Situation Summary
Last week in Ethiopia, clashes between Fano militia and the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) continued in Amhara region. Armed clashes between the ENDF and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) --- referred to by the government as the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF)-Shane --- militants also persisted in Oromia region, although fighting has been gradually reducing for months. Meanwhile, the Ethiopian government has reacted to harsh criticism from several national and international entities regarding a high fatality due to civilian targeting by government forces in Merawi town, Amhara region, that occurred at the end of January. In Tigray region, Amhara and Tigray ethnic militias clashed for two days in disputed areas of Southern Tigray zone. This clash could become more serious if the escalation continues, jeopardizing the peace achieved through the 2022 Pretoria agreement --- signed between the government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front.
Clashes and International Attention in Amhara Region
Armed clashes between Fano militia and government forces continued in Amhara region, with fighting recorded in North Wello, South Wello, North Shewa, and West Gojam zones. Though fighting has reduced since August 2023, it has persisted, with violence reaching major towns. On 13 February, a report by the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission confirmed that on 29 January, at least 45 civilians had been shot and killed by government forces in the town of Merawi following clashes with Fano militias.1 Some international organizations and governments, including the EU and US embassies, have expressed concern over the killings.2 An Ethiopian government spokesperson denied that the government extrajudicially killed civilians, stating that security forces had "defended themselves" during an attack by Fano militias on a military camp near the town.3 The government later announced that the State of Emergency Investigation Board would investigate the incident but stated that access was complicated due to ongoing security issues in the area.4
Civilian targeting by government forces in Merawi comes at a critical time for Ethiopia's international relations. In November 2023, Ethiopia's relationship appeared to improve after the northern conflict ended in 2022. The memorandum of understanding signed with Somaliland providing Ethiopia in January raised more than a few eyebrows among the international community. The incident in Merawi is likely to draw additional international condemnation.