AAA Report - April 26, 2023

Report on killings and injuries by Oromo ENDF in Merawi town (North Mecha Woreda, West Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region) on April 10, 2023

Original version published on April 26, 2023, correction made on May 26, 2023 to correct discrepancy in a victim's name.

Executive Summary

As of Sunday, April 9, 2023, the Oromo Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) were largely present in Merawi town of North Mecha Woreda (West Gojjam Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia). A number of ENDF infantry convoys also arrived in Merawi on April 10, 2023, reportedly to pursue members of the Amhara Special Forces (ASF) in nearby areas as youth were preparing to continue protest that had started the day before, according to witnesses. As the situation became more tense, the town’s elders swiftly convened and counseled the ENDF officials to abandon their purpose of pursuing the members and let the youths’ voices be heard. When the ENDF infantry persisted in carrying out its objective to pursue the ASF in the area and disperse the gatherers, the negotiation ended up coming to an impasse. Then the residents of the town assembled to protest, and the ENDF started shooting at them, killing and injuring unarmed protestors and anyone else who happened to be on the streets. The Amhara Association of America (AAA) was able to verify the deaths of three civilians and the physical injuries of another 21 individuals by name.

Introduction

Since early April