Ethiopia declares a state of emergency in Amhara amid increasing violence

Clashes between the army and a regional militia threaten public security and are causing serious economic and humanitarian damage', said officials

Ethiopia's council of ministers has declared a state of emergency in the Amhara region after its leader said he was no longer able to contain a surge in violence between a local ethnic militia and the army.

The office of the prime minister, Abiy Ahmed, announced the emergency on Friday, saying attacks by armed extremist groups" posed an increasing threat to public security and were causing significant economic damage.