Diplomatic Briefing from the Amhara People (Amhara Digital Diplomacy)
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Diplomatic Briefing from the Amhara People: Escalating Conflict and Human Rights Violations in the Amhara Region, Ethiopia
Amhara Digital Diplomacy
July 29, 2024
Dear Esteemed Diplomatic Member, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Amhara Digital Diplomacy is writing to provide a weekly briefing on the ongoing conflict in the Amhara Region of Ethiopia. This briefing highlights significant developments, human rights abuses, and the pressing need for international diplomatic intervention.
Overview
During the past week, clashes between the Amhara Fano freedom fighters (Fano) and the joint forces of the Prosperity Party regime, including the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF), have intensified across various parts of the Amhara Region. Additionally, there have been numerous reports of attacks and abuses perpetrated by regime-allied forces, including the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and the Oromia Region Special Forces (OSF), against Amhara residents in both the Amhara and Oromia Regions.
Key Incidents
1. Fano Operations:
o Fano forces have conducted strategic operations targeting regime camps and stations, resulting in casualties and the capture of equipment. These operations have taken place in and around major cities such as Bahir-Dar, Gonder, Debre Markos, Woldia, and Debre-Birhan.
2. Human Rights Violations:
o Kimir-Dingaye: ENDF soldiers reportedly raped 43 female students in Kimir Dingaye town (South Gonder Zone, Amhara Region) after forcibly escorting them and holding them captive while they were returning home from Debre-Tabor
o University. Over 100 youth were also taken hostage in Wedi-Gemzu Kebele (West Gonder Zone, Amhara Region).
o Raya-Alamata: TPLF militias and officials, with federal backing, continue to forcibly enter the Raya-Alamata area, against the protests of local residents.
o Oromia Region: Attacks by OSF on Amhara civilians in Amaya Woreda and Abe Dongoro Woreda have caused displacement and systemic looting.
Specific Incidents of Note
• North Wollo Zone: In Alamata town, TPLF and federal forces have been accused of abuses, including arrests and suppression of local residents. The arrival of TPLF officials and militias, allegedly under the pretext of resettling internally displaced persons, has further exacerbated tensions.
• Woldia City: Fano fighters launched an operation on July 14th, resulting in the deaths of over six regime forces and the capture of weapons.
• South Wollo Zone: In Mehal-Sayint and Legambo Woredas, intense fighting has resulted in civilian casualties and significant losses for regime forces.
• North Shewa Zone: Fano fighters have successfully defended positions against regime forces in Minjar-Shenkora, Ensaro, and Ankober Woredas, with significant regime casualties reported.
• East Gojjam Zone: Reports indicate targeted attacks by Fano fighters against regime forces in Aneded Woreda and Debre-Markos City, resulting in regime casualties and repression of local populations.
• West Gojjam Zone: In Dembecha and Quarit Woredas, Fano fighters have repelled regime forces, with notable defections reported among regime troops.
• Bahir-Dar City: Fano operations resulted in the death of a high-ranking police commander, significantly impacting regime control in the area.
• Central Gonder Zone: Widespread clashes, including in Enfranz and Qulqual-Ber, have led to significant regime losses and the disruption of major transportation routes.
• Gonder City: Plans for a high-profile visit by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed were disrupted due to the intensity of ongoing clashes.
• West Gonder Zone: In Metemma Woreda, Fano fighters successfully captured regime military equipment and inflicted significant casualties on federal police forces.
Conclusion and Call for Action
The situation in the Amhara Region has reached a critical point, characterized by widespread violence, human rights abuses, and significant civilian suffering. We urgently call on the international diplomatic community to take immediate action to address the escalating conflict and support efforts to protect the rights and safety of all civilians in the region.
The Amhara Digital Diplomacy initiative urges the international community to: 1. Condemn the human rights abuses perpetrated by regime and allied forces. 2. Support independent investigations into these violations to ensure accountability. 3. Advocate for immediate ceasefires and humanitarian access to affected areas.
Your prompt attention and action are crucial in addressing these urgent issues and promoting peace and stability in the region.
Sincerely, Amhara Digital Diplomacy,
