Ethiopia has once again found itself mired in controversy as allegations surface of a brutal massacre perpetrated by government security forces, resulting in the deaths of at least 45 civilians in the Amhara state in late January. The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC), an independent entity with state affiliation, revealed these harrowing findings, shedding light on yet another tragic chapter in the country’s ongoing internal conflicts.
In a damning statement issued on Tuesday, the EHRC confirmed the identities of the victims, emphasizing that they were extrajudicially killed by government security forces under the pretext of purportedly ‘supporting Fano,’ an ethnic Amhara militia group. The EHRC’s report starkly underscores the brutality of the massacre, cautioning that the actual death toll may be even higher than officially reported.
The massacre, which unfolded in the town of Merawi, follows months of escalating tensions between Ethiopia’s military and the Fano militia, characterized by sporadic clashes and violence. Last year’s confrontations culminated in the imposition of a state of emergency by the federal government in August, a measure recently extended by lawmakers for an additional four months.
International concern over the atrocities in Merawi has mounted, with the United States expressing deep apprehension over reports of targeted civilian killings and calling for an impartial investigation into the matter. The alarming escalation of violence in Amhara state has reignited fears regarding the stability of Ethiopia, casting a shadow over the country’s efforts to achieve peace following the signing of a peace agreement in November 2022 to resolve the protracted conflict in the neighboring Tigray region.
The tensions in Amhara stem from complex dynamics, including the fractious relationship between regional forces and the federal government. While Amhara forces initially aligned with federal troops against Tigrayan rebels, discord emerged when Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government initiated the dismantling of state paramilitaries nationwide. This move, perceived as a threat to Amhara’s regional autonomy, sparked vehement opposition and protests from Amhara nationalists.
In a troubling development, the EHRC previously accused federal government forces of perpetrating extrajudicial killings and engaging in mass arbitrary detentions in Amhara and other regions. The continued reports of human rights violations underscore the pressing need for comprehensive measures to address the root causes of conflict and promote reconciliation in Ethiopia.
As Ethiopia grapples with the aftermath of yet another tragedy, there is an urgent imperative for accountability, justice, and a concerted effort to foster dialogue and healing. The international community must remain vigilant in monitoring the situation and providing support to facilitate a peaceful resolution to Ethiopia’s protracted internal conflicts.
