Disclaimer: AAA is a U.S. based NGO that documents human rights violations in the context of conflict, violence and political repression. One of AAA's core activities is also to educate policymakers, journalists, researchers and other stakeholders with up-to-date information on developments in Ethiopia. AAA does not endorse any political parties or organizations based in the U.S. or Ethiopia.
Updated January 27th, 2025
Overview
For the week of January 20th to 26th, 2025, fighting between Amhara Fano freedom fighters (Fano) and Prosperity Party regime joint forces (regime forces) has continued in various parts of Amhara Region in Ethiopia.
This week battle events and rights violations were recorded in more than 47 woreda/city administrations across 12 zonal administrations in Amhara Region. These zones included the Wag-Hemra, North Wollo, South Wollo, North Shewa, East Gojjam, West Gojjam, Awi, Bahir-Dar, North Gojjam, South Gonder, Central Gonder and West Gonder Zones. Developments were also recorded in Addis-Ababa city, Gurage Zone (Central Ethiopia Region) and in East Wollega and Horo-Guduru-Wollega Zones (Oromia Region).
Developments were recorded in over 9 urban administrations across 5 zonal administrations in Amhara Region. These urban administrations included Korem, Kobo, Woldia, Alamata, Lalibela, Debre-Birhan, Shewa-Robit, Bahir-Dar and Gonder cities in the Wag-Hemra, North Wollo, North Shewa, Bahir-Dar and Central Gonder Zones.
Civilian casualties were recorded in 16 woreda/city administrations across 7 zonal administrations in Amhara Region. These included Raya-Kobo, Debre-Birhan, Berehet, Minjar-Shenkora, Wemberima, Sekela, Dembecha, Quarit, Alefa, North Mecha, South Mecha, North Achefer, Lay-Gayint, Gonder, Tach-Armachiho and Qwara Woredas in the North Wollo, North Shewa, West Gojjam, North Gojjam, South Gonder, Central Gonder and West Gonder Zones.
Attacks in many areas were associated with observance of the Timket (Epiphany) religious holiday by followers of the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC).
Attacks on residents in western Oromia Region have continued with coordinated military operations by Oromia Region Forces including the Oromia Special Forces (OSF)
Tigray Region Forces including those affiliated with the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) are accused of repressive activities against residents of Raya-Alamata Woreda (North Wollo Zone) and of suspected involvement in the assassination of a prominent civil society figure in Tach-Armachiho Woreda (Central Gonder Zone).
Widespread arrests were reported in 8 woreda/city administrations across 7 zonal administrations in Amhara Region. These included Woldia, Mida-Woremo, Debre-Markos, Dembecha, Bure-Zuriya, Bahir-Dar, North Mecha, and Lay-Gayint Woredas in the North Wollo, North Shewa, East Gojjam, West Gojjam, Bahir-Dar, North Gojjam and South Gonder Zones. Arrests were also recorded in the Sheger city administration in Oromia Region. In Gurage Zone (Central Ethiopia Region) authorities are accused of prolonged detention of Amhara civilians from last year.
Drone strikes were recorded in 2 woreda administrations across 2 zonal administrations in Amhara Region. These included Machakel Woreda in East Gojjam Zone and North Mecha Woreda in North Gojjam Zone.
Reports indicate worsening humanitarian situation with more than 100,000 people facing food insecurity in Wag-Hemra Zone.
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