AFNM Statement on Civilian Massacres and Communications Blackout Amid Escalating State-Led Attacks in Amhara Region
- AAA-admin
- 6 minutes ago
- 2 min read
Disclaimer: AAA is a U.S. based NGO that documents human rights violations in the context of conflict, violence and political repression. One of AAA's core activities is also to educate policymakers, journalists, researchers and other stakeholders with up-to-date information on developments in Ethiopia. AAA does not endorse any political parties or organizations based in the U.S. or Ethiopia.
DATE: February 8, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Urgent Alert: Civilian Massacres and Communications Blackout Amid Escalating State-Led Attacks in Amhara Region
ISSUED BY: Amhara Fano National Movement (AFNM)
[AMHARA REGION, ETHIOPIA] — The Prosperity Party regime has significantly escalated its campaign of violence against the Amhara people. Following months of socio-economic strangulation through the blockade of major arterial roads, the regime is now deploying heavy artillery, drones, and mechanized infantry to conduct systematic massacres against unarmed civilians.
The Massacre in South Wollo (Wogedi District):
Beginning February 3, 2026 (Ter 26, 2018), the 11th Command under the leadership of General Admasu Alemu and General Zewdu Setarge alongside the Republican Guard, launched a brutal offensive across several kebeles in the Wogedi District, South Wollo Zone. Utilizing drones, BM rocket launchers, and heavy artillery, the regime has extrajudicially killed over 100 civilians, resulting in further civilian casualties and the total destruction of over 40 homes. In one harrowing instance, an entire family of six was slaughtered inside their home.
Targeted Attacks in North Shewa and East Gojjam:
Simultaneously, regime forces launched indiscriminate strikes using heavy weaponry in the Efrata and Gidim districts of the North Shewa Zone. This assault resulted in the deaths of 20+ civilians, the widespread destruction of residential property, and the systematic looting of livestock. Furthermore, in the Shebel Berenta district of East Gojjam, the regime shelled farming villages where no active combat was occurring.
A Strategy of Silence: The Communications Blackout:
To facilitate these atrocities and evade international scrutiny, the regime has enforced a total shutdown of telecommunications and internet services across the border areas of North Shewa, East Gojjam, and South Wollo. This deliberate communications blackout is a strategic precursor to further war crimes, designed to prevent the international community from witnessing the atrocities being perpetrated against the Amhara people.
A Call to Global Action:
The AFNM formally condemns these blatant violations of International Humanitarian Law and the Geneva Conventions, which mandate the protection of non-combatants during conflict. The regime's actions have surpassed political conflict and transitioned into state-sponsored ethnic cleansing.
We urgently call upon the African Union (AU), the United Nations (UN), international human rights organizations, and the global diplomatic community to:
Condemn these targeted war crimes and the use of heavy weaponry against civilian populations.
Demand an immediate end to the communications blackout and the restoration of humanitarian access.
Investigate the individuals within the military command hierarchy responsible for these extrajudicial killings.
The Amhara Fano National Movement remains steadfast in defending our people against this existential threat. We call upon all Amhara to remain vigilant, united, and resolute in the struggle for survival and justice.
Amhara Fano National Movement (AFNM)
