US’ announcement to impose on sanctions on Ethiopia and its opponents from the Tigrav People’s Liberation Front have led to widespread protests in Addis Ababa

As per Business of Fashion, both the parties have been fighting a war in Tigray since last November, which prompted the US to take wide-ranging action, according to an African Business report.

Within the Tigray region, the already-troubled Mekelle Industrial Park has remained shuttered throughout the war, with suppliers for brands including H&M and Calzedonia halting operations for fear of workers’ safety. However, the conflict has not caused any major impact on Ethiopia’s garment industry as the majority of manufacturing parks are based outside Tigray.

The US sanctionswon’t necessarily impact the ability of global fashion brands to manufacture in Ethiopia. However, the ongoing unrest, coupled with a second delay in holding parliamentary elections, is likely to drive global investors out of the country.