The current situation in the Amhara region and The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission’s statement. All concerned parties must resolve the problem through dialogue, refrain from actions and speeches that aggravate the conflict, and ensure accountability by conducting the necessary investigation into the damage caused.
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRCS) is closely monitoring the implications and effects of the “law enforcement campaign” in some areas of the Amhara region on human rights. The rights commission also confirmed the presence of militarized conflict in parts of North Gonder, North Wollo, and North Shewa zones of the regional state, and said that there are exchanges of fire and the presence of attacks supported by heavy devices involving the federal defense forces and local armed groups in the Shoa Robit area of North Shewa zone, in Alamata, Antsoqia, Gemza, and Majete localities. “As a result, it has been confirmed that there have been deaths, physical and property damage to civilians and that the road from Desse to Addis Abeba has been closed at various times,” EHRC said.
Furthermore, the Commission said that it has learned some members of opposition political parties in the region, some youths who allegedly led/coordinated protest demonstrations against the decision to restructure the regional special forces, and some people suspected of having links with the informal Fano group have been detained.
“Recognizing that further conflicts in any part of the country will result in grave/serious violations of human rights, all concerned parties should resolve the problem through peaceful means and dialogue, refrain from actions and speeches that aggravate the conflict, and ensure accountability for all the damages caused”, EHRC said, adding that detentions in the case should also be based on the law; it especially called on on the government to ensure respect for human rights on “strict necessity, proportionality, and non-discrimination” principles.
