Ethiopia declares state of emergency following months of violent anti-government protests

Addis Ababa: Ethiopia declared a state of emergency on Sunday following months of violent anti-government protests, according to an official statement.

"The state of emergency was declared following a thorough discussion by the Council of Ministers on the loss of lives and property damages occurring in the country," Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn said.

The declaration marks a further hardening of the government`s position after months of protests in different parts of the country which have been met with a strong security response that has left hundreds dead, according to human rights groups.

"We put our citizens` safety first. Besides, we want to put an end to the damage that is being carried out against infrastructure projects, health centres, administration and justice buildings," he said on state media.

Ethiopia is facing its biggest anti-government unrest in a decade, from the majority Oromo and Amhara ethnic groups which feel marginalised by a minority-led government.