Amnesty International has condemned the Ethiopian government’s ongoing mass arrests in the Amhara region, which began on 28 September 2024. Hundreds, including academics and civil servants, have been detained without legal procedures, often without warrants. Witnesses report that some arrests occurred during nighttime raids, with the Ethiopian army and police accused of acting unlawfully. Many detainees have not been brought before courts within the constitutionally required 48 hours, fueling concerns over human rights violations.
The Amhara region has seen heightened conflict between the federal government and the Amhara militia group Fano. Fano fighters, initially allied with government forces against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) during Ethiopia’s civil war, have since clashed with federal authorities. The conflict escalated following government efforts to disarm regional forces, prompting violent resistance from Fano and other local groups, resulting in widespread insecurity and displacement.
Amnesty International has also documented a broader pattern of repression in Ethiopia, particularly against journalists and human rights defenders. Many critical voices have been forced into exile, severely limiting independent reporting on human rights violations in conflict-affected areas like Amhara.
Amnesty is urging the Ethiopian government to immediately halt arbitrary arrests, charge detainees for internationally recognized crimes, or release them. The organization also highlights the urgent need for respecting due process and restoring the rule of law in the region.
The ongoing conflict between Fano and federal forces has exacerbated tensions, with reports of extrajudicial killings, displacement of civilians, and further arrests across the region. Both sides of the conflict are accused of committing human rights abuses, as civilians are caught in the middle of this power struggle, leading to fears of further destabilization in the Horn of Africa.
The tensions in Amhara stem from the government’s attempts to centralize power and disarm regional militias like Fano. However, Fano has resisted these efforts, leading to clashes. The situation worsened following the peace agreement with Tigray in November 2022, as many in Amhara felt betrayed by the federal government, believing that their region’s security was at risk.
Human rights organizations have expressed concern over the deteriorating situation, calling for an immediate end to violence, respect for civilian rights, and a peaceful resolution to the conflict.