Addis Ababa — The security situation in the Amhara region is changing rapidly as civilians in several cities have staged protests against the government’s plan to dissolve the controversial regional special forces and reorganize them into regular regional and federal police, as well as the national army. Clashes have erupted between government security forces and civilians, and between members of the regional special forces and the national army, according to residents.
In Kobo town, located in the North Wollo zone, residents told Addis Standard that artillery fire was heard on Sunday night. Reuters reported that members of the Amhara special forces fired weapons into the sky all night in defiance of the decision, following massive protests in Gondar. The opposition National Movement of Amhara (NaMA) also claimed that heavy weapons were used in Raya Kobo and urged an immediate halt.
Protests were reported in at least seven major cities of the region, including the capital Bahir Dar, Gondar, Dessie, and Woldia. Demonstrators blocked many city entrances and exits. After the large protest in Gondar, the city’s security command post imposed twelve restrictions, such as a ban on bars and nightclubs after 9:00 PM, and a prohibition on three‑wheel vehicles (bajaj) from operating between 2:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Additional bans included carrying firearms outside authorized security forces, possessing sharp weapons like knives and spears, and obstructing law‑enforcement efforts by shielding suspects or providing false information.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) reiterated yesterday that the reorganization of the regional special forces will be carried out “at any cost,” despite ongoing protests across the Amhara region. Yelikal Kefale (PhD), president of the Amhara Regional State, said the decision has the support of both federal and regional administrations and will be implemented nationwide, adding that there was no explicit decision to disarm and disband the special forces in Amhara.
On April 7, the Amhara regional government issued a statement calling on special‑force members to return to their camps or assigned workplaces and remain calm while the reorganization proceeds. The statement responded to reports of discontent among the forces after the plan to integrate them into regular police and the national army was announced. It assured that the regional government would not implement any decision that violates the rights and interests of the people, and urged residents to stay away from “false allegations” that disturb both civilians and special‑force members.
Two days earlier, General Abebaw Tadesse, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces, clarified that the move was not intended to disarm or dismantle the forces, but to reorganize and reform them in accordance with the constitution—a process that has been underway for four years.
Opposition reactions have been swift. Following last week’s announcement, the political parties NaMA and Balderas declared they would oppose the decision. NaMA’s statement urged the ruling party to reverse the decision immediately and consult with the Amhara government and people, warning that the sudden security changes could leave vulnerable areas exposed to attack and jeopardize long‑term peace. Balderas for True Democracy called the action unacceptable given the timing and current regional situation, despite acknowledging that integrating local forces into a centralized army is generally recommended. It urged the Amhara administration to reject the disarmament plan, which it says endangers the Amhara people.
Conversely, Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice (Ezema) supported the federal government’s move, describing it as an “acceptable action” albeit delayed, and stating there should be no question about its appropriateness.
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