Ten universities in the Amhara region are facing a significant challenge, as they have been unable to admit students due to the ongoing war.
The security situation in the region has prevented ten public universities from reaching out to both existing and newly assigned students.
In contrast, universities located outside the Amhara region have successfully accepted and commenced teaching their students.
However, those assigned to the universities within the Amhara region have yet to receive any communication.
As a result, students are repeatedly expressing their concerns about being exposed to psychological and various problems.
They emphasize their despair as four months have passed without any communication from the universities.
The students are demanding justice, stating, “We have been sitting without education for months; we want justice.” They have proposed alternative solutions, including temporary transfers to other educational institutions.
The Ministry of Education has addressed the issue, announcing that universities in the Amhara region have recently reached an agreement to send invitations to their students.
Dr. Eba Mijena, Chief Executive Officer of Academic Affairs at the Ministry of Education, confirmed that the Ministry has instructed the universities to call their students.
Dr. Eba Mijena, who had discussions with the ten universities in the Amhara region, stated that the institutions have agreed to issue calls soon.
He added that the government would provide necessary assistance, and the Ministry of Education, the region, and the command post would collaborate to facilitate the students’ return to school.
In a joint statement released by the Amhara Universities Association a week ago, concerns were raised about parents being worried.
There is apprehension that, due to the security problem, parents may not send their children even if the students are called.
Additionally, there is concern that if the war spreads and roads are closed after the students are called, the students may be affected by hunger and other problems.
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) released an investigation report on the ongoing war in the Amhara region since July 2023.
Since then, all zones in the Amhara region have been engaged in conflict with government security forces and a group commonly known as Fano.
This war has been characterized by heavy weaponry, occasional air/drone strikes in some areas, and reported civilian deaths and injuries.
The EHRC highlighted the serious concern of rape as a crime during the conflict. Prisoners and suspects have been freed from prisons and police stations attacked in various parts of the region.
According to the commission, since July 2023, more than 200 rape victims have been registered in health facilities. Among the victims are internally displaced women and health professionals.
The EHRC emphasized that public facilities in the region are being used for military services, and schools, health facilities, and other private properties have been vandalized and looted. The report urged a focus on resolving the conflict in the region peacefully.
The war in the Amhara region broke out in April, leading to the imposition of a six-month state of emergency.
Subsequently, the internet was shut down across the region. Many local and international humanitarian organizations have called for an end to the war, the reconnection of the internet, and the initiation of negotiations
