War updates from Amhara Region, Ethiopia – February 23rd to March 1st, 2026
- AAA-admin
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Updated March 2nd, 2026
Overview
For the week of February 23rd to March 1st, 2026, fighting between the Amhara Fano self-defense force (Fano) and Oromo Prosperity Party regime joint forces (regime forces) has continued in various parts of Amhara Region in Ethiopia.
This week battle events and rights violations were recorded in more than 33 woreda/city administrations across 11 zonal administrations in Amhara Region. These zones included North Wollo, South Wollo, North Shewa, East Gojjam, West Gojjam, Awi, North Gojjam, South Gonder, Central Gonder and West Gonder Zones. Developments were also recorded in East Arsi, North Shewa and West Hararghe Zones of Oromia Region and in Addis-Ababa City.
Civilian casualties were recorded in 4 woreda/city administrations across 2 zonal administrations in Amhara Region. These included Raya-Kobo, Kobo City, Alamata City and Hulet-Eju-Enese Woredas in North Wollo and East Gojjam Zones. The casualties in Alamata City of North Wollo Zone implicated Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) forces which targeted followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC). Civilian casualties were also recorded in Merto-Abomsa, Sherka, Were-Jarso and Mesiso Woredas in East Arsi, North Shewa and West Hararghe Zones of Oromia Region. The violence in East Arsi and West Hararghe Zones targeted followers of the EOTC. In North Shewa Zone, violence was perpetrated by Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) militants.
Arrests were recorded in Ayo-Guagusa Woreda of Awi Zone in Amhara Region. Arrests were also recorded in Abe-Dongoro Woreda of Horo-Guduru-Wollega Zone in Oromia Region and in Addis-Ababa City. In Addis-Ababa, Dr. Sisay Awgichew was rearrested by regime security personnel immediately following his release from detention on bail. In addition, abductions were recorded against followers of the EOTC in Sherka Woreda of East Arsi Zone in Oromia Region.
Drone attacks resulting in civilian casualties were reported in Jawi, North Achefer and Takusa Woredas of Awi, North Gojjam and Central Gonder Zones in Amhara Region. Drone and aerial activity were also recorded in Mekdela and Amhara-Sayint Woredas of South Wollo Zone.
This week, national religious institutions issued statements of condolence for religious communities affiliated with the EOTC which were targetted by recent violence in East Arsi Zone of Oromia Region.
This week, reports revealed journalist Genet Asmamaw has suffered from serious health concerns while in detention and has not received medical care. Other Amhara political prisoners are reportedly also suffering under a similar situation.
