The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has decried the surge in civilian deaths in Ethiopia’s Amhara region amid ongoing conflict between government security forces and rebel “Fano’ forces.
In its annual report released on Monday, the EHRC claimed that government forces carried out extrajudicial killings against civilians accused of supporting or being affiliated with Fano insurgents by saying, “You support or hide them.”
Similarly, the report also indicated that Fano fighters, acting in retaliation, alleging the civilians of showing paths of the localities to the national defense and portraying them as “betraying their people”, committed killings against civilians.
In the Awii Zone, Wanjela Kebele, on the night of June 12, 2024, the EHRC reported that government forces killed five people following a clash between them and Fano fighters.
On June 24, 2024, in Adet town, North Gojjam Zone, non-combatant civilians were killed in a clash between Fano and government forces. The EHRC reported that three Fano members, previously detained in a camp by government forces for over three months, were also executed.
On June 26, 2024, Fano members reportedly killed at least eight militia and local administration members in militia and riot control forces
The report further revealed that Fano members in Gonzer, Qwara District, abducted 23 civilians from Abtegahe Kebele and took them to Teodros town. Upon return, they reportedly executed several individuals, it added.
In Shola Meda, near Debre Sina, North Shewa Zone, on June 26, 2024, at least 15 people were killed during a confrontation between Fano and government forces, the statement said.
In North Wollo Zone, Guba Lafto District, on July 12, 2024, EHRC documented that seven civilians were killed by government firepower during conflict in Wudme Kebele.
On July 22, 2024, Fano members abducted 17 local residents from South Mecha District, North Gojjam Zone. By the following day, four were found executed, and the remaining were released after ransom payments.
In Enabse Sar Midir District, East Gojjam Zone, three people—one Fano member and his two brothers—were killed by government forces on July 26, 2024.
The report further stated the killings of more than two hundred civilians in different places of the region both by government and Fano forces.
MG/as/APA