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In Ethiopia, the conflict between the central government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front continues to escalate. The central government sees itself under pressure – and declares a nationwide state of emergency.
Johannesburg – After the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) had gained ground, Ethiopia’s central government declared a six-month nationwide state of emergency with immediate effect.
Among other things, it enables roadblocks to be set up, traffic and communication links to be interrupted and the military to take over administration in certain areas. In addition, suspects with ties to the enemy can be detained until the state of emergency continues, as the Council of Ministers said. He announced further implementation provisions for the next few days.
Conflict started about a year ago
The military conflict began about a year ago when Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed began ousting the TPLF, which was in power in the Tigray region. Since the beginning of August, the conflict has spread to the neighboring regions of Afar and Amhara – it has led to a serious humanitarian crisis in the north of the country.
The authorities in the capital Addis Ababa called on residents to defend their neighborhoods in conflict with the TPLF. People should have firearms registered with the police within the next two days. All parts of society are called to cooperate. Abiy Ahmed accused unspecified black and white foreigners of supporting the TPLF on Monday evening.
Gaining ground by the People’s Liberation Front
During the conflict, the military had to withdraw from important cities in the Amhara region, which borders the capital, in recent days. Together with rebels from the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), the TPLF was able to gain access to one of the most important highways in the country. It is now advancing towards Addis Ababa.
The US threatened Ethiopia with the termination of an important trade agreement. US President Joe Biden informed Congress in a letter published Tuesday by the White House about his plans, which he justified with ongoing human rights abuses in the country. If there is no improvement by the beginning of the new year, there is a risk of being kicked out of the Agoa program. It stands for African Growth and Opportunity Act and guarantees many African countries duty-free access for thousands of goods in the US market. For Ethiopia, the agreement is of great economic importance. dpa
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