Ethiopia responds to Tigray rumors, threatens foreign embassies

CAIRO - 7 November 2021: Ethiopia stated on Friday that it will have to take strict measures against the foreign embassies that called on their nationals to depart the country, on the background of rumors that the Tigray Liberation Front is besieging the capital, Addis Ababa.

A statement issued by the Government Communications Office indicated foreign media is spreading misleading information about the fall of some cities into the hands of the Tigray Liberation Front, which aims to sow suspicion between the leadership and the people, adding that the national army must prevent this behavior.

The statement explained that some foreign organizations’ employees were spreading false information regarding government officials' requests for visas to arouse suspicion between the people and the national army, reiterating the necessity to confront such rumors, or the Ethiopian government will take deterrent measures.

Furthermore, the statement urged the Ethiopian people to stand against such rumors and heinous attempts.

Declare a state of emergency

Earlier, the Ethiopian parliament voted unanimously to impose a state of emergency in the country after rebel forces from the northern region of Tigray said they launched raids south early this week and threatened to advance to the capital.

The announcement came two days after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali urged citizens to take up arms to defend themselves against the Tigray People's Liberation Front.

Also, the authorities in Addis Ababa urged the people to prepare their weapons in anticipation of the advance of the Tigray forces.

The conflict erupted on the night of November 3, 2020, when forces loyal to the Tigray People's Liberation Front, including some soldiers, captured military bases in the northern Tigray region.