Ethiopia Declares State of Emergency in Amhara Region Amid Escalating Violence News -Fresh Talk News

In this breaking news video, we bring you the latest updates on the escalating violence in Ethiopia's Amhara region. The Ethiopian council of ministers has declared a state of emergency as clashes between a local ethnic militia and the national army intensify.

The office of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced the state of emergency on Friday, citing the growing threat to public security and significant economic damage caused by "armed extremist groups."

Amid a disputed plan to absorb regional security forces into the national army, violence has erupted across Amhara. The Amhara militia known as the Fano, along with regional security forces, played key roles in the recent two-year-long civil war with the neighboring Tigray region. However, the government views them as a threat to the constitutional order.

Protests have led to roadblocks and clashes with military units, resulting in an unknown number of casualties and disruptions in the region. Flights to Gondar and Lalibela, two popular tourist destinations, have been canceled, and the UK and the US have issued travel warnings, advising their nationals to take shelter in place and avoid travel to Amhara.

Government officials have fled from several Amhara towns, and internet access has been cut. Live ammunition has been used to disperse protesters, and artillery has been deployed in civilian areas in the town of Kobo.

As the situation worsens, the Amhara regional president has reached out to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for assistance, highlighting the "serious economic, social, and humanitarian damage" caused by the unrest. The deputy prime minister, Demeke Mekonnen, also stressed the importance of seeking a peaceful resolution through dialogue.

The state of emergency declared on Friday must receive approval from parliament within 15 days to remain in effect. Ethiopia's last state of emergency was declared in November 2021 during the peak of the Tigray conflict, which eventually ended with a ceasefire in November 2022. However, instability continues in other regions, such as Oromia, where another insurgent group has been fighting the government since 2018.

Stay tuned for further updates as we closely monitor the situation in Ethiopia's Amhara region amid the declared state of emergency. Like and subscribe to our channel to stay informed on the latest developments. Together, let's raise awareness about the ongoing challenges and crises around the world. #Ethiopia #Amhara #StateOfEmergency #BreakingNews #ConflictUpdates