Ethiopia: Game Over, Or Not, PM’s Resignation Has Altered the Conversation

Why has Ethiopia imposed a state of emergency?

Ethiopia, the second most populous country in Africa and one which has seen a booming economy recently, has been shaken up in the past week.

First Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn unexpectedly resigned after five years in power.

Then a national state of emergency was declared the next day.

A statement by the state broadcaster said the move was necessary to stem a wave of anti-government protests.

Hundreds of people have died in three years of unrest, and this is the second time since 2016 that a state of emergency has been declared.

What does the state of emergency prevent?

Preparing, printing or circulating any information that could cause disturbance or
suspicion

Displaying or publicising signs that could stir up violence

Protests and any form of group assembly

The halting of public services by anti-government protesters

The closing of businesses by anti-government protesters

The government also retains the freedom to shut down the media and impose a public curfew, details of which have not been released.

Under the conditions of the state of emergency, any person shutting down businesses or public services will face court action.

Why was a state of emergency declared?

The government gave three key reasons:

To ensure peace and political stability

To respond to the resignation of the prime minister

To facilitate a peaceful transition of power

However, some analysts say the order lacks legal basis and that claims about instability are not true. Instead they view the state of emergency as a warning to those who might try and cause trouble when a new prime minister is appointed.

Local activists are worried that another government measure might be aimed at further quelling dissent.

In January, officials released more than 3,000 political activists and journalists from prison including opposition leaders Bekele Gerba, Merera Gudina and Andualem Arage.

Opposition leader Merera Gudina is the highest profile prisoner to have been released so far
Activists say that the government might be releasing prisoners now to make space for others later.

But the authorities say the pardons are part of a move to create a national consensus and widen democratic participation.

The state of emergency, opponents say, contradicts that.

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Tadias Magazine

Ethiopia: Game Over, Or Not, PM’s Resignation Has Altered the Conversation

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