Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed addressed Ethiopia’s House of People’s Representatives on October 31, 2024, confirming that the government remains in dialogue with “certain members” of armed groups active in the Amhara and Oromia regions, though previous peace efforts have had limited success. Abiy stated, “With support from elders, the government has sought peace discussions,” and reassured that talks are still ongoing with certain armed group representatives.
Abiy noted the challenge of critics undermining peace efforts by targeting those participating in government negotiations, saying, “Such actions dissuade those inclined towards peace.” Additionally, he responded to a parliamentarian’s claims that the government failed to quell the Amhara conflict in two months, reminding the assembly, “Assertions of taking the Arat Killo Palace within two weeks did not materialize.”
In addressing the Amhara region’s transformation, Abiy highlighted its development as an “industrial hub” over the past six years, pointing to areas like Kombolcha, Debre Berhan, and Bahir Dar as evidence of progress. Infrastructure upgrades, particularly in roads, were cited as central to government efforts, despite those who seek to hinder development.
The Prime Minister’s speech follows recent escalations between Ethiopian forces and Fano militia fighters, with significant conflict erupting in both urban and rural Amhara regions. Heavy weapon use and drone strikes have become prominent after the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) and regional authorities vowed to “step up operations” against armed factions in a joint press statement on October 1, 2024. Mengesha Fentaw, head of Amhara’s Communication Bureau, affirmed that the government would take “strong actions” against armed provocateurs, leading to intense combat in North, Central, and South Gondar zones.
Civilian deaths have resulted from clashes, with reports in early October citing 20 lives lost near Gondar City. Fighting has also intensified in East and West Gojjam zones, while October 7 saw heavy shelling in Minjar Shenkora district, North Shewa Zone, severely damaging homes. Woldia in North Wollo Zone experienced intense gunfire on October 13, restricting local mobility.
The Oromia region, similarly, remains deeply impacted by ongoing violence. Conflict with the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) and regional unrest have led to severe infrastructure and civilian tolls. Residents in East, Qellem, West, and Horro Guduru Wollega zones, particularly, report heightened security concerns and disrupted daily life. A June 2024 report highlighted severe clashes in Qellem Wollega’s districts, such as Anfilo and Jima Horo. North Shewa Zone’s Darra district has also emerged as a conflict zone, facing confrontations with both Fano and OLA forces, heightening tensions in Oromia.
Despite government assurances of restored stability, many residents across Western Oromia express fears over deteriorating security conditions, calling for lasting resolutions in these conflict-impacted areas.