Turmoil in Ethiopia's Amhara Region Signals Urgent Need for Unity and Resolution

Photo: Ji Elle

Ethiopia, a land of rich history and diverse cultures, finds itself embroiled in one of its gravest crises in recent memory. Reports emerging from the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) indicate that federal security forces are allegedly involved in the killing of at least 45 civilians in the Amhara region. The turmoil gripping the Amhara region is only escalating, raising alarms both domestically and internationally. This crisis, characterized by violence, political tensions, and human rights abuses, has not only claimed lives, but also threatened the stability of the entire nation.

These civilians in the northern town of Merawi were allegedly targeted for their perceived affiliation with Fano, an ethnic militia aligned with the Amhara people. Fano, emerging as a response to perceived marginalization and threats to Amhara interests, has become increasingly prominent in recent years. Initially formed as a grassroots movement to advocate for Amhara rights and interests, Fano has evolved into a more organized entity, often involved in political activism and resistance against perceived adversaries.  

The genesis of this crisis can be traced back to the aftermath of Ethiopia's conflict with the Tigray People's  Liberation Front (TPLF), which culminated in a peace accord in 2022. Fano, once a crucial ally of the federal forces during the Tigray conflict, found itself marginalized and excluded from the peace negotiations. The Tigray War, sparked by escalating tensions between the TPLF and the federal government, unfolded amidst a backdrop of long-standing grievances and power struggles. Fano, initially aligned with the federal forces as a crucial ally during the Tigray conflict, entered the fray propelled by a complex interplay of factors. The decision for Fano to join the federal government's side stemmed from a confluence of motivations, including a desire to safeguard Amhara interests, respond to perceived threats to regional stability, and assert influence in national politics. Amidst the chaos of the Tigray War, Fano saw an opportunity to assert its relevance and secure its position in Ethiopia's political landscape. Despite its pivotal role in the conflict, Fano found itself marginalized and excluded from the subsequent peace negotiations that led to the accord in 2022. Concerns about Fano's assertiveness, its potential to disrupt the fragile peace, and its uncompromising stance on certain issues likely influenced the decision to exclude it from the negotiations. Additionally, political calculations and power dynamics at play during the peace talks may have led to Fano being sidelined in favor of more accommodating or established actors.

Fano’s exclusion, coupled with subsequent federal actions against Fano affiliates, sowed the seeds of discontent and ultimately led to the eruption of violence in the Amhara region. The conflict between Fano and the Ethiopian government has deep roots, extending beyond the immediate aftermath of the peace agreement with the TPLF. The Amhara people, feeling marginalized and betrayed by the government's actions, have vocally opposed the crackdown on Fano and cited historical land disputes as well as concerns over diminishing regional autonomy. Tensions have been exacerbated by other regional conflicts in Ethiopia, such as the intensification of the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) insurgency following the November 2022 peace agreement. The OLA's involvement has resulted in massacres of Amharas in the Oromia Region, further fueling resentment and heightening the sense of insecurity among the Amhara population.

The decision made last April by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's administration to dismantle regional forces further exacerbated tensions, triggering protests among Amhara nationalists. The atrocities committed against civilians in places like Merawi highlight the urgency of addressing the situation. The international community, including the United States, has called for independent investigations and urged all parties to engage in dialogue to find a peaceful resolution. However, a comprehensive understanding of the situation requires consideration of the reactions from internal Ethiopian actors such as political parties and other ethnic militias, as well as regional actors like the African Union (AU), and both allies and adversaries of Ethiopia. However, achieving lasting peace will require more than just international intervention. It demands meaningful engagement from internal Ethiopian actors, including political parties, ethnic militias, and regional stakeholders, as well as a commitment to inclusive dialogue and  reconciliation.