ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — In a surprise move, Ethiopia’s leader on Wednesday announced plans to drop charges against political prisoners and close a notorious prison camp in what he called an effort to ‘‘widen the democratic space for all.’’

This is the first time the government has acknowledged holding political prisoners.

Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn’s comments came after months of sometimes deadly antigovernment protests, the most serious since the current government came to power in 1991. The demonstrations engulfed much of the restive Oromia and Amhara regions and spread into other parts of the East African country, leading to a months-long state of emergency that has since been lifted.

‘‘Political prisoners that are facing prosecutions and are already under arrest will be released,’’ Hailemariam said. ‘‘And the notorious prison cell that was traditionally called Maekelawi will be closed down and turned into a museum.’’

It was not immediately clear how many such prisoners were being held across the country, a close US security ally, or when they would be released.

Ethiopians were quick to respond, even with social media sites currently blocked.

‘‘I’m writing you this struggling with my tears,’’ wrote renowned blogger and former detainee Befeqadu Hailu. ‘‘All these pledges need to be implemented immediately.’’

Tens of thousands of people were arrested, and reportedly hundreds were killed, during the protests demanding wider freedoms that began in late 2015 and disrupted one of Africa’s fastest growing economies.

As word spread Wednesday, Ethiopia’s government sought to downplay the prime minister’s announcement. A spokesman, Zadig Abraha, said that the country has no political prisoners and that ‘‘some members of political parties and other individuals that have been allegedly suspected of committing crimes and those convicted will be pardoned or their cases interrupted, based on an assessment that will be made.’’

associated press