Location: Addis Ababa, Oromia Region, and Other Areas
Event: There are reports of planned demonstrations in Addis Ababa and the Oromia region beginning Sunday, February 12 or sooner. Demonstrations may spread to different areas of the country and have the potential to turn violent. Reports suggest that there will be heightened security in Addis Ababa and the Oromia region as well as increased pedestrian and vehicular traffic.
The State Department’s Travel Advisory for Ethiopia currently advises U.S. citizens to “Reconsider Travel” to Ethiopia and identifies several “Do Not Travel” areas, including the Tigray, Amhara, and Afar regions, specific areas in the Oromia region, and Ethiopia’s border areas with Eritrea, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, and Kenya.
The U.S. Embassy provides routine and emergency consular services however, consular assistance outside of the Addis Ababa metropolitan area is limited.
Actions to Take:
- Avoid large gatherings and demonstrations.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates and to ensure you can be located in an emergency.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Keep a low profile and limit movements.
- Cooperate with security officials.
- Monitor government announcements and local media.
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
+251-111-306-000
+251-111-306-911 or 011-130-6000 (after hours)
addisacs@state.gov
https://et.usembassy.gov
State Department – Consular Affairs: +1 888-407-4747 or +1 202-501-4444
The Department of State has no higher priority than the safety and security of U.S. citizens overseas. We encourage U.S. citizens to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates and to ensure you can be located in an emergency.