Protests and publications that could spark violence have been banned in Ethiopia during a state of emergency imposed since last Friday which would last for six months.
The country’s Defence Minister Siraj Fegessa made this known on Saturday, days after Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn announced his surprise resignation to make way for what he calls further reforms.
State media reported that “A state of emergency has been declared as of now,” citing a decision by the council of ministers.
Desalegn departure came at a time when the country had witnessed series of anti-government protests in Ethiopia’s largest regions, Oromia and Amhara.
Several deaths have been recorded from these protests with scores left injured.
The government of Ethiopia in January this year released the country’s opposition leader, Merera Gudina from prison.
Ethiopia has witnessed repeated violent demonstrations since 2015, with protesters calling for political and economic reform, and an end to state corruption.
Source: Africafeeds.com
