U.S. Department of State has updated warning on non-essential travel to Ethiopia. U.S. cites potential civil unrest and arbitrary detention since a state of emergency was imposed in October 2016.
Civil unrest further prompted Ethiopian government to extend the state of emergency on March 15, 2017. Unrests continue to be reported particularly in Gondar and Bahir Dar in Amhara State.
The Government of Ethiopia routinely restricts or shuts downs internet, cellular data, and phone services, thus impeding the U.S. Embassy’s ability to communicate with U.S. citizens in Ethiopia and limiting the Embassy’s ability to provide consular services.
Additionally, the Government of Ethiopia does not inform the U.S. Embassy of detentions or arrests of U.S. citizens in Ethiopia.
U.S. advises citizens to avoid demonstrations and large gatherings, continuously assess your surroundings, and evaluate your personal level of safety.
Remember that the government may use force and live fire in response to demonstrations, and that even gatherings intended to be peaceful can be met with a violent response or turn violent without warning.
Also U.S. citizens in Ethiopia to monitor their security situation and have contingency plans in place in case you need to depart suddenly.
This update replaces the Travel Warning of December 6, 2016.
