Red Cross Raises the Alarm as Scores Killed, Wounded in Ethiopia’s Amhara Region Renewed Fighting
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has reported a surge in violence in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, where renewed clashes between government forces and local militias have left many people dead or wounded in recent days.
In a statement released on Friday, the humanitarian organization said the escalating conflict has caused “widespread suffering” and severe humanitarian consequences for civilians caught in the crossfire.
The ICRC noted that the situation in eastern Amhara has worsened sharply since late September, particularly in the North Wollo zone, following a sudden escalation of hostilities that resulted in numerous casualties, captured fighters, and the displacement of civilians.
“The situation in the eastern part of Amhara deteriorated further at the end of September, when a sudden escalation of hostilities in the North Wollo zone led to large numbers of casualties, captured fighters and other severe humanitarian consequences,” the ICRC said.
The conflict, which erupted in 2023, pits the Ethiopian army against local self-defence groups from the Amhara ethnic group known as the Fano.
The Fano militias initially allied with federal forces during the Tigray war but later turned against the government over political and security grievances.
Although a state of emergency imposed by the federal government was lifted in June 2024, sporadic fighting has continued across the region, disrupting livelihoods, access to healthcare, and humanitarian aid.
The ICRC said it is working to provide emergency medical assistance, evacuate the wounded, and support hospitals struggling to cope with the influx of casualties. However, it warned that access constraints and insecurity are hindering aid delivery to affected communities.
The renewed violence adds to Ethiopia’s fragile security landscape following years of internal conflicts, including the devastating Tigray war that ended in late 2022.
International observers have urged the Ethiopian government and local actors to prioritize dialogue and de-escalation to prevent further humanitarian disaster.
