The TPLF-led government, shaken by widespread protests,
declared Sunday a six-month long state of emergency.
The titular Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn said in a
televised address to the nation that the state of emergence was needed to
repulse what he called “the danger posed by anti-peace elements and foreign
enemies on the peace, security and stability of the nation.”
The state of emergency was declared by the minorty regime
after months of anti-government protests, especially in the Oromo and Amhara
regions of the country where security forces killed hundreds of peaceful
protesters and tens of thousands detained.
Protests were reignited this week after the death of
hundreds of festival goers when Oromos
celebrated Ireecha, an annual thanksgiving and a festival to welcome spring.
Security forces were accused of causing the mayhem by shooting into the massive
crowd and throwing gas canisters.
The actions taken by security forces triggered a stampede
which reportedly caused the death of nearly 700 people. Witnesses and video
evidences also show security forces shooting at party goers who also used the
occasion to express their grievances against the regime.
The minority regime has been
widely accused of committing gross human rights violations since it came to
power in 1991.
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