War updates from Amhara Region, Ethiopia – May 5th to 11th, 2025
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Updated May 12th, 2025
Overview
For the week of May 5th to 11th, 2025, fighting between Amhara Fano self-defense force (Fano) and 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 47 woreda/city administrations across 11 zonal administrations in Amhara Region. These zones included the North Wollo, South Wollo, North Shewa, East Gojjam, West Gojjam, Awi, Bahir-Dar, North Gojjam, South Gonder, Central Gonder, West Gonder and North Gonder Zones. Developments were also recorded in East Wollega and Horo-Guduru-Wollega Zones of Oromia Region, Gurage Zone of Central Ethiopia Region and in Addis-Ababa city.
Civilian casualties were recorded in 8 woreda/city administrations across 6 zonal administrations in Amhara Region. These included Alamata, Hayk, Bure-Zuriya, Sekela, Ayo-Guagusa, South Mecha, Bahir-Dar-Zuriya and Simada Woredas in North Wollo, South Wollo, West Gojjam, Awi, North Gojjam and South Gonder Zones. In Alamata city, violence against civilians was perpetrated by Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) militants. In Gurage Zone of Central Ethiopia Region, regime forces reportedly carried out executions of numerous detained civilians.
Widespread forced abductions tied to forced military conscription (including of minors) were recorded in 5 woreda/city administrations across 3 zonal administrations in Amhara Region. These included Sekela, Jabi-Tehnan, Quarit, Dangila and South Mecha Woredas in West Gojjam, Awi and North Gojjam Zones. Abductions were also carried out in Sibu-Sire Woreda of East Wollega Zone (Oromia Region) by alleged Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) militants or regime forces. Widespread arrests were recorded in Alamata, Kobo and Habru Woredas of North Wollo Zone. Arrests in Alamata city were carried out by TPLF forces. Arrests of health professionals were recorded in Addis-Ababa city in connection with nationwide demonstrations concerning salaries and employment benefits.
This week, major Fano commands announced the formation of a new consolidated structure called the Amhara Fano National Force (AFNF) following days of deliberations under an agreement called the Qwara Declaration.
