Kenya issues advisory, as Kenyans stranded in Amhara after violent clashes

The Kenyan Embassy in Addis Ababa is urging Kenyans in the Amhara region to adhere to the rules and regulations issued by the Ethiopian government due to the fighting in Amhara region. 

Through a brief statement issued through social media and shared by the State Department of Diaspora Affairs, the mission advised Kenyans in the region to avoid movement in insecure areas. 

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It also issued contact details to reach the embassy. Email: keaddisababa@gmail.com, and copy addisababa@mfa.go.ke – Tel: Embassy Line : +251 11 6610135/6 – Consular Officer: +251-929-107-859, +251976056336 

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Friday declared a “state of emergency” as violent clashes between the national army and local fighters from the northern region of Amhara intensified. 

The Office of Prime Minister in a statement posted on social media said it had become necessary to declare a state of emergency as “a situation has emerged where it has become difficult to control this unacceptable movement under current law”. 

The move followed a letter by Amhara regional president Yilkal Kefale to PM Abiy seeking support, noting that the unrest was “causing serious economic, social and humanitarian damage”.  

The “situation has become difficult to control through the regular law enforcement system”, the letter said.  

The letter followed an earlier appeal by Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen, who on Wednesday said, “it is crucial for us to seek a peaceful resolution for dialogue”.  

According to the AFP, the fighting in Amhara between the national army and local fighters have escalated in recent weeks, prompting travel warnings from foreign governments and the cancellation of flights by the national carrier Ethiopian Airlines. 

Donnelly Mwachi, a Twitter user on Monday shared a series of tweets saying some Kenyans were stranded in Gondar, Amhara region.  

“We have 7 Kenyans trapped in Gondar, Amhara Region in Ethiopia due to ongoing clashes. They are taking refuge in an underground structure with limited access to food and water. They work for TdH and Naya Kenya. Is it possible for the govt to assist in arranging their evacuation?” Mwachi tweeted. 

https://twitter.com/mwachidk/status/1688533881979367429?s=20

Kenya’s Ambassador to Ethiopia Jean Kamau confirmed to KFP that they have indeed received distress calls from Kenyans in Amhara. 

“We are keenly watching the situation with a view to finding the safest and best opportunity to get them out,” Ambassador Kamau said.  

Tensions have been rising since April when the federal government announced it was dismantling regional forces including in Amhara.  

The plan sought to absorb regional security forces into the national army and stamp out the Fano militia, who are accused of playing a role in the Tigray war. 

The state of emergency announced on Friday must be approved by parliament within 15 days or it will be repealed. Ethiopia last declared a state of emergency in November 2021, at the height of the Tigray conflict. 

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