Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Addis Standard2
Published on 2024-02-27 12:06:47
Heavy fighting has erupted once again between government security forces and the non-state militia, Fano, in various urban areas within Ethiopia’s Amhara region. Reports from residents indicate clashes in West and North Gojjam, North Shewa, and North Wollo zones, with roads blocked off and intense battles in places like Gondar, Merawi, Dega Damot, Shewa Robit, Antsokiyana Gemza, and Lalibela.
Merawi town was a hotspot of violence, with hours of heavy gunfire exchanges between security personnel and Fano militants near government offices on Saturday. After gaining brief control of the town, skirmishes continued, resulting in civilian casualties and closed main roads. Reports of government forces allegedly killing at least 50 individuals in Merawi have surfaced, describing the acts as “execution.”
In Mehal Genet, South Mecha district, West Gojjam Zone, residences and agricultural fields were set ablaze over the weekend in intense conflict. The Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) intervened to extinguish the fires and rescue the affected residents and properties. The ENDF reported the elimination of 47 extremists during operations in the Agut kebele of the Sekela district in the western Gojjam zone.
Clashes also occurred in parts of North Shewa and around the historic town of Lalibela, restricting mobility for locals due to gunfire and violent activities. The state of emergency command post in the Amhara region imposed a ban on movement between Debre Berhan and Dessie cities after militiamen killed eight civilians in Shewa Robit.
Contrary to these reports, the Amhara regional government’s communication bureau claimed relative peace in most areas of the region, attributing it to strong community support for security efforts. The bureau emphasized that law enforcement operations aim for long-term peace and security, promising to strengthen these efforts moving forward.
The ongoing conflict underscores the volatile situation in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, with clashes between government forces and the non-state militia causing civilian casualties and property destruction. These recent developments highlight the challenges facing the region and the need for sustainable peace-building initiatives to address the underlying tensions and restore stability. In this complex and evolving situation, the role of community support, effective communication, and coordinated security efforts becomes paramount in mitigating conflict and promoting peaceful coexistence among diverse groups within the region.
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