The Ethiopian House of People’s Representatives has voted in favor of the state of emergency declared by the federal government in response to the ongoing violence in the Amhara region. The declaration comes after clashes between the Ethiopian army and a local militia known as Fano erupted, following months of mounting tensions.
According to Tesfaye Beljige, the Government Chief Whip, the state of emergency is necessary to address the related peace and security issues that have disrupted the constitutional order and pose a threat to the country’s sovereignty, public peace, and safety.
In a recent development, an airstrike in the town of Finote Selam in the Amhara region has resulted in the death of at least 26 people. The strike, which took place on Sunday, is the most severe incident since the clashes began. The victims, who were either participating in a market or wearing traditional Sunday clothing, ranged from a 13-year-old child to the elderly.
A hospital official, who experienced the blast firsthand, mentioned that more than 40 of the 55 injured patients received were in critical condition. The official also revealed that the explosion was believed to be caused by a drone strike, although the exact details remain unclear. Meanwhile, a resident who arrived shortly after the strike described scenes of devastation, with dead bodies scattered around a completely destroyed freight vehicle. The resident reported hearing the sound of an aircraft before the attack occurred.
It is important to note that the town of Finote Selam was under the control of Fano at the time of the strike, but the Ethiopian army has since arrived to take control.
In response to the escalating violence in the region, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government imposed a six-month state of emergency across Amhara on August 4. While the violence has decreased in recent days, with some cities being placed under curfew, concerns regarding the stability of the country persist. This unrest has reignited fears following a peace deal earlier this year that ended a two-year conflict in the neighboring Tigray region.
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has expressed grave concern over the violent clashes in Amhara and has condemned the wave of arrests targeting ethnic Amharas. The EHRC reported that heavy artillery has been used, resulting in civilian casualties. Although no official casualty figures have been released, doctors in affected cities have reported numerous civilian deaths and injuries.
The EHRC further highlighted credible reports of strikes targeting civilians in three towns, including Finote Selam. While the army has regained control of the main towns in Amhara, the EHRC emphasizes that the fighting is ongoing in other parts of the region, underscoring the need for a sustainable solution.
As Ethiopia grapples with these challenges, the situation in Amhara remains a cause for concern, and efforts to restore peace and stability in the region are of paramount importance.
[ African news/Jide Johnson]
