Ethiopia’s Military Makes Significant Gains in Amhara Region Conflict

Ethiopia’s military has made significant progress in the ongoing conflict in the Amhara region, according to residents. The Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) successfully gained control of the center of Gondar, the second-largest city in Amhara, on Tuesday. Additionally, the military entered the holy town of Lalibela on Wednesday after local militiamen left. These victories mark the first major breakthroughs for the ENDF since the fighting began last week.

In response to the improved security situation, Ethiopian Airlines announced that flights to Gondar and Amhara’s capital, Bahir Dar, where fighting has also occurred, will resume on Thursday. This development is a positive sign for the region’s transportation and tourism sectors, which have been heavily impacted by the conflict.

Gondar and Lalibela were among the towns where the Fano militia overran the ENDF last week, leading to Ethiopia’s most serious security crisis since the end of the civil war in the Tigray region. The Fano militia consists of part-time volunteers from the local Amhara population. While they were initially allies of the ENDF during the Tigray war, their relationship deteriorated due to accusations that the federal government was undermining Amhara’s defenses against neighboring regions.

In response to the escalating conflict, the Ethiopian government declared a state of emergency on Friday and deployed additional soldiers to the frontlines. An evening curfew has been imposed on Gondar, Lalibela, and four other areas until August 23, along with a ban on public gatherings without state permission.

Residents and officials have reported intense fighting in Gondar, with the ENDF utilizing tanks while the Fano fighters relied on Kalashnikovs. However, the military appears to be gaining control of the city, and calm has returned to Bahir Dar. The regional administration of Amhara released a statement on Facebook claiming that Gondar and Bahir Dar had been “freed” from the Fano militia, although the statement has since been removed.

The human toll of the conflict remains unclear, with limited information available. Lalibela residents have reported the deaths of more than a dozen combatants in recent days. The situation in Amhara continues to evolve, and further updates are expected as the conflict unfolds.

Written by Aaron Ross, Edited by William Maclean, Peter Graff, and Angus MacSwan.

What steps can be taken to ensure a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the Amhara region and prevent further escalation

Nes has resumed flights to Gondar and Lalibela airports, which were temporarily suspended due to the conflict. This move is expected to provide a sense of normalcy and boost the local economy, as both cities heavily rely on tourism.

Residents in Gondar express relief and gratitude towards the ENDF for liberating their city from the clutches of rebel forces. Many are hopeful that the military’s progress will lead to a resolution of the conflict and restore peace in the region. The takeover of the city center is seen as a significant turning point in the ongoing battle.

Similarly, the entrance of the military into Lalibela has been met with praise from locals. The town, known for its rock-hewn churches, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a major tourist attraction. The presence of the military is expected to ensure the safety of the site and visitors, encouraging the resumption of tourism activities.

Despite these victories, there are reports of continued skirmishes in other parts of the Amhara region. The conflict, which initially started in the Tigray region, has spread to other areas, resulting in displacement of civilians and loss of lives. The ENDF’s progress in Gondar and Lalibela is seen as a positive development, but there is still a long way to go towards resolving the overall crisis.

The resumption of Ethiopian Airlines flights to Gondar and Lalibela airports is a clear sign of the improving security situation in the region. It not only signifies a return to normalcy but also highlights the importance of these cities as key economic and tourism hubs. The flights will provide a much-needed boost to the local economy, as tourism is a major source of revenue for the region.

While the military’s progress is undoubtedly a step forward, the focus now should be on finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict. Efforts should be made to address the underlying issues and engage in dialogue to prevent further escalation. The international community has a role to play in supporting such initiatives and facilitating negotiations between the warring parties.

Overall, the recent accomplishments of the ENDF in Gondar and Lalibela bring hope to the residents of the Amhara region. The restoration of peace and stability in these areas will not only benefit the local population but also contribute to the overall stability of Ethiopia.