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Ethiopia state of emergency declared to address "extraordinary security challenge": minister

Xinhua, October 10, 2016 Adjust font size:

The state of emergency Ethiopia has declared is "an effort by the government to address the extraordinary security challenges" that the country has been facing, said Getachew Reda, Ethiopian Minister of Government Communication Affairs, on Monday.

The Council of Ministers of Ethiopia has declared a six-month state of emergency effective from October 8, to reverse the danger posed by forces working in collaboration with foreign enemies to undermine the safety of the people and security and stability of the country.

Getachew was speaking to the press in the capital Addis Ababa on the state of emergency and related issues.

"The state of emergency as was declared is an effort by the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to address the extraordinary security challenge that we have been facing, especially threats against civilians, threats against peaceful way of life for civilians, threats that target critical infrastructures in this country," said Getachew.

"And security threats posed by armed gangs which are roaming towns and cities throughout the country, more particularly, targeting investments; and of course the decision of the Council of Ministers of the Federal Government of Ethiopia is aimed at addressing these challenges."

"The state of emergency is an organized response by the Federal Government to reorganize the security forces in the country in a manner that is equal to the challenge that is being faced by our people," he said.

Responding to a question on the state of emergency, Getachew said, "It is not an absolute ban; it has only a limited scope; this is more like a coordination of the security forces; a coordination mechanism of the security forces."

The decree came following detailed discussion by the Council of Ministers on the situation that led to the loss of lives and damage on properties, the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) has said.

The Ethiopian constitution under article 93 provides the power for the Council of Ministers to decree a state of emergency in case of external invasion, a breakdown of law and order which endangers constitutional order, natural disaster or an epidemic occur, said the ENA report.

If the emergency rule is declared when the House of Peoples Representatives is not in session, the decree shall be submitted to the House within 15 days, said the report. Endit