Alarm over state of emergency

A Catholic Church official has expressed concern over the state of emergency declared in Ethiopia, writes Fredrick Nzwili. Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn declared a six- month state of emergency on 9 October after months of anti-government protests. Fr Chrisantus Ndaga, director of social communication for the Association of Member Episcopal Conferences in Eastern Africa (Amecea), told The Tablet: “We are very concerned … We are alarmed that the problem is increasing.” Nearly 55 people been killed, according to the Government, but opposition groups say hundreds have died. Protesters, mainly Oromo and Amhara people, claim marginalisation by the Tigrayan-led Government.