By ELIAS MESERET, Associated PressADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AP) — People have begun voting in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region in a local election defying the federal government and increasing political tensions in Africa's second most populous country. Ethiopia’s leader has ruled out a military intervention, but there are fears any punitive measures by the federal government could further escalate tensions. Some 2.7 million people in the Tigray region are expected to cast their votes at more than 2,600 polling stations, regional election officials said. Two residents of the regional capital, Mekelle, told The Associated Press there was tight security in the city and surrounding areas. On Monday, Ethiopian security officials removed reporters from a plane heading to the region, confiscating their I.D.s, cameras and other equipment.

Source: Ethiopian News September 09, 2020 05:15 UTC