Concern over post-election patterns of genocidal violence in Amhara Region and surrounding areas of Ethiopia
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Statement from the Amhara Association of America (AAA)
Concern over post-election patterns of genocidal violence in Amhara Region and surrounding areas of Ethiopia
July 10, 2026 (Hamle 3, 2018 EC)
Overview
The Amhara Association of America (AAA) expresses concern over the continuation of genocidal violence against Amhara communities by the armed forces of the Abiy Ahmed led Oromo Prosperity Party (OPP) regime and its allies in Ethiopia. Prior to the June 2026 national election, AAA issued a similar statement drawing attention to longstanding patterns of gross human rights violations against ethnic Amhara communities and followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC). The previously described patterns of abuses continued throughout the month of June 2026 in parallel to the national election and continued unabated after the election period. The renewed electoral mandate is expected to worsen not improve the worsening state of insecurity and impunity observed throughout Ethiopia.
Patterns of attacks and mistreatment of civilians
In June 2026 AAA recorded 62 human rights violation incidents resulting in 495 civilians victimized including 112 killed, 134 injured, and three cases of sexual violence. These incidents occurred across 43 district and 15 zonal administrations in the Amhara and Oromia Regions with the majority of incidents implicating state actors at the federal and regional levels. State actors operated in conjunction with irregular armed actors including Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) militants in eastern Amhara and parts of Oromia Region, and the Tigray Peace Force (TPF) in northeastern Amhara.
As an example, between May 31st and June 3rd, OLA militants carried out a series of attacks on residents of Aseko district in East Arsi Zone leaving dozens killed, hundreds missing, thousands displaced and destruction to residential houses and multiple sites of worship. On June 12th, TPF shelled Hamusit town of Sekota-Zuriya district (Wag-Hemra Zone) leaving six killed and 15 wounded. According to media reports, in recent weeks OLA militants in collusion with regional military and political officials have carried out widespread attacks on Amhara communities across Dera district of North Shewa Zone. According to media reports, these attacks have left more than 45 civilians killed, 63 residential houses set on fire and numerous livestock looted across 17 kebeles. In areas occupied by armed Tigrayan settlers affiliated to the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) in the Raya territory, religious-based persecution has continued with routine killings, physical assaults, abductions and harassment targeting religious figures affiliated with the EOTC.
Over this period, AAA recorded eight aerial strikes resulting in more than a dozen civilian casualties and multiple schools destroyed across five district and three zonal administrations in Amhara and Oromia Regions. The majority of attacks were concentrated in districts in East Wollega Zone where state actors have carried out frequent attacks on Amhara communities.
Intensified arbitrary detentions, abductions of families including minors and forced conscription
In June 2026, AAA recorded 19 incidents involving 155 abductions and 91 detentions across 15 district and 10 zonal administrations in the Amhara and Oromia Regions with incidents implicating state actors and other armed groups including OLA militants.
In June 2026, state forces intensified abductions of entire families under allegation of familial relation to Fano personnel. For example, on June 10th state forces abducted five family members including two young children in Bahir-Dar City. On June 24th another incident involved state forces abducting more than 11 residents of Were-Ilu town (South Wollo Zone) and similarly, on June 29th, state forces abducted at least four family members in Mehal-Wonz Kebele of Ankober district (North Shewa Zone). Among the identified victims were: Woizero Yimaledu Shewan Tamire (a mother), Ato Minda Belayneh (her son), Ato Shimelis Belayneh (her other son); and Ato Mulatu Bekele (another relative).
In areas of Oromia Region situated between Addis-Ababa City and the Amhara Region, identity-based attacks have continued against Amhara communities. For example, between June 13th and 22nd alone, OLA militants abducted 144 residents in separate incidents in Dera district (North Shewa Zone). Similar reports have also emerged from other districts of the zone such as Were-Jarso, where OLA militants have continued frequent attacks on public transportation vehicles targeting passengers and drivers, which have been subject to killings and abductions for ransom. These attacks have occurred often near state forces which have failed to intervene during active attacks or take meaningful or effective preventative measures.
In areas of the Raya territory under occupation by TPLF forces, residents have experienced widespread arbitrary detentions and abductions. These actions have been supported by the Tigrayan military settler administration and the Menbere-Selama, a religious splinter group guided by Tigrayan nationalist ideology. While a significant number of incidents involved detentions targeting religious figures affiliated with the EOTC Raya Diocese, more broadly ethnic Amhara residents have faced abductions associated with ongoing forced military conscription efforts. Such detentions and abductions have been recorded in Alamata City, Raya-Alamata, Raya-Bala, Korem, Ofla, and surrounding areas.
Following identity-based violence in East Arsi Zone earlier in the month, state actors carried out sweeping arrests targeting religious figures and proponents of religious freedom which called for justice and accountability for victims of violence and followers of the EOTC. Between June 7th and 10th, state forces arrested numerous individuals across Gonder and Addis-Ababa cities. For example, on June 8th, state forces detained journalist Salsawit Baynesagn from her residence in Addis-Ababa City following posts on her personal social media. After nearly two weeks in detention, she was reportedly released. Other detained individuals included Zemene Habtu, Merigetta Betremaryam Abebaw, Deacon Zelalem Taye, and Deacon Beni Ze Cherkos.
Repression post-elections and dialogue rhetoric
As forewarned a free, fair and credible election did not take place in Ethiopia as significant segments of the population were subjected to insecurity and humanitarian crises. While voting did not take part throughout the majority of Amhara Region and surrounding areas, in select areas residents were forced to accept ballots through use of violence, coercion, extortion (including threats of inordinate fines), threats of termination from employment and other illicit means. This occurred in the context of an uncontested election in which political opposition figures faced deadly violence, detention, and persecution. For example, the case of thousands of political prisoners including parliamentarians, opposition figures, civil society leaders, independent journalists and others – is testament to the lack of freedom of expression, civic engagement and media.
In relation, the regime has introduced national agendas through the Ethiopian National Dialogue Commission (ENDC). It is noteworthy that more than two years ago civic organizations worldwide denounced the ENDC and the then sham national dialogue process for reasons that remain relevant today.
Recommendations
AAA continues to call on influential nations, international agencies and human rights organizations to join in condemning emerging patterns of human rights violations in Ethiopia, including direct condemnation of the OPP regime and allied groups. Further, AAA calls on international partner nations and monetary institutions to cease any and all monetary assistance which may be directed towards the procurement of military equipment to be used to commit further abuses. Additionally, partners are urged to utilize diplomatic tools such as targeted sanctions to encourage respect for human rights, and promote peace and stability within Ethiopia.
