Regional authorities in Gambella have instructed offices that have been closed for the past three weeks due to ongoing conflict to “strictly monitor” the return of all employees to work.

In a letter to 53 offices, the Gambella Regional Public Service and Human Resources Development Bureau assured that staff operating in areas with security concerns would be “protected so that they can enter and exit without fear.”

The conflict, which began in late November and escalated in the second week of December, has forced the temporary closure of regional offices and schools, a government source told the BBC. The letter also noted that services had been “disrupted” during the period due to the security breaches.

Authorities said that “relative peace is currently prevailing in Gambella town and other affected areas,” a development that informed the decision to resume operations. The move was decided during a closed-door meeting involving the Gambella Regional Cabinet and security forces on Tuesday.