In response to the recent clashes between government forces and the Fano militia in the Amhara region, the Ethiopian government has announced a state of emergency in the area. Local reports have indicated that an explosion in Finote Selam, northwestern Ethiopia, resulted in the deaths of at least 26 people and injuries to several others. VOA's Paul Ndiho spoke to Robel Alemu, director of communications for the Amhara Association of America, to gain insight into the unfolding events.