Deadly Airstrike Targets Town Square in Ethiopia’s Amhara Region, Leaving 26 Dead

A devastating airstrike on a bustling town square in Ethiopia’s Amhara region has resulted in the deaths of at least 26 people, marking the latest instance of violence in the country’s second-largest state. The attack took place in the early hours of Sunday morning in Finote Selam, a town located in Amhara’s West Gojjam zone, according to a local doctor who spoke to The Guardian.

The exact number of civilian casualties remains unclear. While residents claim that the attack specifically targeted members of the Fano ethnic militia who had gathered in the town center, they also reported that several innocent bystanders were caught in the crossfire. Hospital officials have confirmed that 26 people lost their lives, with at least 50 others sustaining injuries. This incident ranks among the deadliest single episodes of violence since the outbreak of clashes in Amhara in early August.

The Fano militia has taken control of multiple towns across Amhara, sparking concerns of a potential war in northern Ethiopia. This comes just nine months after a ceasefire ended a brutal two-year conflict in the neighboring Tigray region. The militia’s actions have included freeing prisoners, vandalizing government offices, and looting weapons from police stations. In response, the government declared a state of emergency and shut down internet access.

Tanks have been deployed in major towns, including the regional capital of Bahir Dar, and artillery has been used in civilian neighborhoods. Security forces have also fired upon individuals blocking roads, although the authorities have not disclosed the number of civilian casualties resulting from these actions.

Following a week of intense fighting, the government announced on Wednesday that it had regained control of Amhara’s towns and pledged to restore services. However, there are concerns that the Fano militia may now resort to guerrilla warfare tactics. Clashes continue to be reported in some rural areas.

Amhara forces previously fought alongside federal troops in the Tigray conflict, capturing several disputed territories. However, the relationship deteriorated in April when the government announced plans to integrate regional forces into the military. The Amhara, Ethiopia’s second-largest ethnic group, argue that their voices were not adequately represented in the peace agreement that ended the conflict. They fear that the territories they fought hard to secure may be returned to Tigray.

In late April, unidentified gunmen, believed to be members of the Fano militia, assassinated the head of the local branch of the ruling Prosperity party. In June, the government claimed to have killed 200 “extremists” during a shootout at a remote monastery, with activists alleging that clergy were among the casualties.

The recent unrest has prompted Ethiopian Airlines, the state carrier, to suspend flights, and foreign governments have advised their citizens to take shelter as regional government officials and members of parliament flee the violence.

On Friday, the United Kingdom, the United States, and other countries expressed concern over the escalating violence and called for a peaceful resolution. The World Health Organization and Save the Children have warned that the ongoing violence is disrupting humanitarian operations in Amhara.

Ethiopia’s parliament was scheduled to vote on the state of emergency on Monday. The measures outlined in the state of emergency include a ban on public gatherings and granting the police the authority to detain suspects without a court order.

The state-appointed human rights commission announced on Monday that it has received credible reports of civilian deaths this month. Additionally, it stated that there have been “widespread arrests of civilians who are of ethnic Amhara origin” under the emergency rules in the capital city of Addis Ababa. However, the authorities have denied allegations of mass arrests, asserting that only 23 individuals, including a prominent opposition politician, have been detained in Addis Ababa under the state of emergency.

What are the main concerns of the protesters in Amhara regarding the formation of a unified national army?

Nto a unified national army. This decision sparked protests in Amhara, with many fearing that it would lead to the loss of their regional autonomy.

The recent surge in violence is seen as a manifestation of these tensions between the federal government and the Amhara region. The Fano militia, which is primarily composed of ethnic Amharas, has been at the forefront of this conflict. They view themselves as protectors of Amhara interests and have been demanding greater autonomy and recognition.

The Ethiopian government has accused the Fano militia of inciting ethnic violence and destabilizing the country. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has vowed to take decisive action to restore order and unity. He has called on regional forces to lay down their arms and join the national army, warning that those who refuse will face the consequences.

The international community has expressed concern over the deteriorating situation in Ethiopia. The United Nations has called for an immediate end to the violence and for all parties to engage in dialogue to resolve the underlying issues. The African Union has also condemned the attack in Finote Selam and called for an end to the fighting.

The conflict in Amhara has further complicated Ethiopia’s already precarious security situation. The country has been grappling with multiple conflicts in recent years, including the Tigray conflict, intercommunal violence in other regions, and an ongoing insurgency in the Oromia region. The latest violence in Amhara adds to these challenges and raises fears of further instability and displacement.

As the situation continues to deteriorate, the humanitarian consequences are becoming increasingly dire. Thousands of people have been displaced and are in urgent need of aid. Human rights organizations have raised concerns about the safety and well-being of civilians caught in the crossfire.

It is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize dialogue, reconciliation, and finding peaceful solutions to the underlying issues at stake. Without a comprehensive and inclusive approach to addressing the grievances of different ethnic groups and regions, the cycle of violence in Ethiopia is likely to continue, with devastating consequences for the country and its people.