Kidnappings of Truck Drivers Soar in Ethiopia’s Amhara Region
A surge in kidnappings of heavy truck drivers has gripped Ethiopia’s Amhara region, with over 30 drivers taken by unknown individuals in the past two weeks alone. The Tana Heavy Vehicle Drivers Association attributes this alarming rise to growing insecurity and a lack of accountability for armed groups, amidst the ongoing conflict between federal forces and Fano militias.
According to a senior member of the Association, who spoke on condition of anonymity, kidnappings of drivers began in 2017 but have worsened recently. "Because the perpetrators are not held accountable and no effective control is in place, kidnapping has become a risk-free occupation," he said. The official identified the route from Checheho via Gayint and Debre Tabor to Woreta junction as a "dangerous corridor," where drivers are frequently targeted.
The situation has become so dire that drivers are forced to take drastic measures to ensure their safety. "We used to leave around 8:30 PM and drive through the night," said a truck driver who transports goods to Djibouti. "But now the checkpoints are closed by midnight, and night travel is no longer possible." He added, "Our lives are at risk because of the kidnappings happening every day. We are asking the government to take action."
Solomon Zewdu, Executive Manager of the Ethiopian Heavy Vehicle Drivers Association, noted that driver safety is more stable in areas with a government security presence, such as Afar, Somali, and parts of Oromia. However, he said the situation in Amhara has deteriorated over the past two years, with routes like Gayint-Debre Tabor-Woreta and parts of North and South Gondar becoming danger zones.
The Association is currently in negotiations with government bodies to find a resolution, and in the meantime, is advising drivers not to travel at night and to move in groups. While incidents in certain areas have decreased due to cooperation with federal security forces, the overall situation remains precarious. As one official noted, "Timely transport of goods is very important, but the current situation, where drivers cannot move freely and at convenient times, has caused what we consider a collapse of the transport sector."
The Amhara region has faced multiple crises since the outbreak of the ongoing conflict in August 2023, including the destruction of social and economic institutions, mass killings, displacement, food shortages, and disruptions to essential services. The recent surge in kidnappings of truck drivers is just the latest symptom of a broader crisis that demands urgent attention and action from the government and international community. As the situation continues to deteriorate, one thing is clear: the safety and livelihoods of Ethiopia’s truck drivers hang in the balance.