Tigray region
Ethiopia declares a nationwide state of emergency
Armed Tigray forces escort captured Ethiopian government soldiers in Mekele. Ethiopia’s central government has declared a nationwide state of emergency. Photo: Uncredited / AP / dpa
© dpa-infocom GmbH
The conflict in Ethiopia over the northern regions of Tigray, Afar and Amhara is coming to a head. The central government has now declared a nationwide state of emergency.
After the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) had gained ground, Ethiopia’s central government declared a six-month nationwide state of emergency on Tuesday.
Among other things, it gives the authorities the opportunity to set up roadblocks and interrupt traffic and communication links. It also allows the military to take over administration in certain areas, as well as the detention of suspects with ties to the enemy, explained the Council of Ministers.
The military conflict began about a year ago when Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed began to oust the TPLF, which was in power in the Tigray region. Since the beginning of August, the conflict has spread to the neighboring regions of Afar and Amhara – it has led to a serious humanitarian crisis in the north of the country.