Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Addis Standard2
Published on 2024-04-12 08:30:02
Amnesty International has raised alarm over the reported killings of civilians by the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) in Merawi town, Amhara region, prompting calls for a resumption of scrutiny by the UN Human Rights Council (HRC).
According to reports, clashes between ENDF and Fano on 29 January, 2024, led to residents alleging that at least 50 individuals were victims of fatal actions by government forces. Described as an “execution,” the incident has sparked outrage and demands for independent investigation into the potential war crimes and extrajudicial executions.
Residents recounted how ENDF soldiers rounded up local men from homes, shops, and streets on the eve of the St. Mary feast on 30 January, shooting and killing scores of people. While the exact number of casualties remains unverified, Amnesty International cited consistent accounts from multiple sources indicating over 50 deaths.
Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, expressed concern over the rising trend of mass killings in Ethiopia. The lack of credible efforts by the Ethiopian government to address such atrocities and ensure justice for the victims’ families has only exacerbated the situation.
Despite sharing its findings with the Ethiopian government on March 21st, Amnesty International has yet to receive a response. The organization conducted interviews with 13 individuals and analyzed video footage and satellite imagery confirming the presence of bodies and burned vehicles in the aftermath of the incident.
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) later released a preliminary report revealing that a minimum of 45 civilians were subjected to extrajudicial execution by government security forces on suspicions of supporting Fano.
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has also joined the call for action, urging the United Nations and the African Union to consider suspending new deployments of ENDF troops in international peacekeeping missions following allegations of the military’s involvement in the summary execution of civilians in Merawi town.
While the Ethiopian government denies allegations of extrajudicial killings, Amnesty International contends that the absence of international oversight has emboldened the government. The organization has criticized the failure to extend the mandate of the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia (ICHREE) and called on HRC members to reinstate scrutiny of the situation in Ethiopia.
Amid ongoing violations in the Amhara region and a lack of commitment to justice nationally, Amnesty International has urged UN member states to take action and ensure accountability for the reported crimes. The organization has called on the UN Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial, Summary, or Arbitrary Executions and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights’ Working Group to investigate the alleged crimes and facilitate country visits to Ethiopia.
The quest for justice and accountability in Ethiopia remains urgent, with continued violations necessitating immediate international intervention to address the atrocities and ensure the protection of civilians.
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