United States issues travel warning to Ethiopia

ESAT News (October, 24, 2016)

The U.S. Department of State on Friday issued a travel warning to Ethiopia advising citizens against what it called “nonessential” travels after the ruling Tigrian minority regime declared a state of emergency following a yearlong deadly anti-government protests.

“The U.S. Department of State warns U.S. citizens to defer all nonessential travel to Ethiopia due to ongoing unrest that has led to hundreds of deaths, thousands of arrests, as well as injuries and extensive property damage, especially in Amhara and Oromia States. The U.S. Embassy’s ability to provide consular services in many parts of the country is limited by the current security situation,” the department said on Friday.

The state of emergency declared early this month which, among others, prohibits diplomats from travelling 40 kms (25 miles) outside the capital Addis Ababa  “severely affects the U.S. Embassy’s ability to assist U.S. citizens.”

“Internet, cellular data, and phone services have been periodically restricted or shut down throughout the country, impeding the U.S. Embassy’s ability to communicate with U.S. citizens in Ethiopia.”   

“U.S. government personnel are restricted from personal travel to many regions in Ethiopia, including Oromia, Amhara, Somali and Gambella states, southern Ethiopia near the Ethiopian/Kenyan border, and the area near the Ethiopia/Eritrea border.”