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Updated June 9th, 2024
Overview
For the week of June 3rd to 9th, 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.
In recent regime military operations, joint regime forces have continued to commit extrajudicial killings, abductions and looting targeting unarmed civilians under pretext of supporting Fano or having affiliations to Fano. Such attacks have especially followed military losses to Fano forces, as a tactic of collective punishment. Regime forces have also used civilians as human shields such as in Simada Woreda.
Regime forces continue to sustain significant losses, with high defection rates and complete depletion of forces in several woredas.
In Central Gonder and North Gonder Zones, a significant number of former militia and riot dispersal force members totaling in the thousands defected to Fano after undergoing a political reeducation program. This program has provided these individuals with a deeper understanding of the Fano’s goals, values, and commitment to the liberation of the Amhara people. Through this process, they have renounced their allegiance to the regime and embraced the Fano movement.
The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) forces have carried out attacks in Adarkay Woreda and surrounding areas of North Gonder and Welkait Tegede Setit Humera Zones. These attacks have led to killings of unarmed civilians including young children who were burned alive.
Residents of Raya Alamata which is under occupation by TPLF forces have staged several protests calling for the withdrawal of the armed forces from the area and for recognition of their Amhara identity.
The Amhara Fano in Gonder Command has lifted the road restriction that was imposed on movement of vehicles in the Gonder sub-region since June 8th, allowing vehicles to resume transportation to various parts of the area.
In Horo Guduru Wollega Zone (Oromia Region), regime forces have intensified attacks against Amhara communities under the pretext of disarming or pursuing extremist forces. Violent attacks by regime forces (and especially the ENDF) have prompted local farmers to attempt to defend themselves. In response, regime forces have intensified attacks resulting in widespread casualties and arrests of hundreds of local farmers.
Investigations reveal regime forces impersonating Fano have carried out various transgressions against Sudanese and Eritrean refugees in north-western Amhara Region. Fano forces have reportedly apprehended several alleged impersonators.
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