traveling to specific parts of Amhara, citing the “escalation of violence characterized by Fano assuming control over these areas.”

The statement noted that Fano militias had recently taken over Lalibela Airport, located in a renowned tourist town recognized for its UNESCO-listed rock-cut churches dating back to the 12th and 13th centuries.

A resident of Lalibela, speaking anonymously to AFP, confirmed the airport’s occupation by Fano and ongoing clashes on the outskirts of the town.

Likewise, the Spanish Embassy in Addis Ababa urged its nationals to avoid travel to Amhara, referencing the “instability” prevailing in the region.

Ethiopian Airlines declared the suspension of flights to Lalibela and another city, Gondar, on Thursday.

Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister, Demeke Mekonnen, expressed concern on Wednesday about the mounting security challenges across various areas in the Amhara region. In a Facebook post, he reflected, “We are at a pivotal juncture where we must recognize that ‘Without peace, everything is lost.'”