UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

ETHIOPIA: Increased security after terror warnings

ADDIS ABABA, 20 May 2003 (IRIN) - Ethiopia has stepped up security in the wake of the Moroccan and Saudi Arabian terror attacks, but stated it is at no greater risk than any other country.

Federal police commissioner Workneh Gebeyehu told IRIN on Tuesday that terror attacks were unpredictable and Ethiopia, like the rest of the world, must remain vigilant.

“Terrorism knows no boundaries and it can happen in Ethiopia like it happened in Morocco and Saudi Arabia," he said. “So we have to tighten security and take preventative measures and make the people aware of this threat.”

“I don’t think Ethiopia is any more of a target than anywhere else in the world but we must remain vigilant," he added. "We have to be alert.”

His comments come after travel warnings to East Africa by both the UK and US governments. British Airways flights to Kenya have been cancelled over the terror threat.

“We have faced a series of terrorist attacks for the last six years so our society is aware of the threat of terrorism and its cost,” Workneh said.

Extra security has been set up around key buildings, and police in the capital Addis Ababa carried out a “spot check” on cars on Saturday night.

Fears are mounting that the terror warnings could have a devastating impact on the country’s fledgling tourist industry. Tourism generated more than US $77 million for the impoverished country last year, according to the country’s tourism commission.

Themes: (IRIN) Conflict

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