Ethiopia blames Eritrea for attack on Dangote factory

Ethiopia has accused elements in Eritrea and other countries of fanning the crisis in the country that culminated in the burning of factories owned by Nigeria’s Aliko Dangote and other foreign investors.

In a statement today, Ethiopia accused elements in Eritrea, Egypt and other states of arming, training and funding groups that it blames for a wave of protests and violence in regions around its capital Addis Ababa.

The protesters attacked Dangote Cement factory, with vehicles and machinery at the firm’s plant in Oromiya vandalised.

The government declared a state of emergency on Sunday following months of violent anti-government protests, according to an official statement.

“The state of emergency was declared following a thorough discussion by the Council of Ministers on the loss of lives and property damages occurring in the country,” Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn said.

The declaration marks a further hardening of the government’s position after months of protests in different parts of the country which have been met with a strong security response that has left hundreds dead, according to human rights groups.