Disclaimer : AAA is a U.S. based NGO that documents human rights violations in the context of conflict, violence and political repression. One of AAA's core activities is also to educate policymakers, journalists, researchers and other stakeholders with up-to-date information on developments in Ethiopia. AAA does not endorse any political parties or organizations based in the U.S. or Ethiopia.
Updated July 15th, 2024
Overview
For the week of July 8th to 14th, 2024, fighting between Amhara Fano freedom fighters (Fano) and Prosperity Party regime joint forces (regime forces) has continued in various parts of Amhara Region in Ethiopia. Intense fighting continues across the majority of zonal administrations in Amhara Region with incidents recorded in North Wollo, South Wollo, West Gojjam, East Gojjam, North Gojjam, Central Gonder, South Gonder, West Gonder, and North Gonder Zones.
Attacks against civilians by joint regime forces continue across all districts with active fighting, often taking the form of reprisal killings following military losses to Fano fighters. In addition, indiscriminate shelling by regime forces continue to target residential areas at times in absence of active fighting.
Mass defections continue among joint regime forces particularly in areas with intense fighting. The rate of defections appears to have increased following a video statement issued on July 10th, 2024 by former commander of the Amhara Special Forces General Tefera Mamo.
In Raya-Alamata Woreda (North Wollo Zone), invading TPLF forces with backing from regime military commanders and forces continue to expand control despite calls by native residents for the withdrawal of these forces. In addition, regime forces continue to carry out abuses, harassment and arrests of residents suspected of opposing the TPLF.
Regime forces continue to use civilian aircrafts to transport military personnel and weapons to Amhara Region. Among the airports with high traffic are the Gonder Atse Tewodros Airport in Azezo sub-city of Gonder city (Central Gonder Zone).
Reports continue to emerge of widespread defections from among the joint regime forces. In Guna-Begemidir Woreda (South Gonder Zone), over 15 ethnic Amhara regular army soldiers were executed after expressing opposition to atrocities against civilians in Kimir-Dingaye.
In Qwara Woreda (West Gonder Zone), TPLF-affiliated Qemant and Agew Shengo militants fought alongside regime forces but appear to have reconciled with Fano following military losses by regime forces.
In West Telemt, East Telemt and Mai-Temri Woredas, armed TPLF militants not native to the area have continued to enter by the hundreds under pretext of being internally displaced persons. Among the militants are members of the Kibrit kill squad. Native residents continue to protest ongoing attacks, arrests and persecution of native residents of Telemt. In addition, former officials of the Tigrayan settler administration have entered, despite many accused of complicity in widespread ethnic-based abuses against native residents of Telemt.

Comments