Executive Summary
The Amhara Association of America (AAA) has verified as of July 18th, 2023, ethnic-based human rights violations have continued targeting ethnic Amharas in Ethiopia. The Abiy regime has continued its genocidal war on Amharas, and similar targeted has continued in Addis Ababa, Oromia and Benishangul-Gumuz Regions of Ethiopia.
Update on War in Amhara Region and Related Developments
Since the week of July 10, 2023, military operations reintensified in various parts of North Wollo Zone including Raya Kobo, Lasta, Gidan and Guba Lafto Woredas In response, intense fighting broke out between local members of East Amhara Fano and the ENDF in and around Raya Kobo Woreda.
Since July 12, 2023, fighting between East Amhara Fano and the ENDF was documented in Arebete, Denkuan Terara, and Teze. On the night of July 12th, the Fano even managed to free over 45 Fano who were detained.
Since July 10, 2023, AAA identified names of four civilians killed and four others injured in the Raya Kobo Woreda area by ENDF, however sources reported at least seven deaths and nine injuries overall. 1. Alemu Kebede (40) - Killed 2. Biniam Dawit (28) - Killed 3. Ashenafi Fentaw (22) - Killed 4. Moges Kassaye (40) - Killed 5. Assefa Adane - Injured 6. Gashaw (last name unknown) - Injured 7. Melese (last name unknown) - Injured 8. Zelalem Addise - Injured
Intense fighting was also documented in the Muja and Gidan Woredas of North Wollo Zone in which casualties were reported on both sides including five government combatants and two Fano.
Intense fighting has been reported in Wegdi Woreda of South Wollo Zone since July 16, 2023.
On July 14, 2023, Chief of Police in Debre Birhan city (North Shewa Zone, Amhara Region, Ethiopia), Minweyelet Chinkelo was assassinated by unknown gunmen. Following the police chief’s death, tensions have risen in the city.
According to Amhara Media Center, on July 18, 2023, Fano took full control of Maksegnit town in Central Gonder Zone (Amhara Region, Ethiopia) from ENDF after freeing a detained Fano member.
July 7, 2023 Gilgel Beles Massacre
On Friday, July 7th, 2023, Gumuz militants open an attack on ethnic Amhara residents of Gilgel Beles town located in Mandura Woreda of Metekel Zone (Benishangul-Gumuz Region, Ethiopia). AAA was able to verify killings of 13 civilians, physical injury of 7 others, and displacement of many others from the area.2 AAA identified names of seven deceased victims. 1. Nuredin Ali (M, 11) 2. Harun Indris (M, 40) 3. Geta Abera (M, 38) 4. Ibrahim Chanie (M, 29) 5. Ashenafi Abate (M, 22) 6. Eshete Wubet (M, 34) 7. Felegush Worku (F, 31)
The incident occurred despite ENDF being stationed a short distance away. TheENDF took no proactive or reactive measures to protect citizens.
In August 2022, a joint peace enforcement agreement was reached between the Amhara and Benishangul-Gumuz Regional Governments to deploy Amhara Special Forces (ASF) which allowed for residents to live in relative peace until in April 2023, the Abiy Ahmed-led OPP regime moved to disarm and disband the ASF. Following the dissolution of the ASF, the Benishangul-Gumuz Regional Government invited Gumuz rebel groups to settle in a place called China Camp.
Following the Gilgel Beles massacre, several human rights organizations and media agencies issued reports.