Ethiopian federal forces have intensified their military presence in the Amhara region, deploying additional reinforcements amid ongoing clashes with the Fano militia, an armed group representing the Amhara ethnic group. This escalation comes as the Fano militias have been engaged in an armed rebellion against the central government since April 2023, following tensions over disarmament efforts by federal authorities. The conflict has led to significant unrest in a region home to approximately 23 million people, prompting mass arrests of civilians, including academics, as reported by Amnesty International.
The Amhara region, Ethiopia's second-most populous, is home to a diverse array of ethnic groups, including the Amhara, Oromo, Somali, and Tigrayan peoples. The ongoing conflict has deepened ethnic divisions, with the Fano militia feeling betrayed by the federal government after a peace deal was struck with the Tigray Front in late 2022. This deal has exacerbated tensions, as Amhara forces previously supported the federal army during the Tigray war, which lasted for two years, further complicating the political landscape in the region.
Recent reports indicate that the situation remains volatile, with clashes leading to civilian casualties, including a tragic incident on September 17 where nine people were killed in Debark, Amhara. The federal government's response has included a state of emergency, which was declared in August 2023 and has since resulted in numerous arrests of individuals suspected of supporting the Fano militia. However, independent verification of these events is challenging due to restricted access imposed by authorities.
