Addis Ababa, November 5, 2020 (FBC) –The House of Peoples Representatives (HPR) has unanimously approved the State of Emergency declared in Tigray regional state by the Council of Minister.
It is to be recalled that the Council of Ministers, in its 21st extraordinary session yesterday, declared a six-month State of Emergency in the regional state.
The State of Emergency was declared in accordance with article 93/1/A of the Ethiopian constitution, according to a statement issued by office of the Prime Minister.
The article provides the power for the Council of Ministers to decree a State of Emergency in case of a breakdown of law and order which endangers constitutional order, natural disaster or an epidemic occur.
The statement indicated that the State of Emergency was declared recognizing the constitutional responsibility of the government to maintain the country’s peace, the safety and security of its citizens and to prevent acts that may lead the country to further unrest and instability.
A taskforce led by Chief of Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces and composed of representatives from pertinent institution has been established to oversee the implementation of the State of Emergency, the statement stated.
The taskforce, named “State of Emergency Taskforce” is accountable to the Prime Minister. The State of Emergency shall be applicable throughout the regional state.
The House also endorsed a seven-member inquiry board established to oversee the implementation of the State of Emergency.
Members of the board are:
- Lemma Tesema- chairperson
- Jembernesh Kinfe- deputy chairperson
- Hawa Ali-member
- Alebachew Lakew- member
- Zerihun Petros- member
- Askale Tilahun –member
- Wendimu Gizaw –member