The government declared a six-month state of emergency on October 8 in response to an unprecedented wave of opposition protests.

Ban is "following the developments in Ethiopia with concern, including the declaration of a state of emergency," said  UN Spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric. "We are aware of the latest reports about new measures being imposed and are looking at the available information."

The UN chief urged Ethiopian authorities to uphold human rights and called for calm and restraint. The country's Oromo and Amhara communities, which together make up 60% of the population, have been protesting for nearly a year against marginalisation. 

Ethiopia's government is largely made up of minority Tigrayans. Ban called for an "inclusive dialogue to resolve all grievances."

--AFP--