Africa-Press – Kenya. The Kenyan Embassy in Ethiopia has confirmed it is aware 15 Kenyans are in various parts of the Amhara region, which is experiencing violent clashes.
Responding to a query on Tuesday, Ambassador Jean Kamau said the mission is in contact with all affected persons through group leaders.
“The mission has also engaged the Ethiopian authorities and we await advice on the way forward. The embassy further reiterates the situation is volatile, and the mission is monitoring the situation while advising Kenyans to continue taking precautions” Amb Kamau told the Star.
On Monday, through a brief statement, the embassy advised Kenyans in the region to avoid movement in insecure areas.
It also issued contact details to reach the embassy. Email: [email protected], and copy [email protected] – Tel: Embassy Line : +251 11 6610135/6 – Consular Officer: +251-929-107-859, +251976056336
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Friday declared a six-month state of emergency as violent clashes between the national army and local Fano fighters from the northern region of Amhara intensified.
Effectively, the move imposes curfews, restricts movement and bans gatherings.
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 has 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 that have since been deleted that 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
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