Ethiopia: State of emergency declared as prime minister resigns

As reported by BBC News on 15 February 2018, Hailemariam Desalegn has resigned as prime minister of Ethiopia. Shortly after, ministers declared a state of emergency that would last for six months, as reported by Al Jazeera on 18 February 2018. The US Embassy in Addis responded on 17 February with the words: "We strongly disagree with the Ethiopian government"s decision to impose a state of emergency that includes restrictions on fundamental rights such as assembly and expression". According to the Embassy, the solution to the country"s current problems "is greater freedom, not less". Yonas Dembele, persecution analyst at World Watch Research, comments: "The ruling party for the past 27 years has never before faced such intense pressure from both inside and outside. The resignation and declaration of the state of emergency might not have a specific impact on Christians in the country; however, as many rights are now restricted - including freedom of assembly, expression and association - Christians will be facing limitations in exercising their faith."