04 Aug 2017 | 10:06 AM UTC
Ethiopia: Government lifts state of emergency August 4 /update 1
Ethiopian government lifts the state of emergency on August 4 due to improved security conditions
Event
On Friday, August 4, the government lifted the state of emergency - and all associated restrictions - that had been in effect since October 2016. According to the Defense Ministry, the state of emergency was lifted as security forces “have been able to deal with armed terrorists, anti-peace elements, and troublemakers,” adding that they are now able to deal with the “few” remaining security issues.
Context
The Ethiopian government declared the nationwide state of emergency in October 2016, following months of anti-government protests, primarily concentrated in the Oromia region, which resulted in the deaths of around 600 people. The state of emergency was set to last for six months and took effect on October 8; it was then extended on March 30 for another four months. Ethiopian authorities stated that the decision to impose the measures was made to protect citizens and restore order.
The state of emergency allowed for security forces to carry out arrests without warrants, put limits on radio and television stations, and prohibited unauthorized movements around major infrastructure and factories. At least 21,000 people were reportedly arrested during the state of emergency period and more than 8000 are still behind bars, being prosecuted for crimes they are accused of committing during the unrest.
Advice
Individuals in Ethiopia are advised to remain vigilant at all times and to avoid any form of public demonstration or public gathering due to the risk of violence. Adhere to all instructions issued by authorities and respect all laws (curfews, etc.).
On a more general note, due to the terrorist threat linked to the Somalia-based group Al-Shabaab, the majority of Western governments advise their citizens against all travel to the Ogaden region and other areas along the border with Somalia, as well as nonessential travel to the rest of the Ethiopian Somali region. The Eritrean, Sudanese, South Sudanese, and Kenyan borders are also considered high-risk destinations.
