In a significant development, the Ethiopian government has declared a state of emergency amid escalating clashes in the Amhara region. The decision was taken by the country's Council of Ministers as regional authorities sought urgent help in the face of intensifying confrontations between regional forces and the military over the last few days.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s office released a statement that said, “It was found necessary to declare a state of emergency as it had become difficult to control this outrageous activity based on the regular legal system.”

However, it did not mention if the restriction applied only in Amhara or across the country. “The threat the activity is imposing on national security and public peace is increasing day by day,” the declaration added, noting severe economic damage as well and blaming “armed extremist groups.”

In response to the escalating unrest in Ethiopia's Amhara region, the government has taken decisive actions, declaring a state of emergency. As part of this declaration, public gatherings have been banned, and authorities have been granted the power to make arrests without warrants, along with the imposition of curfews.

The situation in the Amhara region unfolded earlier this week when clashes erupted, leading the regional government to seek additional assistance from federal authorities to restore order. In a letter addressed to the Ethiopian Prime Minister, regional authorities urgently requested "appropriate measures" to address the disturbances, as the ongoing confrontations have resulted in significant economic, social, and humanitarian consequences.

The clashes, which took place near Debre Tabor, involved the Fano, a part-time militia with no formal command structure, and the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF). This security crisis has strained the relationship between the ENDF and the Fano, once considered allies during the Tigray war. However, recent efforts by federal authorities to weaken regional paramilitary groups have led to tensions between the two forces.

The region has been grappling with instability since April when the government moved to disarm Amhara's security forces following the conclusion of a two-year civil war in neighboring Tigray. Prior to this, authorities had attempted to dismantle the informal Amhara militia.

Media reports indicate that residents have witnessed widespread fighting across the region, with militia members attacking army units, and protesters blocking roads. As a result of the recent violence, flights to popular tourist destinations such as Lalibela and Gondar have been suspended. Furthermore, internet access in the region has been reported to be down.

According to residents and news agencies, intense fighting has taken place between the Fano and the ENDF in Gondar. One resident stated that the ENDF initially gained control of the university but was later pushed back by the Fano. The Fano members, on the other hand, have been attempting to encircle Amhara's capital, Bahir Dar, and have reportedly captured the town of Merawi, located 30 kilometers south of the regional capital. The situation remains tense as both sides continue their confrontations.

Image source: Al Jazeera