Ethiopia’s National Defense Force (ENDF) has intensified its military operations against the Fano militia in the Amhara region, according to an official army statement released on Tuesday. The operation is part of a broader effort to quell ongoing conflict in the region, despite repeated calls from international organizations and human rights groups for dialogue and a peaceful resolution.
Colonel Getnet Adane, the spokesperson for the ENDF, confirmed that the operation began over the past weekend in collaboration with regional security forces. “We have tried all peaceful means, but they have refused to listen. Now, we will speak the only language they understand: force,” Adane declared.
The army’s campaign comes in response to escalating violence between government forces and armed rebel groups in the region. Getnet indicated that this operation is part of a larger strategy to dismantle the Fano militia’s presence and to establish control over contested areas. He emphasized the need for decisive action to restore peace.
In a simultaneous crackdown, federal and regional authorities are targeting suspected Fano supporters, including prominent business figures, signaling a coordinated effort to weaken the group’s influence in both political and economic spheres.
Human Rights Concerns
The operation coincides with fresh allegations from Amnesty International, which accused Ethiopian authorities of engaging in “mass arbitrary detentions” in the Amhara region. Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty’s regional director for East and Southern Africa, condemned the actions in a statement, claiming that hundreds of civilians have been detained without due process.
“Eyewitness reports reveal that authorities are arresting civilians without warrants, relying on lists to detain individuals indiscriminately. This is a clear violation of Ethiopia’s own national laws and international human rights standards,” Chagutah said. Amnesty International urged the Ethiopian government to either charge detainees in accordance with recognized legal standards or release them immediately.
The Ethiopian government has yet to respond to these allegations. Attempts by journalists to contact regional and federal officials for comment on Amnesty’s accusations were unsuccessful.
Kidnapping Surge Amid Conflict
Meanwhile, a surge in kidnappings has been reported in both the Amhara and Oromia regions, further destabilizing local communities. According to Mesafint Eshete, a spokesperson for the Amhara regional police, 287 abduction cases were recorded during Ethiopia’s last fiscal year. Mesafint noted that the real number is likely higher due to underreporting.
A recent report by the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) linked the rise in abductions to the ongoing political and security turmoil in the region. The report suggests that various actors, including criminal gangs, armed insurgents, and even rogue elements within local security forces, are involved in these kidnappings. Motivations range from ransom demands to advancing political agendas.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
As violence escalates in the Amhara region, humanitarian agencies are finding it increasingly difficult to deliver aid. The World Food Program (WFP) recently acknowledged the growing security risks affecting its operations. Zlatan Milisic, WFP’s representative in Ethiopia, reported that eight aid workers have lost their lives this year, with the majority of fatalities occurring in the Amhara region.
“Despite the immense security challenges, we are committed to continuing our operations in the region. However, the ongoing conflict poses a significant threat to our ability to reach those in need,” Milisic said.
The WFP estimates that while 4.6 million people in Ethiopia required food assistance over the last three months, only 1.3 million have received aid. The organization is appealing for an additional $341 million in funding to sustain its operations through February 2025.