Ethiopia’s cabinet has agreed to declare a state of emergency in the restive Amhara region following days of clashes between local militias and the army.
The move comes a day after Amhara region’s head, Yilkal Kefale, called on the federal government to intervene, declaring security in the region had become “difficult to control within regular law enforcement mechanisms”.
Local militias, known as the Fano, have reportedly gained control of several towns and villages as well as some bigger cities.
Flights have been suspended to at least two cities in the region and the mobile data services have been cut off.
A statement published by the prime minister’s office said the constitutional order was under threat in the region, explaining the need for a state of emergency decree.
The decision still has to be approved by parliament to take effect.
