The newly imposed state of emergency is expected to last six months. "We strongly disagree with the Ethiopian government's decision to impose a state of emergency that includes restrictions on fundamental rights such as assembly and expression," the statement said. The European Union has also cautioned Ethiopian government over the decision to impose a state of emergency on the heels of promised political reforms. In a statement on February 19, EU spokesperson Catherine Ray said: "The announced reinstatement of the State of Emergency risks undermining this very objective. [IDN-InDepthNews – 20 February 2018]Photo: It has received little attention internationally but is the biggest political crisis to hit Ethiopia since the 2005 elections.

Source: Ethiopian News February 20, 2018 14:03 UTC