Ethiopia declares state of emergency as Tigrayan forces gaining territory

ETHIOPIAN PRIME Minister Abiy Ahmed faces internal challenges and pressure on Tigray war - FILE

ADDIS ABABA - Ethiopia has declared a state of emergency, state media has reported, just hours after Tigray Defense Forces [TDF] seized most strategic towns in the neighboring Amhara, making it difficult for the federal army to make any significant inroads.

For a year now, Tigray soldiers, a faction affiliated to Tigray People's Liberation Front [TPLF], have been embroiled in a tussle over the country's internal politics, escalating into a full-blown war. Thousands have died and others displaced according to the United Nations.

According to Fana Broadcasting Cooperation, the council of ministers on Tuesday declared a nationwide emergency, with the current crisis in the country featuring in the cabinet. The emergency comes weeks after TDF refused to agree to a ceasefire over unresolved issues.

Gedewon Temotiwos, who is the justice minister and government spokesperson Legese Tulu issued a statement on behalf of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who has often criticized TDF for the current offensive in northern Ethiopia.

In fact, Sudan had almost brokered talks between Addis Ababa and former authorities in Mekelle, but the decision by the government to evoke the Final Offensive almost brought down all efforts to fight for the truce.

The State of Emergency is aimed to protect civilians from atrocities being committed by the TDF Group in several parts of the country. The House of Peoples Representatives is expected to approve the State of Emergency within 24 hours, referring to the outfit as "terrorists".

It is to be recalled that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed discussed with high-level government officials current affairs in the country on Monday, state media added in a brief statement on Tuesday evening.

Earlier, authorities in Addis Ababa urged residents to prepare to defend their neighborhoods after Tigray forces from who have been fighting the central government for a year, indicated they might advance on the capital city. All firearms holders were asked to register with the government.

TDF had seized Kombolcha town, even as Ethiopian National Defense Forces [ENDF] struggled to get entry. TDF had accused Addis Ababa of "peddling rumors" adding that the federal army had already given up. The outfit also denied using foreign fighters in the war.

Also, the Somali regional state in Ethiopia held an emergency meeting as Tigray forces make advances in Amhara. It said the future of the region is in the hands of the Somali people. It's unclear what he means by "Somali people" as his state is a member of Ethiopian Federal States.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed win Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 but his reign has been fairly chaotic, with several wars being fought on different fronts. The international community has called for talks but TDF through spokesperson Getachew Reda has dismissed the move.

GAROWE ONLINE