Second phase operations in progress, bans on three-wheeled vehicles lifted in Amhrara region: General Directorate

Addis Ababa, August, 15, 2023 (FBC) – The General Directorate of State of Emergency announced that it has lifted the bans it imposed on three-wheeled light vehicles (also known as Bajaj) to provide regular transport services in the six cities of the Amhara region, effective as of tomorrow August 16, 2023 (from 12 o’clock local time in the morning).

It is to be remembered that the movement of three-wheeled light vehicles and motorcycles until August 23, 2023 was among the main curfews imposed in major cities and towns of the Amhara region — Bahir Dar, Lalibela, Gondar, Shewa Robit, Debre Berhan and Debre Markos — by the General Directorate.

After reviewing its performance so far, the General Directorate today announced that the first phase of operations has been undertaken effectively in the Amhara region.

In its statement sent Fana Broacasting Corporate, the General Directorate confirmed that the second round of military operations are also almost completed and most of the areas in the Amhara region are returning to normal situation.

It stated that discussions with various sections of the society have also started in all areas of the region, adding that government, private and community services are being restored to their normal operations.

The General Directorate mentioned that it has learned the region’s general public support to government security forces through provision of food and encouragement as well as the desire for the return of socio-economic services is encouraging.

The assessment confirmed that the farmers are returning to their agricultural activities and conditions have been created to transport agricultural inputs to their respective areas, the statement indicated.

Stating strict instructions to continue the ongoing operations, the General Directorate said that it has rescinded the curfew it imposed on three-wheeled light vehicles following the request from the general public to resume the service in the cities where prohibition has been imposed. Accordingly, the Directorate said it has allowed the three-wheeled light vehicles to resume services in those cities of the region starting from tomorrow morning, August 16, 2023.

In this regard, the General Directorate stated that three-legged owners and drivers are strictly ordered to refrain from transporting members of the extremist group, looted property and any kind of weapons.

The General Directorate’s statement underlined that strict command has been given to government security forces to take proper actions against those who fail to follow the command under the framework of the state of emergency declaration.