Ethiopia has declared a state of emergency following months of anti-government protests by members of the country's two largest ethnic groups. The Oromo and the Amhara make up about 60 per cent of the population. They complain power is held by a tiny Tigrean elite. Violence has intensified since last Sunday when at least 55 people were killed in clashes between police and protesters at an Oromo festival. Human rights groups said hundreds have died in months of protests. Tens of thousands have also been detained.<br/><br/>Declaring the state of emergency, Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn said in a televised address he put the citizens' safety first. Besides, he want to put an end to the damage that is being carried out against infrastructure projects, education institutions, health centres, administration and justice buildings. The state of emergency will last for six months.