MADRID, 9 Aug. (EUROPA PRESS) –
A group of Spanish tourists is still trapped in a hotel in the Ethiopian region of Amhara, located in the north of the country, due to clashes between state security forces and Fano militias. However, Inma, a journalist trapped there, has said that they are hopeful and it seems that they will soon be able to return to Spain since there has been progress in the offensive against militiamen in that region.
“We are hopeful and it seems that we are going to leave soon. The travel agency, in some way, is waiting to expedite procedures and the Consulate too,” Inma told Europa Press in a telephone conversation, which ensures that the group is in continued contact with the Consulate and that cities that were taken by the militia yesterday have already been recovered by the country’s security forces. “That indicates that the roads will open up,” she said.
Inma arrived in Ethiopia on Wednesday, August 2, to visit the country that was in a calm situation and was able to do tourism “normal, very calm and without any alteration.” However, on Friday the Ethiopian government declared a state of emergency in the Amhara region, following an upsurge in fighting after Fano militias seized control of the airport in the World Heritage holy city of Lalibela. Humanity for its ancient Coptic monasteries from the 11th century.
During these days, the 19 Spaniards in the area are living in a “very precarious” hotel with all kinds of insects, “fleas and no running water”, although Inma has stressed that they get a feeling from the people and the “freaky” family and are “delighted” with the hospitality of the locals.
On the other hand, the Spanish woman wanted to clarify that, prior to her trip, the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs did not contain any recommendation not to visit the African country. “We have not seen anyone anywhere”, she has launched. Likewise, she has insisted that the tourist guides have stressed that it is one of the safest countries in Africa, before the conflict broke out. “She caught us suddenly,” she has recounted.
“There are retirees, very traveling people who have visited many African countries,” Inma said, thus clarifying that the Ministry’s website did not say “no recommendation” to visit the place, but rather that notice was published on Saturday, a when the armed conflict broke out.
The Government of Ethiopia has reported on Wednesday progress in the offensive against militants in the Amhara region, located in the north of the African country, and has assured that some of the main cities in this area are now “free of bandits”, which which would allow, among other things, the resumption of transport.
Despite the progress, the authorities have also acknowledged that some fighters try to hide in religious or monumental places, but have promised to continue working to guarantee security throughout the region. According to the official version, the entire offensive is carried out with respect for the rule of law.
