Februray 19, 2016

United Kingdom: The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to Oromia

February 18, 2016 Ethiopia, Oromia

Summary

Still current at:    18 February 2016
Updated:            17 February 2016
Latest update:   Summary – on 13 to 14 February, there were reports of clashes between security forces and armed individuals in the Shashamene area, resulting in a number of fatalities; you should take extra care and check the situation before travelling

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advise against all travel to:

• within 10 km of the border with Eritrea, with the exception of the main road through Axum and Adigrat, and tourist sites close to the road (e.g. Debre Damo and Yeha)
• areas off the principal roads/towns within 10 km of the borders with Sudan and Kenya
• within 10 km of the border with South Sudan
• the Nogob (previously Fik), Jarar (previously Degehabur), Shabelle (previously Gode), Korahe and Dollo (previously Warder) zones of the Somali region.
• within 100 km of the Ethiopian border with Somalia and Kenya in the Afder and Liben zones of Ethiopia’s Somali region
• the Danakil desert area: north of the Mille-Djibouti and Mille-Chifra roads, and east of the towns of Bere-Ale, Shehet, Didigsala and Chifra
• the four woredas (districts) (Akobo, Wantawo, Jikawo and Lare) of the Nuer zone and the Jore woreda of the Agnuak zone of the Gambella region

On 13 to 14 February, there were reports of clashes between security forces and armed individuals in the Shashamene area, resulting in a number of fatalities. Further clashes were reported on 16 February. You should take extra care and check the latest situation before travelling.

The FCO advise against all but essential travel to:

• west and south-west Shewa zones in the Oromia region (this area includes the popular tourist destination of Wenchi Crater)
• Jijiga town
• Three woredas of the Agnuak zone of the Gambella region that border on South Sudan (Dima, Goge, and Etang) and the Gambella Wildlife Reserve (taking into account the advice against all travel to within 10km of the border with South Sudan)

Widespread protests have occurred across the Oromia region in recent weeks; some have turned violent resulting in casualties and others have caused disruption to road travel. There is a heightened risk of travel across the region. If you travel there, seek information about the situation before you leave and avoid large crowds and demonstrations.

In late January and early February 2016, ethnic tensions in Gambella city and surrounding areas have resulted in a number of casualties. Federal authorities have been deployed and a curfew imposed. The FCO already advise against all travel in 4 woredas of the Gambella region and against all but essential travel in a further 3. You should monitor local news media for further information before travelling, remain vigilant and take care in crowded areas.

There have been heavy clashes including gunfire between protesters and security forces on 17 December in Sululta, 20km north of Addis Ababa on the road to Bahir Dar. Localised clashes in the Galabat area resulted in the closure of the Metema-Galabat border post with Sudan on 15 and 16 December 2015 and further crossing point closures may occur.

There was an explosion at the Anwar Mosque in the Merkato area of central Addis Ababa on 11 December.

There is a high threat from terrorism. There are credible reports that Al Shabaab plan, and have the capability, to attack targets in Ethiopia. In October 2014 the US Embassy in Addis Ababa issued a travel warning advising “those in Addis Ababa to avoid areas where both Ethiopians and westerners frequent”, and citing threat reports of Al Shabaab’s intent to target the Bole area of the city.

You should be vigilant at all times, especially in crowded areas and public places like transport hubs, hotels, restaurants, bars and places of worship and during major gatherings like religious or sporting events. There is a high threat of kidnapping in Ethiopia’s Somali region, particularly in the eastern areas to which the FCO advise against all travel. See Terrorism

Crime levels are low, but you should avoid large gatherings and public demonstrations and be alert to the risk of street crime. See Crime

The Ethiopia-Eritrea border remains closed. Several security incidents have taken place along the border. The risk of cross-border tensions remains. There is a threat of kidnapping along the border. See Local travel

Owning ivory is strictly prohibited in Ethiopia. Anyone caught in possession of ivory can expect to be detained by police. See Local laws and customs

Around 20,000 British nationals visit Ethiopia every year. Most visits are trouble free.

The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating overseas on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.

Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.