Attachments
Situation summary
Government forces in Amhara region killed dozens of civilians amid clashes with Fano militias, while internally displaced people in Tigray region demonstrated to demand their return to areas held by Amhara militias. Meanwhile, armed clashes were reported in Oromia and Gambella regions.
Violence against civilians in Amhara region
In Amhara region, fighting between the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) and Fano militias continued at heightened levels, with clashes reported in Central Gondar, East Gojam, North Shewa, and West Gojam zones. Violence against civilians by government troops in the context of clashes with Fano militias was also reported. On 24 June, ENDF soldiers reportedly killed 11 people in Adet town, North Gojam zone, after accusing them of providing information to Fano militias. The next day, four more civilians were reportedly killed by ENDF on the outskirts of Adete town. The motive behind this killing is unknown. On 26 June, ENDF soldiers who were pursuing Fano militias reportedly shot and killed 15 civilians who were standing in line to receive subsidized fertilizer for their farmland in Tarema Ber woreda, North Shewa zone.
Violence targeting civilians has been a main feature of the conflict in Amhara region since it began in April 2023. Despite continued security incidents, many involving the death of civilians, the government has regained control of most parts of the region, and the state of emergency declared on 23 August 2023 ended on 4 June.
On 24 and 25 June, a regional peace conference was held in the Amhara regional capital, Bahir Dar. A 15-member peace council was established at the conclusion of the conference, as the demands of the Amhara people were yet to be met, and no mechanism yet existed to discuss these demands peacefully. The demands included a correction of the distorted narrative regarding Ethiopia’s past and the Amhara people, the constitution and issues of identity, economic benefit and representation, and ethnic Amhara living outside Amhara region. The council also mentioned the need for proper protection to ensure the existence of Amhara people. The council encouraged the government and Fano militias to prioritize dialogue and establish a permanent ceasefire.