The US Embassy in Addis Ababa just issued a Security Alert announcing the State Department’s authorized voluntary departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and family members of emergency and non-emergency employees from Ethiopia due to armed conflict, civil unrest, and possible supply shortages. A Level 4 Do Not Travel to Ethiopia Advisory dated November 3, 2021 was also issued urging U.S. citizens in Ethiopia to “consider departing now using commercial options.”
On November 3, the Department authorized the voluntary departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and family members of emergency and non-emergency employees from Ethiopia due to armed conflict, civil unrest, and possible supply shortages.
U.S. citizens in Ethiopia should consider departing now using commercial options. Those planning to remain should ensure they have sufficient provisions stocked in case they need to shelter in place.
Travel to Ethiopia is unsafe at this time due to the ongoing armed conflict. Incidents of civil unrest and ethnic violence may occur without warning.
Further escalation is likely, and may cause supply chain shortages, communications blackouts and travel disruptions. The Ethiopian government declared a state of emergency on November 2, 2021.
The Government of Ethiopia has previously restricted or shut down internet, cellular data, and phone services during and after civil unrest. These restrictions impede the U.S. Embassy’s ability to communicate with, and provide consular services to, U.S. citizens in Ethiopia.
The U.S. Embassy has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens outside of Addis Ababa. U.S. Embassy personnel are currently restricted from traveling outside of Addis Ababa city limits.
Actions to Take:
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- Have a personal emergency action plan that does not rely on U.S. government assistance.
- Take advantage of commercial transportation options, if you wish to depart Ethiopia.
- Monitor local media for breaking news on such events;
- Avoid large crowds and demonstrations;
- Be aware of your surroundings;
- Keep a low profile.
Read in full here.
The US Embassy in Addis is headed by a career diplomat, Ambassador Geeta Pasi. Immediately prior to her appointment, Ambassador Pasi was the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of African Affairs, beginning in 2018. She previously served as the U.S. Ambassador to Chad (2016-2018) and Djibouti (2011-2014).
Ambassador Pasi’s DCM is Fiona Scholand Evans who assumed her duties as Deputy Chief of Mission in Addis Ababa in August 2021. Ms. Evans has served overseas in Peru, Tajikistan, Kosovo, Iceland, Kenya, and twice in Germany. In Washington, D.C., Ms. Evans was Transportation Officer and Deputy Director of the Aviation Negotiations Office at the State Department.
The security environment in Ethiopia has deteriorated significantly in the last several days with a continued escalation of armed conflict and civil unrest in Amhara, Afar and Tigray. 1/2
— U.S. Embassy Addis (@USEmbassyAddis) November 3, 2021
Today, Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Jeffrey Feltman discussed U.S.-Ethiopia policy and the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict @USIP. Read his full remarks as prepared here: https://t.co/iALAeI0f8H
— Bureau of African Affairs (@AsstSecStateAF) November 2, 2021
Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa could be overrun by rebels within "months if not weeks", an Oromo group allied with Tigrayan fighters told AFP Wednesday, as they advance southwardshttps://t.co/M29qTz6euS pic.twitter.com/d9l4zAwlH0
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) November 3, 2021
BREAKING Ethiopia's government has declared a nationwide state of emergency as war intensifies in several regions. The government had earlier urged people in Addis Ababa to arm themselves, as rebels from the northern Tigray region advance to the south.https://t.co/2BNAK2002T pic.twitter.com/VT8dWaihaK
— BBC News Africa (@BBCAfrica) November 2, 2021