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Updated September 8th, 2024
Overview
For the week of September 2nd to 8th, 2024, 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, regime forces suffered some of the heaviest military casualties since the beginning of the war with estimated casualties exceeding 1,300 in East Dembiya Woreda and complete capitulation of the ENDF 48th Division in Raya-Kobo Woreda.
Fighting and military operations has intensified in and around several urban areas in the region including Kobo, Woldia, Shewa-Robit, Bahir-Dar, Gonder.
Fighting in various towns in Metemma Woreda (West Gonder Zone) including Metemma-Yohannes, Genda-Wiha and Kokit have disrupted regime control of the Ethiopian-Sudan border.
Following intense fighting last week, Fano forces secured control of several districts in South Gonder Zone setting up local administrations through democratic elections.
Regime forces intensified attacks against civilians especially following military losses to Fano fighters. Civilian casualties or property loss were recorded in over 15 woreda/city administrations including Raya-Kobo, Woldia city, Borena, Mojana-Wodera, Efratana-Gidim, Enarj-Enawga, Awabel, Dejen, Dega-Damot, Tach Gayint, Lay Gayint, Gonder city, East Dembiya, Metemma and West Armachiho.
Mass abductions for ransom and murders in Gonder have prompted civil unrest. Noteworthy was the killing of a 2-year-old child named Nolawit Zegeye following the child’s abduction (despite payment of the ransom) triggered protests. In response, regime forces opened fire on residents killing and injuring dozens of civilians. In the aftermath of the civil unrest, the regional authority released a statement admitting involvement of officials in criminality throughout the city.
Profiling and arrests of civilians were reported in Addis Ababa, Gobiye, Sela-Dingay, and Fered-Wiha.
In response to increased criminal activity sponsored by regime officials, Fano have increased law enforcement measures to apprehend criminals, particularly those involved in violent abductions for ransom.
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