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The Attorney General’s office provided explanation on the state of emergency, according to reports from FBC
The attorney general released statement outlining the review and approval of a state of emergency proclamation by the House of Peoples’ Representatives. In an emergency meeting held yesterday, the council of ministers issued a state of emergency in Tigray regional state due to circumstances that threaten the constitutional order.
The task force was established under the chairmanship of the Army’s Chief of Staff and will be accountable to the Prime Minister.
The task force may through directives **expand or restrict the geographic scope of application of the decree and it was mentioned it can also coordinate and assemble a security force under a single command.
During the implementation of the mission the task force can
•Disarm any security force, including the police;
•Impose restrictions on transportation and other movements;
•Impose curfew;
•Impose restriction on the movement of firearms;
•Discontinue communication mediums;
•Ban announcements that could impede its mission;
•Detain individuals and groups suspected of engaging in illegal activities;
•In the areas where the proclamation is issued, it can hold people in a house or place when it believes holding will assist in the implementation of its missions;
•Search and inspect vehicles, houses and premises;
•Halt any service providers and infrastructure at any place or time if it believes it would fulfill its mission;
The task force, according to the report, can perform what is necessary for the mission and take proportional measures in the process.

State of emergency in TigrayMeanwhile, The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission is gravely concerned and closely monitoring the fast-developing security situation in Tigray region and other parts of the country. EHRC Chief Commissioner Daniel Bekele said, “EHRC urges both federal and regional security forces to ensure the safety and security of civilians and respect human rights at all times.”

The Chief Commissioner added, “As Parliament convenes to discuss approval of the State of Emergency declared in Tigray, it should in particular consider ensuring humanitarian access and support including for food, medicine and other essential civilian services to avoid a complete blockage of communication and transport facilities.” He also reminded all parties that “Tigray region is host to several thousands of refugees.”

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is extremely concerned about escalating tensions and hostilities in Ethiopia Tigray region, where many refugees, displaced people and local communities are reeling from a year of multiple humanitarian disasters. The COVID-19 pandemic, massive flooding and a desert locust outbreak destroying crops have led to an increasingly dire humanitarian situation and increased food insecurity.
Elinor Raikes, Vice President Crisis Response, Recovery and Development, said,
“Any Conflict will hit the most vulnerable the hardest, and they cannot afford to be neglected. All parties must commit to ensuring the safety of these populations and adhere to international law.
“This year’s desert locust outbreak, the negative impact of climate change including widespread flooding and the COVID-19 outbreak continue to drive rising food insecurity with more than 8 million people in need of food assistance. This number is expected to rise to more than 11 million people by January. It is absolutely imperative that escalating tensions and conflict do not prevent the delivery of humanitarian aid. The needs and safety of civilians, including refugees and displaced persons, must be prioritized.”
The IRC is working in Tigray to support 90,000 refugees in four camps with a range of services, including clean water, sanitation, primary healthcare and education.
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