Ethiopia lifts state of emergency

By Abebech Tamene

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AA) - Ethiopia’s parliament on Friday decided to lift a state of emergency which had been in effect for the past 10 months.

The state of emergency was first declared on Oct. 9 last year for six months and was later extended by four months.

Defense Minister Siraj Fegesa, responsible for implementing the state of emergency, presented a 10-month performance report to lawmakers.

The minister said the measures, in collaboration with the public and leadership at all levels, managed to bring about stability.

Ethiopia had declared the state of emergency following anti-government demonstrations at an annual Irrecha (thanksgiving) festival on Oct. 2 amid often violent uprisings in Oromia and Amhara states.

More than 20,000 people were arrested and taken into custody for what the government claimed was a rehabilitation program. Most were later released.

Parliament also approved the appointment of three ministers at Friday’s session. Kebede Chane was named as the new minister of Federal and Pastoral Development Affairs while Tilaye Gete took the education portfolio and Moges Balcha was named Customs and Revenue Authority Director-General.