Disclaimer: This is an English translation of an Amharic article taken from DW Amharic and is intended solely for information purposes.
DW Amharic - What did rallies in Amhara Region look like?
Esayas Gelaw
December 18, 2024
Today rallies were called by the government in various areas of Amhara Region calling for an end to the war between Fano and government soldiers. Eyewitnesses told Deutsche Welle they saw places where there were bomb explosions and gunfire.
Sources who spoke to Deutsche Welle said the demonstrations called for the need for peace, however there were sources who said the rallies were forcibly undertaken by the government against the desires of the public. Planned demonstrations were dispersed in some areas where gunfire was reported, allegedly by Fano militants. Eyewitnesses in some areas told Deutsche Welle they witnessed the bomb explosions and gunfire.
At a time when the war between government and Fano forces is said to be worsening, the government called for demonstrations in major cities and woredas in Amhara Region today.
A resident of Dessie city who attended the peace rally named Ato Solomon Asen told DW the demonstration allowed the public to clearly express their wants, another source, a resident of Metemma Yohannes town named Ato Sitotaw Chanie said it was a day for the public to express their desire for peace and an end to the war.
Similar demonstrations took place in Ensaro Woreda and Shewa Robit city in North Shewa where residents who opted for anonymity for their safety said locals were forced to participate in the rallies, especially government workers who have been under close surveillance.
Sources said bomb explosions and gunfire were heard in areas of Amhara Region where demonstrations had taken place, saying bomb explosions occurred in Dessie and Woldia cities and gunfire took place in Mersa town.
Today Minister of Communications Services Dr. Legesse Tulu issued a statement saying bomb explosions and gunfire did not stop the rallies, and similarly the Amhara Region Police Commission on its Facebook page announced it had apprehended two suspects as they were preparing to throw bombs in Woldia city.
Esayas Gelaw
Mantegaftot Sileshi
Shewaye Legesse
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