EPO Weekly Update (18 January 2024)

Situation Summary

In the first two weeks of the new year, Amhara and Oromia regions continued to experience political violence while the rest of the country remained relatively calm. In Amhara region, fighting between Fano militia and the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) was reported, including airstrikes. Additionally, in Oromia region fighting between the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) — referred to by the government as the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF)-Shane — militants and ENDF forces continued, as did violence against civilians. In South Ethiopia Peoples region, demands for political autonomy led to clashes between security forces and an unspecified armed group, resulting in reported fatalities. 

Instability in Oromia Region 

Fighting continued between the OLA/OLF-Shane and ENDF troops in Oromia region, with clashes reported in Guji and West Shewa zones. On 2 January, OLA/OLF-Shane representatives reportedly declared a transportation strike, resulting in road closures and difficulty obtaining transport during the Ethiopian Christmas holiday celebrated on 7 January.¹Wazema Radio, ‘Wazema Daily News: Thursday January 4,’ 5 January 2024 On 8 January, suspected OLA/OLF-Shane forces shot and killed three drivers and burned trucks near Metahara town in East Shewa zone. The victims were accused of violating the transport strike by the militants.²Wazema Radio, ‘Wazema Daily News , Jan 9,’ 9 January 2024

Clashes in Amhara Region 

From 1 to 12 January 2023, 19 clashes between government forces and Fano militias were reported in Amhara region. At the beginning of January,  heavy fighting occurred in the urban areas of Debre Birhan and Finote Selam towns. Heavy fighting, including mortar fire, was also reported in Gondar town on 11 January. Despite continued fighting, there are indications that the Fano insurgency has slowed, and the government has managed to gain the upper hand and re-establish stability in major cities and towns in the region. These indications include the  re-opening of public universities, the lifting  of a ban on Bajaj public transports (three-wheeled vehicles) operating in Gondar and Debre Birhan towns, and a  general return to normalcy.³Addis Standard, ‘News: Amhara region breathes sigh of relief as major cities return to routine,’ 11 January 2024 This return to stability comes shortly after a general call by the regional government for Fano fighters to disarm and enter re-integration camps.⁴Amhara Media Corporation, ‘“More than 5,000 militants have chosen peace and entered the centers” Dr. Mengesha Phatawu,’ 20 December 2023

Clash Over Administrative Level Status in South Ethiopia Peoples Region

At least eight people were killed during clashes between security forces and an unidentified armed group in Elgo and Wezeka kebeles in Arba Minch Zuria woreda, following demands that Zeyise kebele — inhabited primarily by the Zeyise ethnic group — be recognized as a special woreda and gain special governance status.⁵Shewangezaw Wegayew, Azeb Tadesse, and  Mantegafetot Sileshi, ‘The tribes around Arba Minch are at risk of conflict,’ DW Amharic, 9 January 2024 The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission issued a statement on 2 January acknowledging “frequent disputes” in the area due to a wish by some in the area surrounding Arba Minch to leave the Gamo zone and establish their own special woreda.⁶Ethiopian Human Rights Commision, ‘South Ethiopia Region: The tension and conflict in Gamo Zone, Arba Mojnar District needs urgent response before it escalates,’ 2 January 2024 In 2023, ACLED records four political violence events related to a dispute over administration status in South Ethiopia Peoples region. Most of these events were recorded in Araba Minch Zuria woreda in Gamo zone.