Ethiopia: Heightened security in Amhara region

Event

Ethiopian security forces announced on Wednesday, November 2, the arrests of two members of the outlawed Ginbot 7 opposition group who were planning a series of grenade attacks in Bahir Dar (Amhara region). Heightened security measures (including potential security checkpoints, road closures, etc.) are expected in the coming days in the Amhara region, and consequent traffic disruptions are possible.

Context

The cities of Bahir Dar and Gondar and surrounding areas are flashpoints for civil unrest and insecurity in the northern Amhara region.

Bahir Dar was the scene of deadly anti-government protests in the summer of 2016, in which at least 50 protesters were killed in one day. The protests led to the imposition of a six-month state of emergency starting in October 2016 that was later extended and lasted through August 2017.

Socioeconomic grievances in Amhara have long been exacerbated by ethnic and political divisions, fomenting 25 years of discontent and regular demands for self-determination.

Ethiopian state media has also accused Eritrea of planning to spread instability witnessed in Ethiopia's Oromia region to the northern Amhara region by supporting anti-government protests.​

Advice

Individuals in Ethiopia are advised to remain vigilant at all times and to report any suspicious behavior or objects to the authorities. As a general precaution, those in the country should avoid any large gatherings and protests, and stay abreast of any changes to the political and security situation. Security forces may crack down on protests with excessive force.

On a more general note, due to the terrorist threat linked to the Somali group al-Shabaab, the majority of Western governments advise their citizens against all travel to the Ogaden region and other areas along the border with Somalia, as well as nonessential travel to the rest of the Ethiopian Somali region. The Eritrean, Sudanese, South Sudanese, and Kenyan borders are also considered high-risk destinations.