Ethiopia: Parliament ends state of emergency June 5 /update 5

Event

On Tuesday, June 5, the parliament ended the state of emergency - and all associated restrictions - that had been in effect since February. According to the country’s cabinet, the decision was made following the restoration of “order and law” across the country.

Context

The Ethiopian government declared the nationwide state of emergency following years of anti-government protests and related violence, primarily concentrated in the Oromia region, that left hundreds of people dead and the subsequent resignation of Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn. The state of emergency was initially set to remain in place for six months.

Associated measures included a ban on protests and the production and distribution of publications deemed to incite violence. At least 1100 people were reportedly arrested during the state of emergency period.

A state of emergency had also been implemented between October 2016 and August 2018.

Advice

Individuals in Ethiopia are advised to continue 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.