Ethiopia’s National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) imposed an indefinite drone flight ban in Addis Ababa and surrounding areas, citing security risks amid renewed fighting in the north. The move follows concerns over potential threats from drones and aligns with broader regional tensions.
Security Measures and Enforcement
The NISS announced the ban via an official notice, stating it would monitor airspace using integrated anti-drone technology and intercept unauthorized flights. Operators violating the directive face arrest and legal action. The agency cited Proclamation No. 1276/2021 (2014 E.C.) as the legal basis, emphasizing its mandate to protect national leaders, infrastructure, and events. Addis Insight noted that prior drone permits required detailed flight plans, a process now suspended.
International Reactions and Concerns
The African Union Commission (AUC) raised alarms on September 23, 2026, after Tigrayan forces reportedly captured key northern airports. AUC Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf urged immediate de-escalation and dialogue under the 2022 Pretoria agreement. The European Union echoed calls for restraint, condemning reported Ethiopian National Defence Force drone strikes and stressing the need for civilian protection.
Context of the Northern Conflict
The ban comes as fighting resumes in Tigray, less than four years after the Pretoria agreement ended the 2018-2022 conflict. While NISS did not explicitly link the drone restrictions to the northern fighting, the timing highlights increased security measures. The United Nations reiterated its support for AU-led diplomacy, with Secretary-General António Guterres calling for maximum restraint and unhindered humanitarian access.
Legal and Operational Implications
The NISS emphasized its readiness to enforce the ban using advanced countermeasures and trained personnel. The move reflects broader efforts to prevent aerial threats, though specifics about enforcement mechanisms remain unclear.