Ethiopia protests against militia disbandment continue

Protests have continued in several places in Ethiopia’s Amhara region for a sixth consecutive day in opposition to plan to dissolve regional paramilitary forces.

Demonstrators clashed with security forces and three cities have imposed night-time curfews.

Despite such restrictions - including a ban on public gatherings - protests are showing no sign of subsiding.

Rallies have been held in multiple towns with clashes reported in Debrebirhan, 130km (80 miles) north of the capital Addis Ababa and one of the cities where curfews have been announced.

Shots were also fired in the city of Kombolcha after thousands took the streets.

The advocacy group the Amhara Association of America has accused government troops of firing at and killing civilians on Monday and Tuesday.

The authorities say dissolving the Amhara Special Forces (ASF) as well as other similar groups in Ethiopia’s 11 regions and integrating them with the army or police will create a strong, unified force.

But opponents in Amhara say the move will leave the region exposed to attacks from its neighbours.

This article originally appeared on BBC News

Photo: Reuters