The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has released a statement detailing the human rights abuses that have been taking place in the Amhara region of Ethiopia in connection with the ongoing armed conflict.
The EHRC has confirmed that there have been numerous instances of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and rape perpetrated by both government security forces and the Fano armed group. Civilians have also been killed and injured in the fighting, and many have been forced to flee their homes.
The EHRC has documented the following specific examples of human rights abuses:
- Drone attacks: On October 5, 2016, a drone attack in Berehet District, North Showa Zone, killed a number of civilians, including a one-year-old-seven-month-old baby. On October 8, 2016, at least 8 civilians were killed in a drone strike in Debre Markos city.
- Extrajudicial killings: On September 29 and 30, 2023, many civilians were killed in the Bahir Dar Sebatamit area, including three brothers. On September 29, 2023, other civilians were killed in Adet City, North Gojam Zone, including 12 model students living in Filseta Debre Mariam. On October 14, 2023, at least 8 civilians were killed during house-to-house searches in Emmanuel City, East Gojam Zone.
- Arbitrary arrests: The EHRC has received reliable information that government security forces have been conducting street and house-to-house searches and arresting civilians on arbitrary grounds, such as “You support Fano” or “You will give information to Fano.”
- Rape: The EHRC has received reports of rape perpetrated by both government security forces and the Fano armed group. The EHRC has also stated that the number of rape victims is likely to be higher than the number of cases that have been reported, as many victims are afraid to come forward.
The EHRC has called for an immediate ceasefire and for all parties to the conflict to respect the human rights of civilians. The EHRC has also called on the Ethiopian government to investigate the human rights abuses that have been committed and to bring those responsible to justice.
In addition to the abuses listed above, the EHRC has also reported that:
- Schools have been closed and used for military purposes.
- Civilians have been robbed and their property has been destroyed.
- Internet and telephone services have been suspended in many areas.
The EHRC has urged the Ethiopian government to take all necessary steps to protect the human rights of civilians in the Amhara region.
Mengistu used to test his new military hardware on our Eritrean brothers and sisters in the 1970’s and 80’s that led to the hardening of their desire to secede. What I hear now is the current government using the latest lethal weapon of death and destruction killing innocent civilians in the process. I have to be very apprehensive here when I call out the regime side in my complaints here. By any means, it does not mean to justify the banditry both in Western Wallagaa and Amhara regions. In both regions there is no compelling issue to raise arms. None! Those few here among us and there in the old country who have been scheming and dreaming to yank away a territory to create their personal fiefdom called ‘The Republic of Oromia’, such dumb dream will remain just as such hovering the skies of La La Land in some far away galaxy. Those who also dream to whip up a new Ethiopia based on their warped ambition ala murderous Tedros or John IV, is gonna remain another unfulfilled dream till the cows come home, which means fat chance.
Dear level head countrymen and women everywhere!
Those upright people who produced us all have been denied to live in peace and stability since 1974. They have been victimized by despotic rulers in cities and towns and armed bullies in the countryside. When we all think the end to their predicament is at hand, it has always been déjà vu, back to being abused by bullies and despots. It is now the time to come out in unison and pressure both the government and those aimlessly wandering in the bushes to come to the round table and sort things out to deliver peace and stability to innocent civilians. That Amhara individual victimized in these stupid conflicts is the brother and sister of all of us. That Oromo individual who is being victimized by bullies and despots is the brother and sister of all of us. This carnage can not just go on!!!
I repeat! The Republic of Oromia dreamt by connivers and hooligans will never come to fruition. On the other hand to recreate a new Ethiopia ala the bloodthirsty and mass murderers Tedros and John IV ain’t gonna happen either. You can stand the upright and harmonious people of that country at the gates of hell, but it will not happen. You hear me? It shall never happen! Never, never, never!!! I gave up!!!