Parliament has overwhelmingly voted to extend the state of emergency initially declared in August 2023. This decision comes after clashes between armed groups in the Amhara region and government security forces. Despite calls from human rights organizations to consider the implications, the majority of MPs supported the extension.
The extension of the six-month state of emergency was proposed by GedionTimotiwos (PhD), the Minister of Justice. While the state of emergency was originally limited to the Amhara Regional State, it empowers the federal government to enforce emergency measures nationwide if deemed necessary.
Daniel Bekele (PhD), the head of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC), expressed concerns regarding the extension. He highlighted the need for careful consideration of the human rights implications associated with such a decision.
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The state of emergency was initially declared on August 4, 2023, in response to escalating conflict in the Amhara region.
