UN warns of likely unrest in Addis Ababa

February 7, 2006

ADDIS ABABA – Observing a “very tense” security situation in Addis Ababa, the UN Field Security Coordination Office (FSCO) Monday advised UN personnel and their families to be on the alert while in the Ethiopian capital.

“Although authorities appear to have the situation relatively under control at the moment, the potential for civil unrest and demonstrations to escalate is significant,” the FSCO said in a monthly security advisory for February 2006.

It added: “The security situation in Addis Ababa is currently very tense with high school students involved in almost daily confrontations with the police.”

Though no political gatherings were anticipated during the month, the advisory said UN staffers should be wary of their surroundings and avoid any public gatherings and crowds.

On travel outside the capital, the advisory said many up-country locations were considered high risk and some have been classified as Security Phase III.

“As such, it is imperative for staff and their dependants to consult with this office before undertaking any such travel,” the FSCO added.

Although there has been no major incident involving UN staff members, the advisory cautioned that the potential of any staffers becoming involved as indirect victims existed.

Security Phase I is in effect for the entire country, except areas near the Sudanese border along Angereb River and along the border with Eritrea, which is the Temporary Security Zone (TSZ) monitored by peacekeepers under the UN Mission in Ethiopia and Eritrea (UNMEE).

(AngolaPress: Feb 7, 2006)