Disclaimer: This is an English translation of an Amharic article taken from DW Amharic and is intended solely for information purposes.
DW Amharic - Metemma Yohannes: Fighting has Slowed but Tensions Remain High
September 4, 2024
According to one resident of Metemma Yohannes, “though sounds of gunfire can not be heard in the town, in yesterday’s gunfire exchange 2 people lost their lives, and others were injured.” They also said since Monday all movements have stopped in the town. Another source explained that Fano fighters captured Shinfa town in Metemma Woreda yesterday night without any exchange of gunfire.
Yesterday fighting took place between the ENDF and Fano militants in various towns of West Gonder Zone, Amhara Region said residents, yesterday the Fano militants too control of Shinfa town in West Gonder Zone. Yesterday in fighting in Metemma Yohannes there were several casualties according to one eyewitness, since last Monday fighting has been underway between Fano and government forces in the Metemma Yohannes area and on Monday Fano militants entered the town and left, and fighting restarted in the town yesterday said residents. According to the town resident who spoke to DW today gunfire could not be heard in the town but yesterday gunfire exchanges left two people dead and others injured. Since last Monday there has been no movement in Metemma Yohannes says the source. They said transportation movement was stopped between the border town of Galabat in Sudan and the border town of Metemma Yohannes in Ethiopia.
They said, “yesterday gunfire left two people dead, I attended both burials, there were four people injured as well, there has been no movement in the town since Monday.” The source added there was also gunfire in a small town called “Koki” located between Ginda Wiha and Metemma Yohannes.
Fano militants entered and took control of Shifan town in Metemma Woreda without any gunfire exchange yesterday night and with exception of banking services other movements have continued as usual.
According to the source yesterday evening at around 6 pm, the Fano militants took control of the town without gunfire exchange and that regular activities in the town were not disrupted, and that today Fano forces continue to operate in the town. The source said the town was peaceful. They said they were told “do not open the banks until we tell you”. At the time of this report today at 1 pm the town has remained under Fano militants according to sources in the town, Shinfa town is located in Metemma Woreda while Ginda Wiha is situated along the road to Qwara Woreda.
Yesterday gunfire could be heard on the periphery of the zonal capital of Ginda Wiha (Shehidi) according to one source who added though there were fears, today it seems relative calm has returned to the town. They said yesterday all government and private institutions had been closed throughout the day but today there was some activity in Ginda Wiha. Yesterday heavy artillery was fired from within Ginda Wiha towards surrounding areas, and this morning there was no activity but slowly it increased within the town though economic and social activity is limited.
Another resident of this town said a significant amount of gunfire could not be heard today however Fano fighters were located in close proximity.
Last Monday a Sudanese outlet called Sudan Tribune issued a report saying, “Sudan has closed the border between the two countries after Fano fighters took control of Metemma”.
Efforts to contact the regional peace and security bureau, the West Gonder Zone administrator and the Metemma Woreda officials for additional comments on the matter were not successful.
Alemnew Mekonnen
Hirut Melese
Eshete Bekele
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