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Ethiopia’s prime minister declared a state of emergency in the northern state of Tigray on Wednesday.
In a previous television speech, Abiy Ahmed said that he would order a military offensive after months of “provocation and incitement” by the Tigray authorities.
“The end point of the red line has been crossed. Force is being used as the last measure to save the people and the country,” he said.
Ahmed said the region’s ruling party, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), attacked a military base in Mekele, north of Tigray, early Wednesday and attempted to seize artillery and other equipment.
The federal government also accused the TPLF of arming and organizing irregular militias.
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The declaration immediately raised concerns that one of the most populous and powerful countries in Africa could plunge back into war.
In September, the people of Tigray voted in a local election, defying the federal government and increasing political tensions.
The Tigrayans held most of Ethiopia’s political power from 1991 to 2018, when Abiy was elected. Since then, his power has waned.
Prime Minister Abiy won the Nobel Peace Prize last year for the rapid speed of his internal reforms and for sealing a peace deal with Eritrea.
He released tens of thousands of prisoners, welcomed opposition groups that were once banned, and acknowledged abuses committed in the past.
jf / dr (AP, AFP, Reuters)
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