Residents of Scores of Cities March for Peace in Amhara Ethiopia

Residents in scores of cities today marched in the Amhara region of Ethiopia. Since last year, the region has been severely affected by an armed conflict.

Today’s demonstrations, organized by government, were held in all four zones of the Amhara region i.e. Gondar, Gojjam, Wollo and Shewa. Thousands of people participated in the rallies in Bahir Dar, Debre Markos, Gondar, Dessie, Kombolcha, Injibara, Debre Work, Adet, Liben and other towns & cities of the Amhara region. The rally participants called for peace and end to war.

Last year, Ethiopian government decided to disarm and disband Fano militias which fought alongside federal forces against Tigray fighters in Tigray war which ended in November 2022. The Amhara Fano militias, refusing to be disarmed, started organizing themselves. That led to the start of the an armed conflict between Fano militias and security forces. The conflict has destabilized the whole Amhara region.

Fano groups in their statements this week threatened people, telling them not to attend today’s rallies which were backed by government. A rally in Woldia city came under attack today when hand grenades were thrown at the rally participants, leaving several injured.

Both Fano groups and government have not shown any real interest in solving the issue through dialogue. No formal talks have been held between the two sides so far.

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