A recent report by the Amhara Association of America (AAA) provides a detailed account of widespread human rights violations and violence in Ethiopia’s Amhara region and neighboring areas, covering the period between August 2023 and August 2024. The report documents a series of abuses, which have severely impacted civilians, with over 3,200 casualties and significant damage to infrastructure and essential services.
Civilian Casualties and Violent Incidents
According to the AAA, a total of 3,283 civilian casualties were recorded, with 2,592 individuals killed and 691 injured in over 200 incidents, including drone attacks. These incidents spanned across 16 administrative zones and cities in both the Amhara and Oromia regions. The report highlights North Shewa and South Gonder as the most affected areas within the Amhara region.
Perpetrators and Nature of Violations
The report attributes the majority of the human rights violations to state forces, primarily the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF). It details how these forces, in collaboration with regional militias and police units, were responsible for widespread violence outside of active conflict zones. In addition, armed non-state actors, such as the Oromo Liberation Front/Army (OLF/A), also played a role in various attacks. The AAA asserts that these groups often coordinated their assaults, resulting in numerous civilian deaths and injuries.
Aside from killings, the report underscores other forms of violence, including sexual assaults, looting, and destruction of both private and public property. A notable tactic mentioned is the use of telecommunications blackouts, especially in the Amhara region, which hindered communication and reporting of ongoing violations.
Impact on Infrastructure and Essential Services
The human toll is compounded by significant damage to infrastructure, particularly educational and healthcare facilities. Over 4,000 schools have been closed, leaving more than 4.1 million children out of school in the Amhara region. The disruption of humanitarian aid has exacerbated the situation, with approximately two million Amharas in urgent need of assistance. The report indicates that several individuals have already died due to starvation.
Broader Implications and Unreported Atrocities
The AAA’s findings suggest that these violations amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. It highlights a lack of international attention and underreporting by global media outlets and human rights organizations, calling for greater awareness and accountability. The report also notes that the ethnic-based violence and discrimination against Amharas have expanded to regions where they are the majority, including the capital, Addis Ababa.
As Ethiopia grapples with these ongoing conflicts, the AAA continues to push for international attention, hoping to hold perpetrators accountable and provide justice for the victims. The findings in this report offer a grim reminder of the toll of violence on civilians and the need for urgent humanitarian and diplomatic intervention to prevent further escalation.
The AAA, based in Charlotte, North Carolina, is a non-profit organization dedicated to investigating human rights violations in Ethiopia, with the hope of informing international policymakers and promoting justice for affected communities.
For more details, the full report can be accessed through the Amhara Association of America’s website or social media platforms.
