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Press Statement from the Amhara Fano in Wollo
Call for Protection of Civilians in the Abiy Regime's Genocidal War on Amhara People
July 18, 2024
We as Amhara Fano in Wollo strongly condemn ongoing targeting of civilian populations by forces of the Abiy Ahmed led Oromo Prosperity Party regime and call on the international community to unequivocally condemn these heinous attacks and stand not with the authoritarian regime but with the victimized Amhara people who are fighting for survival.
Last Friday (July 12th), Abiy regime forces launched an attack on our troops in Guba-Lafto Woreda recklessly using heavy weapons, including long-range artillery which resulted in the deaths of many unarmed civilians. Among the victims were young children, women, and seniors. One artillery shell struck a house, killing five people inside, four of whom were members of a single family.
We have come to learn that incidents like this one are attributed to fighting between our forces and those of the regime by some observers. However the truth is when the regime’s forces face defeat on the battlefield, they often turn their guns on innocent civilians. And unfortunately, the regime often takes to media to spread its propaganda misinforming the public. For example, in a recent report published by VOA Amharic on July 16th a local regime official was quoted blaming the presence of our forces near civilians for killings of civilians in Guba-Lafto. It is regrettable the organisation did not make an attempt to contact us because in truth the regime official’s claim is entirely false. Since the onset of the genocidal war on the Amhara people over 14 months ago, our forces have consistently demonstrated restraint and strict adherence to international humanitarian law and conventions. In stark contrast, the Abiy regime’s forces have deliberately targeted unarmed civilians, as documented by various human rights organisations including the OHCHR. For our people, these atrocities are a daily lived reality and that is why we urge the international media and journalists to accurately report these atrocities.
In principle, we, as Amhara Fano in Wollo, firmly believe civilians must be protected and that is why we call on international partners to swiftly condemn the Abiy regime’s war crimes against the Amhara people and to pursue independent investigations to promote justice and accountability. We are fully prepared to cooperate with international partners in conducting these investigations and in facilitating delivery of humanitarian relief to those in need. As Amhara Fano, we are fighting for the survival of our people and to promote democracy, freedom and equality to Ethiopia so that all citizens can live with their fundamental human rights respected and with basic human dignity.
Henok Addissie Mekonen
Head of Political Affairs, Amhara Fano in Wollo
Abebe Fentaw
Head of Public Relations, Amhara Fano in Wollo
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