Dessie and Debrebirhan cities followed another city, the historic Gondar, in putting the restrictions. Both cities witnessed mass rallies on Monday.

Holding demonstrations without permits and the carrying of weapons by civilians was already banned.

Protests broke out and quickly spread last week in response to an order from the federal government to dissolve a paramilitary unit, the Amhara Special Forces (ASF).

The authorities say the move will help create a strong unified security force and is being implemented in all of Ethiopia’s 11 regions.

But opponents in Amhara say the move will leave the region vulnerable to attacks from its neighbours.

Debrebirhan, located 130km (80 miles) north of the capital, Addis Ababa, has further prohibited tens of thousands of displaced people, who have fled violence in neighbouring Oromia region and are sheltered in the city, from moving out of their camps.