CAPTION: The Tigrayans, who have been fighting the government for the past year, recently joined forces with another rebel group as they advance on the capital, Addis Ababa Ethiopia has today declared a state of emergency after Tigrayan rebels captured strategic cities and advanced toward the capital, Addis Ababa.
Some reports on Tuesday, 2nd November 22. revealed that Prime Minister Abiy has rallied his countrymen to “pick up arms and defend” Addis Ababa against the rebels.
He was quoted as saying the public should use “any type of weapons to block the destructive TPLF, to overturn it and bury it”, adding, “Dying for Ethiopia is a duty (for) all of us.”
From as early as yesterday, airlines have been full as worried diplomats and expatriates flew out of the city. U.S. Embassy personnel are currently restricted from travelling outside of Addis Ababa city limits.
In a statement earlier today, the U.S. government strongly suggested that U.S. citizens seriously reconsider travel to Ethiopia and those who are currently in Ethiopia consider making preparations to leave the country.
The rebels on Sunday announced the capture of Kombolcha and Dessie which are located on the main highway to Addis Ababa.
Their rapid advance has stunned the international community.
The conflict is pitting government forces against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) rebel group, which dominated national politics before he took power.
Abiy blames the rebels for starting the war last November with attacks on federal army camps.
However, Abiy has been under fire over war crimes in the Tigray region, allying with Eritrean dictator Isaias Afwerki to wage a war in Tigray and refusing to hold peace talks with TPLF.