A devastating airstrike on a bustling town square in Ethiopia’s Amhara region has resulted in the deaths of at least 26 people, marking the latest instance of violence in the country’s second-largest state. The attack took place in the early hours of Sunday morning in Finote Selam, a town located in Amhara’s West Gojjam zone, according to a local doctor who spoke to The Guardian.
The exact number of civilian casualties remains unclear. While residents claim that the attack specifically targeted members of the Fano ethnic militia who had gathered in the town center, they also reported that several innocent bystanders were caught in the crossfire. Hospital officials have confirmed that 26 people lost their lives, with at least 50 others sustaining injuries. This incident ranks among the deadliest single episodes of violence since the outbreak of clashes in Amhara in early August.
The Fano militia has taken control of multiple towns across Amhara, sparking concerns of a potential war in northern Ethiopia. This comes just nine months after a ceasefire ended a brutal two-year conflict in the neighboring Tigray region. The militia’s actions have included freeing prisoners, vandalizing government offices, and looting weapons from police stations. In response, the government declared a state of emergency and shut down internet access.
Tanks have been deployed in major towns, including the regional capital of Bahir Dar, and artillery has been used in civilian neighborhoods. Security forces have also fired upon individuals blocking roads, although the authorities have not disclosed the number of civilian casualties resulting from these actions.
Following a week of intense fighting, the government announced on Wednesday that it had regained control of Amhara’s towns and pledged to restore services. However, there are concerns that the Fano militia may now resort to guerrilla warfare tactics. Clashes continue to be reported in some rural areas.
Amhara forces previously fought alongside federal troops during the Tigray conflict, capturing several disputed territories. However, the relationship deteriorated in April when the government announced plans to integrate regional forces into the military. The Amhara, Ethiopia’s second-largest ethnic group, argue that their voices were not heard in the peace agreement that ended the conflict. They fear that the territories they fought hard to secure may be returned to Tigray.
In late April, unidentified gunmen, believed to be Fano militia members, assassinated the head of the local branch of the ruling Prosperity party. In June, the government claimed to have killed 200 “extremists” during a shootout at a remote monastery, with activists alleging that clergy were among the casualties.
The recent unrest has prompted Ethiopian Airlines, the state carrier, to suspend flights, and foreign governments have advised their citizens to take shelter as regional government officials and members of parliament flee the violence.
On Friday, the United Kingdom, the United States, and other countries expressed their concerns about the escalating violence and called for a peaceful resolution. The World Health Organization and Save the Children have warned that the violence is disrupting humanitarian operations in Amhara.
Ethiopia’s parliament was scheduled to vote on the state of emergency on Monday. The measures outlined in the state of emergency include a ban on public gatherings and granting the police the power to detain suspects without a court order.
The state-appointed human rights commission announced on Monday that it has received credible reports of civilian deaths this month. Additionally, it stated that there have been “widespread arrests of civilians who are of ethnic Amhara origin” under the emergency rules in the capital city of Addis Ababa. However, the authorities have denied allegations of mass arrests, with a government statement on Saturday claiming that only 23 individuals, including a prominent opposition politician, had been arrested in Addis Ababa under the state of emergency.
What measures can the Ethiopian government take to address the concerns of the Amhara ethnic group and other ethnic groups while maintaining stability in the country
Ond-largest ethnic group, saw this move as a threat to their autonomy and began resisting the central government.
The recent airstrike in Finote Selam is a grim reminder of the escalating violence in Amhara. While the exact target of the attack is disputed, it is clear that innocent civilians have also been caught in the crossfire. The death toll stands at 26, with many others injured. This incident is one of the deadliest since the clashes erupted in August.
The main instigator of the violence is the Fano ethnic militia, which has gained control over multiple towns in Amhara. These actions have sparked fears of a potential war in northern Ethiopia, just months after the Tigray conflict ended. The Fano militia has been engaging in activities such as freeing prisoners, vandalizing government offices, and looting weapons. In response, the government has declared a state of emergency and imposed an internet shutdown.
The deployment of tanks and artillery in major towns, along with security forces firing upon individuals blocking roads, has further raised concerns about the potential for civilian casualties. The government claims to have regained control of Amhara’s towns and promises to restore services. However, there are fears that the Fano militia may resort to guerrilla warfare tactics, indicating that the situation is far from resolved.
The Amhara’s relationship with the federal government has deteriorated since April, when plans to integrate regional forces into the military were announced. The Amhara view this move as a threat to their autonomy and have been resisting the central government ever since. Their previous alliance with federal troops during the Tigray conflict has now turned into a bitter feud.
Amidst the escalating violence and tensions, there is an urgent need for peace and dialogue. The Ethiopian government must find a way to address the concerns of the Amhara and other ethnic groups while maintaining the country’s stability. The international community should also step in to support peace efforts and help prevent further bloodshed in Ethiopia.
This is heartbreaking. Sending love and prayers to those affected by this tragedy. 🙏🏼💔
The escalating violence in Ethiopia’s Amhara region is deeply alarming. It’s crucial for the international community to take prompt action and support efforts to end this devastating conflict. 🌍💔