The U.S. Embassy in Addis Ababa has issued a security alert regarding potential spontaneous demonstrations across Ethiopia. American citizens are advised to exercise heightened caution and avoid large gatherings.
In a brief statement posted on its website Friday, the Embassy emphasized the unpredictable nature of the security situation, noting that demonstrations, rallies, and traffic disruptions could occur without warning, potentially leading to violence, increased police presence, and the establishment of checkpoints.
“The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens to always pay attention to personal safety and security for yourself and your family,” the statement said. It urged individuals to remain vigilant, avoid mass gatherings, and stay informed about developments on the ground.
The warning comes as Ethiopia’s ruling Prosperity Party, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, convenes a two-day executive committee meeting to discuss what the Prime Minister described on social media as “key national priorities and party-centered thematic issues.” While no further details were provided about the agenda, the timing of the Embassy’s alert has raised concerns that security risks may escalate during this politically sensitive period.
Ethiopia has been grappling with deepening insecurity for several years. Large-scale armed conflict continues in the Amhara region, while the Oromia region remains plagued by frequent kidnappings, ransom demands, and targeted killings. Although the Embassy did not specify particular locations at risk, the absence of geographic clarity suggests a broader concern about unrest nationwide.
Adding to the tense atmosphere, recent reports from local media indicate a surge in arrests in the capital, Addis Ababa, with authorities detaining dozens of youths on charges of threatening the “constitutional order.” Some 60 young people have reportedly disappeared in the city in recent weeks.
In a striking case earlier this week, a 24-year-old detainee told a federal court in Addis Ababa that he had been held in solitary confinement, beaten severely, and requested to be transferred to a communal prison facility. He was arrested on terrorism-related charges.
The security alert, combined with mounting domestic tensions, underscores the volatility of Ethiopia’s current political environment. As the Prosperity Party deliberates its next steps, foreign nationals and Ethiopian citizens alike are being urged to remain cautious amid the uncertain atmosphere.
