Human Rights Watch has accused Ethiopia’s army of committing war crimes, including the summary execution of dozens of civilians in the northwestern Amhara region in January. The incident occurred during fighting between Ethiopian federal forces and the Fano militia, resulting in one of the deadliest attacks on civilians in the region. HRW called for an independent investigation by the United Nations to hold those responsible for the abuses accountable.
Witnesses and victims reported that Ethiopian soldiers carried out brutal killings in the city of Merawi, with some estimates suggesting that over 80 civilians were killed. The army allegedly shot civilians on the streets and during house raids, pillaged and destroyed civilian property, and prevented the community from burying the deceased. HRW analyzed social media videos and satellite imagery to corroborate witness accounts of the atrocities committed by government forces.
HRW emphasized that under international humanitarian law, deliberate killings and mistreatment of civilians, as well as looting and pillaging of civilian property, are prohibited and can be prosecuted as war crimes. The rights group called for the African Union to suspend deployments of Ethiopian federal forces to peacekeeping missions until those responsible for grave abuses are held accountable. The Ethiopian government has not yet commented on the allegations.
In response to the escalating violence in Amhara, Ethiopia’s parliament extended a state of emergency that was first introduced in August 2023. Fano fighters had participated in violent protests in the region in April of the previous year following Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s order to integrate security forces from the country’s 11 regions into the police or national army. The protesters believed the order was aimed at weakening Amhara, a claim denied by the federal government.
The failure of the Ethiopian government to ensure accountability for human rights abuses contributes to ongoing cycles of violence and impunity in the country. Despite government claims of bringing law and order to the region, civilians continue to bear the brunt of the army’s abusive operations. HRW’s deputy Africa director, Laetitia Bader, highlighted the need for justice and accountability to break the cycle of violence and prevent further human rights violations in Ethiopia’s conflict-affected regions.
HRW’s report sheds light on the severity of the human rights violations in Amhara and calls for urgent action by the international community to address the situation. The testimonies of witnesses and victims provide a harrowing account of the abuses carried out by Ethiopian soldiers, underscoring the urgent need for an independent investigation to bring the perpetrators to justice. The conflict in Amhara highlights the challenges faced by civilians caught in the crossfire of armed confrontations and underscores the importance of upholding international humanitarian law to protect the rights and dignity of all individuals.
