Statement from the Amhara Fano National Force East Amhara Qetena (Menelik Command) on protection of civilians including humanitarian workers
- AAA-admin
- Jun 30
- 2 min read
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A call for protection of civilians including humanitarian workers in the Abiy regime’s genocidal war on the Amhara people of Ethiopia
June 30, 2025 (Sene 23, 2017 E.C.)
We, the Amhara Fano National Force (AFNF) East Amhara Qetena (Menelik Command), are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic killing of a humanitarian worker in North Wollo Zone of Amhara Region in Ethiopia. According to a statement issued by the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for Ethiopia, Ms. Mahelet Sitotaw Abera was killed during an armed engagement in Angot district on June 20, 2025. On behalf of the AFNF Menelik Command and our counterparts across the region, we wish to make it absolutely clear that our forces had no involvement in this tragic incident. We unequivocally condemn all acts of violence against civilians, including humanitarian personnel, and call for a swift, transparent investigation by international human rights organizations to ensure justice and accountability for the perpetrators. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the late Ms. Sitotaw during this time of grief.
This week marks 26 months since the Abiy Ahmed led Oromo Prosperity Party regime began its genocidal war on the Amhara people of Ethiopia. From the outset of this war, our armed forces have exercised maximal discipline and restraint to ensure our operations are directed only to legitimate military targets and to ensuring protection of civilians. In contrast, the armed forces of Abiy Ahmed and Birhanu Jula have shown extreme impunity towards civilians through indiscriminate use of heavy artillery, drone and air strikes, and even execution-style killings on a daily basis. Numerous reports have also implicated regime forces in deliberate attacks on refugee camps and shelters for internally displaced persons. Therefore, the regime has been the sole and prime perpetrator of a pattern of violations which constitute genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. This has been the unfortunate reality of the war on Amhara and is precisely why we have fought to mitigate the existential threat faced by our people and remove the genocidal regime in favor of lasting peace, true justice, equality for all and democratic freedoms.
In closing, we the AFNF Menelik Command and our counterparts continue to condemn all acts of violence against humanitarian workers and civilians at large, and continue to call for independent investigations into all attacks on civilians within the region. We would also like to reiterate our steadfast commitment to working with international partners to ensure protection of humanitarian workers and safe delivery of humanitarian relief to communities in need.
Abebe Fentaw
Head of Public Relations, AFNF Menelik Command
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