The Ministry of National Defense and the Federal Police Commission have been working in Gambella as per the request of the state government for the intervention of the federal government.

         According to a statement of the Ministry of Federal Affairs on 4 March 2004, the Prime Minister has accepted to  the Office of the Prime Minister for the intervention of the Federal Government.

         The Gambella State Government requested in a letter written to the Office of the Prime Minister on 23 February 2004 calling for intervention to save the people from the chaos ensued.

         The Office of the Prime Minister has accepted the request letter of the Gambella State Government and notified pertinent bodies on 26 February 2004 to take measure accordingly.

         The state government has confirmed in its letter of request that security issue in the state has been out of its control and the people in the state have lost confidence in the government, it said.

         It said the Federal Government should intervene as soon as possible and take appropriate measure prior to the reign of anarchic violence.

         The request of the Gambella State Government is based on its own decision and will, it said.

         The Ministry said the delegation of the Federal Government charged with the responsibility of providing support to the state government on matters of administration and justice had finalized preparations to leave for the state.