The Government of Ethiopia declared a State of Emergency effective October 8, 2016. Internet, cellular data, and phone services have been periodically restricted or shut down throughout the country, impeding the U.S. Embassy’s ability to communicate with U.S. citizens in Ethiopia. U.S. citizens in Ethiopia should monitor their security situation and have contingency plans in place in case you need to depart suddenly. U.S. government personnel are restricted from personal travel to many regions in Ethiopia, including Oromia, Amhara, Somali and Gambella states, southern Ethiopia near the Ethiopian/Kenyan border, and the area near the Ethiopia/Eritrea border. For additional information related to the regional al-Shabaab threat, banditry, and other security concerns, see the Safety and Security section of the Country Specific Information for Ethiopia.

Source: Ethiopian News October 21, 2016 19:43 UTC