Ethiopia: Disruptions continue following coup attempt June 23 /update 1

Event

Disruptions continue in Ethiopia as of Sunday, June 23, following an attempted coup attempt in Amhara region the previous day. Internet service in the country remains shut down as of 09:00 (local time) and heightened security measures are expected, particularly in Addis Ababa and Amhara region. Gunfire has been reported in Addis Ababa and the Amhara regional capital of Bahir Dar, along with road closures. Further telecommunication and transportation disruptions are expected in the coming hours and days.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed made a televised address in the early hours of Sunday and reported that government forces had suppressed the attempted coup, which began shortly after sunset. The country's army chief of staff, General Seare Mekonnen, was shot and his condition is unknown. Abiy also announced that several others were killed and wounded in the attack.

Context

Amhara is one of nine autonomous regions in Ethiopia and its second most populous.

Advice

Individuals in Ethiopia, particularly Addis Abab and Amhara region, are advised to monitor the situation, refrain from nonessential movement, avoid all public gatherings due to the risk of violence, adhere to instruction issued by local authorities and their home governments, and anticipate continued telecommunication and transportation disruptions and heightened security measures.