Ethiopian Justice Minister Gedion Timothewos told parliament that the imposed measure had helped to save the region from destruction, but it should be extended to cement peace in Amhara, the Fana broadcaster reported.
The state of emergency was declared in Amhara last August due to the fighting between the regional Fano militia and the Ethiopian armed forces caused by the federal government's attempt to disarm the group and take control over security in the region. In light of these events, Ethiopian Airlines suspended flights to the cities of Lalibela and Gondar, and the regional capital, Bahir Dar.
Fano backed federal troops in a two-year civil war in the neighboring Tigray Region until a peace treaty was signed in November 2022, which sparked dissatisfaction among Amharan nationalists.