Ethiopia: Curfew still lingers in Amhara region as protests continue to escalate

As anti-government protests continue to gain momentum across Ethiopia’s Amhara region, the authorities in two cities have taken steps to quell the unrest by implementing night-time curfews. The decision comes amidst growing tension as two aid workers reportedly killed.

Following the historic city of Gondar, both Dessie and Debrebirhan cities have imposed restrictions to curb the spread of protests in the region.
The restrictions include banning mass rallies unless permitted and prohibiting civilians from carrying weapons.

The move comes in response to an order from the federal government to dissolve the Amhara Special Forces (ASF).

The authorities claim the move will help create a strong unified security force, however, opponents in Amhara worry that it will leave the region vulnerable to attacks from neighbouring regions.
Debrebirhan has further prohibited the tens of thousands of displaced people who have fled violence in Oromia region and are sheltered in the city, from moving out of their camps.
Meanwhile, BBC reported earlier that the US aid charity, Catholic Relief Services, says two of its staff have been killed in the troubled Amhara region of north-central Ethiopia.
Chuol Tongyik and Amare Kindeya were shot in their vehicle as they returned to the capital, Addis Ababa, from an assignment.

The United Nations has called on the Ethiopian government to address the grievances of the Amhara people, and to ensure that any response to the protests is proportionate and does not violate human rights.