Disclaimer: This is an English translation of an VOA Amharic and is intended solely for information purposes.
Residents blame the ENDF for killings of civilians after the gunfire exchange ended
November 1, 2023 (Tikimit 21, 2016 EC)
Mesfin Aragae
Over the past three days, fighting has been underway between the ENDF and Fano militants in Merawi town of West Gojjam Zone and Efratana Gidim Woreda of North Shewa Zone in Amhara Region, during which civilians have been killed.
The gunfire exchanges in both areas have continued through today according to sources.
One resident of Ataye town who makes a living doing business blamed the ENDF, saying after the gunfire exchange stopped, (the army) killed civilians.
Up to now there has been no official response from the government on the matter however the Ministry of Defense Eastern Command Lieutenant General Mehamed Tessema had carried out a public meeting with residents of Debre Markos city weeks ago in which he threatened anyone moving in the city outside of ENDF soldiers would be killed.
On another side, the source from Merawi town said the heavy artillery shelling had resulted in more civilian casualties than the gunfire exchange.
The day before yesterday on October 30, 2023 (Tikimit 19, 2016 EC), the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission issued a press release regarding the conflict in the region which had lasted months and mentioned:- people being killed by drones, government security forces carrying out extrajudicial killings accusing people of supporting Fano militants, attacks against government officials, and abductions.
