United States Calls for an End to Violent Attacks on Civilians in Ethiopia
On the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York, U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Molly Phee, met with Ethiopia’s Foreign Minister, Ambassador Taye Atskeselassie.
The meeting addressed the escalating violence in Ethiopia, particularly the attacks on civilians in conflict-affected regions.
Following the discussion, Assistant Secretary Phee expressed deep concern over the Ethiopian government’s disproportionate response to the conflict and the ongoing attacks by militants targeting civilians.
She emphasized the need for a balanced approach to the unrest and urged an immediate cessation of violence against innocent people.
“We remain committed to working alongside the African Union to ensure the successful implementation of the Pretoria Peace Agreement, which was signed two years ago,” Phee stated.
The peace agreement aimed at resolving the Tigray conflict is seen as a framework for broader peace across Ethiopia, but recent conflicts in other regions have hindered its full realization.
Highlighting the deteriorating security situation in Ethiopia’s Amhara and Oromia regions, Phee revealed that the U.S. government has been engaging in both private diplomatic discussions and issuing public statements, calling for an end to the violence. “Militants are targeting civilians and public infrastructure, but the government’s heavy-handed response is equally concerning,” she said.
The U.S. government reiterated its call for dialogue between the Ethiopian government and armed groups, urging an end to the bloodshed and the pursuit of a peaceful resolution. “We are deeply alarmed by the ongoing war between Ethiopian government forces and militants, and we call for the cessation of hostilities to prevent further loss of innocent lives,” Phee emphasized.
This comes after the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) released a four-month special investigation report, detailing severe human rights abuses in various regions, including Amhara, Oromia, Southwest Ethiopia, Gambella, and Central Ethiopia.
According to the report, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, rapes, and other grave violations have been committed against civilians.
In the Amhara region alone, over 160 people were killed between June and September in clashes between government security forces and the Fano militia.
Victims included vulnerable groups such as the elderly, mentally ill, women, and children. The report highlighted atrocities committed in areas like Gondar, Gojam, Debresina, Ataye, Shewarobit, and other towns, where civilians were killed in their homes, places of worship, and even while traveling. Many were accused of cooperating with Fano or acting on behalf of government forces.
The EHRC’s findings further reveal the widespread destruction of property, looting, mass arrests, forced disappearances, and the displacement of thousands of people.
Arbitrary detentions and restrictions on movement have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, particularly in conflict zones.
The Commission also announced plans to release an independent report addressing forced disappearances and prolonged detentions, with many families still unaware of the whereabouts of their loved ones.
In addition to the atrocities in the Amhara region, the report detailed similar abuses in Oromia, Southwest Ethiopia, Gambella, and Central Ethiopia.
In Oromia, over 45 civilians have been killed in clashes between government security forces and the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), particularly in North Shewa, Welega, and other zones.
The Gambella region has seen the deaths of more than 60 civilians in attacks by militants on homes, shelters, and transport routes since March.
The international community, including the United States, is calling for immediate measures to halt the violence and protect civilians.
As Ethiopia continues to grapple with these internal conflicts, there is growing pressure for the government to engage in dialogue with armed groups and adopt more measured approaches to restoring peace and security.
