HoPR approves state of emergency bill with a majority vote
Addis Ababa, August 14, 2023 (FBC) – The 6th round of the 2nd year of the 1st emergency meeting of The House of Peoples’ Representatives of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia approved the state of emergency bill by a majority vote, 12 abstention, and 16 against.
The House approved the state of emergency which was stipulated by Proclamation No. 6/2015 at the 23rd regular meeting of the Council of Ministers on August 4, 2023.
It is to be recalled that the Council of ministers, in its 23rd regular session, on August 4, 2023, unanimously passed the decision to declare a state of emergency in the Amhara region following the request made by the regional state to the federal government. Accordingly, Tesfaye Beljige, Government Chief Whip, presented the Council of Ministers’ decision which was promulgated in Proclamation No. 6/2015.
Highlighting the significance of the State of Emergency, Tesfaye recalled the recent violence in the Amhara region and the regional government’s request to the federal government for intervention to contain the unrest because it was impossible to control it in the region’s regular law enforcement.
He underlined that the State of Emergency is necessary to shield unity of the country and to protect the peace and security of the people as the situation has threatened the government system of the region.
Following the Government Chief Whip’s explanation, the Minister of Justice, Gideon Timothewos responded to queries and comments forwarded by the members of the parliament on the draft state of emergency declaration.
Moreover, the House of Peoples’ Representatives has also approved the appointment of members of the State of Emergency Proclamation Inquiry Board today.
It is learned that the appointment was approved through resolution No. 17/2015 with a majority vote and 1 abstention.
Accordingly, the members of the Inquiry Board include:
- Mr. Azmeraw Andemo – Chairperson
- Ms. Nejat Girma – Deputy Chairperson
- Mr. Sadiq Adem – Member
- Mr. Mesfin Erkabe – Member
- Mr. Abraham Berta – Member
- Ms. Frehiwot Teshome – Member
- Mr. Wodimu Gizaw – Member
It is stated that the members of the board took an oath in front of the parliament.