Image copyright Reuters Image caption Demonstrators celebrate the release of political prisoners in Adama, Oromia

A national state of emergency has been declared in Ethiopia just one day after the unexpected resignation of Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn. Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn addressed the nation Thursday, saying he would step aside to help the country carry out reforms that will lead to peace and stability. Ethiopia’s demonstrations demanding wider freedoms began in late 2015 and engulfed much of the restive Oromia and Amhara regions before spreading into other parts of the country, leading to a months-long state of emergency that has since been lifted.
Ethiopia declares a national state of emergency one day after the unexpected resignation of Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn.