The Center for the Development of Rights and Democracy (CARD) has expressed concern over the deteriorating civil environment in Ethiopia.
The civil society organization has urged the government to lift the state of emergency in the Amhara region.
The conflict in Amhara erupted after the federal government decided to “reorganize” the regional special forces a year ago.
This decision led to clashes between government security forces and Fano militants. As a result, a six-month state of emergency was declared in August 2023, which has been extended for another four months and is set to expire in a week.
CARD reported that security and safety agencies are harassing civil society organizations investigating human rights violations.
They have also been suspending theater and art performances and arresting theater professionals. CARD condemned these actions as dangerous and unconstitutional.
The organization called on the government to lift the state of emergency, establish a system of accountability, and protect the civic environment. CARD also affirmed its support for those targeted by actions undermining civil society.
Asham TV reported that government security forces killed civilians on their way to church and returning from a wedding ceremony.
Local residents and families of the victims reported that a fight occurred between Fano militants and government security forces on May 12, 2024, leading to residents fleeing to Bahir Dar and other rural areas.
The Deputy Head of the West Gojam Zone Command Post, Edmealem Anteneh, acknowledged the fighting but denied any civilian casualties.
Three weeks ago, two drone attacks in the North Shewa Zone of the Amhara region killed four people, including teachers, and injured an unknown number of others.
The Ministry of Education announced that 8.9 million students are out of school due to conflict and climate change. Out of this, 6 million students are out of school in the Amhara region due to the ongoing conflict between government security forces and Fano militants since April 2023.
Endris Abdu, Head of the Amhara Region Industry and Investment Office, reported that over 6,000 workers from more than 1,200 industries have lost their jobs due to the war.
Another Amhara official, Dessalegn Tasew, Head of the Regional Peace and Security Bureau and Deputy Commander of the Command Post, stated that property worth more than 15 billion birr has been destroyed in the conflict.
Dr. Mulunesh Dessie, Head of the Regional Education Office, reported that 298 schools have been partially or completely destroyed, and 3,725 schools have been closed.
Amnesty International has accused the Ethiopian Defense Forces of killing innocent people in Managasha, Bahir Dar, Amhara region, without due process. Between May 13 and 15, 2024, security forces reportedly killed 40 civilians in Sekela, West Gojam Zone.
