Ethiopia’s government has declared a nationwide state of emergency as rebel forces from the Tigray and Oromo Liberation Front advance towards the capital.

The conflict, which broke out a year ago in the northern region, has spread south in recent months into the neighbouring Amhara and Afar regions, where Tigrayan forces claim to have captured several towns.

Now with rebels reportedly considering an attack on Addis Ababa, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is urging citizens to take up arms to defend the city.

Ethiopia declares nationwide state of emergency over rebel advance