Kalkidan Yibeltal
Friday August 4, 2023
The head of northern Ethiopia's turbulent Amhara region has called for intervention by the federal government as violence intensifies and spreads.
In a letter published by state-affiliated media on Thursday, Yilkal Kefale said the security situation in Amhara was “difficult to control within the regular law enforcement mechanisms”.
The statement differs in tone from his remarks a day ago when he had called for dialogue.
Activists linked with the Fano militia group - which is fighting against the army in several areas - have criticised Mr Yilkal’s remarks as attempts to provide justification for the involvement of the military in the region which are already fighting the militia.
The call for intervention could also signal a further deployment of troops in the coming days.
The mobile internet has been cut off in large parts of the region making it difficult to verify claims but residents have reported intense fighting in multiple areas.