Nearly a week after the Addis Ababa government declared a state of emergency to contain a rebellion, Uganda and Kenya governments are working hard to track down their citizens who are believed to be in the Amhara war region of Ethiopia.
Both countries’ diplomats in Addis Ababa stated that they were keeping an eye on the situation in Amhara region but were unable to estimate how many of their citizens were stuck there.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry of Uganda announced on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, that it was attempting to locate its residents in Amhara. Although it had not yet confirmed any casualties, the ministry claimed that it had heard through Rebecca Otengo, the Ugandan ambassador to Ethiopia, that some Ugandans had become involved in the conflict.
The Spokespersons from both countries said they were still keeping an eye on the situation and urged any stranded citizens to get in touch with their missions.
“All Kenyan Nationals are therefore advised to: Adhere to the Rules and Regulations issued by the Government of Ethiopia in relation to the State of Emergency in the Amhara Region. Avoid movement in insecure areas. Contact Kenya Embassy Addis Ababa through the outlined channels,” the statement read.
The crisis resulted from the Ethiopian government’s targeting of rebels who since last week, forced government in Amhara, North of the capital Addis Ababa to cease regular law enforcement.
Following battles between government forces and the Adamo and Fano militias, the Ethiopian government on Wednesday, August 2, 2023, proclaimed a six-month state of emergency in the Amhara region.
The conflicts started in July when the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA)-aligned Adamo militia launched an offensive on local government forces. The government’s attempt to disband local militias in order to create a united national army is opposed by the two militia organizations.
Various unsubstantiated reports regarding numerous Ugandans and Kenyans stuck in Gondar, one of the Amhara towns where conflicts are occurring, resulted from the circumstance.
