A high-ranking Ethiopian official has alleged that armed groups within the Amhara region are actively plotting to topple both the regional and federal governments. This accusation comes in the aftermath of several days of intense fighting, prompting the authorities to declare a state of emergency in the area.
Throughout the weekend, clashes persisted between Fano militiamen and the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF). In Gondar, Amhara’s second-largest city, residents reported that the sounds of heavy weapons fire, which commenced on Sunday, could still be heard well into Monday morning.
The ongoing conflict has rapidly escalated to become Ethiopia’s most severe security crisis since the conclusion of a two-year civil war in the neighboring Tigray region back in November.
With the state of emergency declaration in effect, the security services are granted authority to enforce curfews, impose movement restrictions, prohibit the carrying of firearms and sharp objects, ban public gatherings, and conduct arrests and searches without the need for warrants.
According to government spokesperson Legesse Tulu, on Saturday, the authorities have already initiated the process of apprehending individuals responsible for the unrest.