Hundreds Arrested in Major Cities of Amhara Region Amid Ongoing Crackdown
Amnesty International, based in the United States, has reported a new wave of arrests across Ethiopia, particularly in the major cities of the Amhara region.
The organization expressed concern over the escalating actions taken by Ethiopian security forces, which have allegedly resulted in the unlawful detention of numerous citizens since September 28, 2024.
Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Director for East and Southern Africa, condemned the actions, stating, “The Ethiopian security forces’ decision to arrest innocent people in a campaign outside the boundaries of the law highlights the government’s lack of commitment to upholding the rule of law.”
The statement reflects growing alarm over what many view as a politically motivated crackdown, targeting specific groups within the region.
According to the report, eyewitnesses have confirmed that many of those arrested are being held without being brought before a court within the legally required 48-hour window.
This breach of legal procedure has fueled accusations that the government’s actions are not only arbitrary but also in direct violation of Ethiopia’s constitution and international human rights standards.
The campaign of arrests appears to focus on academics and prominent community members within the Amhara region, further intensifying fears of widespread political repression.
Amnesty International has called on Ethiopian authorities to immediately release individuals who have been detained without due process and to respect the legal rights of all citizens as outlined in the nation’s constitution.
This is not the first time concerns over human rights violations in Ethiopia have been raised.
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) recently released a report documenting extensive abuses since June 2024.
In this four-month period, the EHRC reported that over 160 innocent civilians have been killed in ongoing clashes between government forces and Fano militants in the Amhara region.
The report also noted similar violence in other regions, including Oromia, Gambella, and South West Ethiopia, where civilians have also fallen victim to conflict between government forces and various militant groups.
In response to the growing unrest, the Amhara Regional Government’s Communication Office has stated that efforts were made to resolve the security challenges through dialogue. However, the situation has deteriorated, leading the government to declare its intent to enforce the law through more aggressive means.
Colonel Getnet Adane, Public Relations Officer for the National Defense Force, reiterated the government’s stance, stating that the ongoing law enforcement operation in the Amhara region will continue until peace is fully restored.
As tensions remain high, the international community, including human rights organizations, continues to call for restraint and dialogue in order to prevent further escalation and to ensure that the rights of Ethiopian citizens are protected.
