Ethiopia announced Monday that soldiers and federal
police will take over security in a restive southern region following days of violence that has left at least 18 people dead.
"The regular security structure has been unable to ensure rule of law and has been stymied by various agendas," said a statement read on regional state television late Monday.
The unrest stems from efforts by the Sidama ethnic group, the largest in the southern region, to establish a new semi-autonomous state - a project that has put them on a collision course with the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.