Last updated: 29/09/2023
The Qemant (ቅማንት, sometimes spelled Kimant) are an ethnic group residing in portions of Amhara region, namely Quara, Chilga, Lay Armachiho, Denbia, Metema, and Gondar Zuria woredas.1Yeshiwas Degu Belay, ‘Kemant (ness): The Quest for Identity and Autonomy in Ethiopian Federal Polity,’ Developing Country Studies, 30 September 2014 A number of Qemant ethno-nationalist movements exist, and their demand for greater autonomy within the Amhara region often leads to violent conflict.
Amhara regional authorities accuse the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) of backing violent Qemant ethno-nationalist movements, including the Global Kimant People Right and Justice Movement/Kimant Democratic Party (KDP), by providing “weapons and money.”2BBC, ‘Where will the TPLF and Shane terrorist designation take Ethiopia’s security situation?,’ 11 May 2021 Meanwhile, Qemant groups accuse Amhara ethno-nationalist youth movements, such as the Fano, of perpetrating violence targeting Qemant families during periods of instability.3Claire Wilmot, ‘In Ethiopia’s civil war, violence against civilians is eroding support for the government,’ Washington Post, 18 December 2021
The Global Kimant People Right and Justice Movement/Kimant Democratic Party (KDP) is a member of the anti-government United Front of Ethiopian Federalist and Confederalist Forces (for more on the United Front, see EPO Monthly: November 2021).