Ethiopia declares state of emergency as TPLF advances

Abiy Ahmed

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. PHOTO | AFP

Ethiopia's cabinet on Tuesday declared a nationwide state of emergency after Tigrayan rebels seized two crucial towns in an apparent push towards the capital, state-affiliated media reported.

"The state of emergency is aimed to protect civilians from atrocities being committed by the terrorist TPLF group in several parts of the country," Fana Broadcasting Corporate reported, referring to the Tigray People's Liberation Front.