Ethiopia weekly update (17 September 2024)

Situation summary

Last week, as Ethiopians marked the new year, the overall level of violence in the country decreased compared to the previous week. Nevertheless, battle events were reported in Amhara region, and several abductions, including some resulting in civilian deaths, were also recorded in Oromia and South Ethiopia regions. Fano militias reported engaging in confrontations with security forces in different parts of the Amhara region. 

The pursuit of peace in Amhara

Representatives of Fano militias reported clashes with security forces, including the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) and kebele militias, in Awi, North Shewa, North Wello, and West Gojam zones last week. These reports have not been corroborated by other sources. The conflict between Fano militias and the government has continued unabated since April 2023. In June, the 15-member Peace Council was formed to facilitate negotiations between both parties.¹BBC Amharic, ‘It was announced that a “facilitation committee” was chosen to bring the government and Fano closer to negotiations at the Bahir Dar “Peace Conference,”’ 26 June 2024 However, the council said last week that a lack of trust between the two parties has been a significant barrier to starting the peace talks. To address this hurdle, the council is seeking the support of international actors and has met with United States officials and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD).²Helen Tesfaye, ‘“The chronic mistrust between the two forces participating in the war has become a challenge for us” Peace Council of the Amhara Region,’ The Reporter, 15 September 2024 Another issue hampering the peace talks is the lack of unity among Fano militias due to differences in political ideology, religion, and birthplace. Nonetheless, according to the Peace Council, some Fano militias have indicated their interest in participating in the peace talks with the government. Civilians are struggling to conduct their day-to-day activities due to insecurity, with threats to safety, including abduction for financial gain by armed groups. ACLED’s Conflict Exposure Calculator estimates that over 7 million people have been exposed to organized political violence in Amhara region since 1 April 2023.

Abductions: A continued threat to civilians’ day-to-day life

On 12 September, a day after the Ethiopian New Year celebration, the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) — referred to by the government as the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF)-Shane — carried out three abductions. Two of these abductions occurred in Arsi zone of Oromia region, while the third was reported in South Ethiopia region. Members of OLA/OLF-Shane abducted six civilians from Kebele-10 in Asela town in the Arsi zone after opening fire in the air. The group also abducted 38 passengers in Galema Den Kilil in Shirka woreda, Arsi zone, after stopping eight public buses departing from Gobesa town.

In South Ethiopia region on 12 September, suspected members of OLA/OLF-Shane who came from West Wollega zone in Oromia kidnapped four farmers in Sharo kebele in Gorka woreda while they were tending their cattle. Although they received 100,000 Ethiopia birr (around US $880) and a box of cigarettes as ransom, the kidnappers killed the farmers anyway, on the same day as the abduction. Abductions for ransom have emerged as a significant security concern in the country, with such incidents being carried out by both insurgent groups and individuals. Notably, two weeks ago, the kidnapping of a 2-year-old girl and the subsequent killing of the victim in Gondar town in Amhara sparked a demonstration condemning the incident and expressing the outrage felt throughout the region.