On Friday, Ethiopia’s government announced a six-month state of emergency in the Amhara region in the wake of persistent clashes between the military and local Fano militia. As revealed through a press release by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s office, the conflicts have prompted the need for emergency measures to restore peace and order.
The resolution by the Council of Ministers depicted the region’s inability to suppress the uprisings termed as illegal by armed forces. While declaring that the unsettling situation has jeopardized peace, security, law, order, and the constitutional system, it also voiced concern over the resultant human, social, and economic damage.
The council expressed grave concerns about “armed extremist groups” causing significant harm to the region, a sentiment recently echoed by the Amhara regional president Yilkal Kefale. The latter’s appeal for federal intervention aligns with the sentiment articulated in the council’s resolution, which cites Article 93 of the Ethiopian Constitution as the legal basis for the declaration.
For context, this emergency response follows unsuccessful attempts to dissolve the Fano, a regional Amhara militia, and integrate its members into the national army. Given the Fano’s pivotal role in the civil war involving the neighboring Tigray region, it has gained prominence among the Amharan population.
The region has witnessed an escalation of tensions and confrontations. Protesters have erected roadblocks, the Fano has clashed with military forces, and the region has been marred by an undisclosed number of casualties. According to Reuters, the emergency measures will authorize the Ethiopian government to enforce curfews, impose movement restrictions, and prohibit public gatherings for the next six months.