Date: Tue, 25 Oct 2016 00:15:13 +0200
Ethiopia State of Emergency: The Walls Close in on Protestors
On Saturday, Ethiopia imposed a six-month “state of emergency” in response to growing unrest across the country. It’s the first time the government has experienced this kind of public dissent during its 25-year rule and its clamping down with everything it has.
It’s estimated more than 500 people have died during protests since last year, with security forces regularly firing live ammunition at unarmed crowds.
In the last month alone, 1,000 people were arrested after violence in the capital saw factories and vehicles torched. The government’s response has been to declare a state of emergency and implement a string of harsh new laws to quash dissent.
Ethiopia’s state of emergency laws
Critics say the laws are not only severe but also vague and dangerous – which could open the door to arbitrary arrests and increased levels of violence. Freedom of expression and access to foreign media both make the new list of Ethiopia’s illegal activities. But that’s not all.
Social media is now illegal
After widespread social media and internet blackouts across the country, Ethiopia is taking its online censorship to new levels. Under the current state of emergency, the use of social media and mobile devices is now illegal.
During protests in the Oromia region last year, social media was widely used to share images and videos showing the extent of violence used by police and security forces. The government’s initial response was to shut down social media access on regular occasions. However, now, social media sites enjoy uninterrupted access in Ethiopia. The only problem is posting on them can land you in jail.
No more crossing wrists above the head
During the Rio 2016 Olympics, Ethiopian bronze medallist Feyisa Lilesa raised his hands above his head, crossing his arms at the wrist, as he ran over the marathon finishing line.
His gesture captured the world’s attention, allowing him to tell the story of Oromo people suffering at the hands of Ethiopian security forces. It’s a gesture widely used by Oromo protesters as a symbol of unity against the oppressive government, but this too is now illegal.
No diplomatic travel
The clampdown also rules out diplomatic travel of more than 40 kilometres outside of the capital, Addis Ababa, without authorisation. The government says this is for the safety of diplomats, given the stark rise in violent protests around the country. Addis Ababa is home to many of the world’s largest international organisations – including the United Nations, African Union and various embassies.
No foreign media
As part of its clampdown on access to information, Ethiopia has also declared foreign media illegal. TV channels Esat and OMN, which are based outside the country, have been branded as “terrorist organisations” and listening to Voice of America or German Radion has also been banned.
Curfew implemented
In order to protect business properties and other economic interests a 6pm-6am curfew has been implemented in specific parts of the country. Citizens are not allowed to visit factories, farms or governmental institutions during those hours.
What’s worrying is how vague the consequences are for people caught breaking the curfew. “Law enforcement bodies have been authorised to take the necessary action” is the only clarification given.
Ethiopia stamping out dissent
The laws also prohibit the organisation of demonstrations at schools and universities. Protests of any kind and political campaigns that are “likely to cause disturbances, violence, hatred and distrust among the people” will not be tolerated.
The government is also heavily restricting the carrying and use of guns. Firearms cannot be taken within 25km of main roads or within 50km of the country’s borders, regardless of having a permit.
Each of these measures is intended to reduce violence and protect lives, the government says. It also promises to reform the electoral protest, in an attempt to appease protestors and members of the international community.
However, it’s not only the laws being passed that raise concern; it’s how the government chooses to implement its vague regulations that worries critics. This is a regime where bloggers are charged with terrorism laws for speaking out against the system. Under the current state of emergency, a much wider range of dissent has been criminalised and the government legally justified to deal with offenders as it sees fit.
The walls are closing in on Ethiopia’s protestors. The already secretive country is more cut off from the outside world than ever, meaning our view of goings on in Ethiopia and the actions of its government is equally restricted.