Ethiopia’s Amhara Conflict: A Deliberate Scheme to Weaken the Region

Former Ethiopian Foreign Affairs Minister, Gedu Andargachew, claims the ongoing war in the Amhara region has been orchestrated to weaken the local populace. With over six million students out of school and significant violence reported, Gedu doubts peace can be achieved without a change in government strategy or enhanced support for Fano forces. The humanitarian crisis continues to escalate, drawing limited international attention.

The ongoing conflict in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, lasting over a year and a half, has been characterized by former Foreign Affairs Minister Gedu Andargachew as a scheme designed to weaken the Amhara population. Gedu, who played a pivotal role in establishing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s leadership, expressed his dismay in a recent interview about the country’s descent into chaos following the initial promise of change.

Gedu, who previously served as National Security Advisor to Abiy Ahmed, asserted that he is skeptical about the possibility of resolving the conflict through peaceful negotiations. He identified two potential scenarios that could result in an end to hostilities: one being the government’s recognition of the impracticality of its current strategies, and the other relying on the Fano forces gaining empowerment and support from the populace, leading to a shift towards peace.

The war has severely impacted the Amhara region, resulting in extensive social and economic devastation. Humanitarian reports indicate over six million students are unable to attend school due to the conflict. Additionally, schools and healthcare facilities have suffered attacks from drones and artillery, with numerous cases of extrajudicial killings and sexual violence reported against civilians, despite denials from government defense forces.

In August 2023, the government declared a six-month state of emergency aimed at disarming Fano forces, which has extended well beyond the anticipated duration. Currently, the Fano forces are better armed and now control approximately 80 percent of the region. With the international community largely neglecting this predicament, the situation is becoming increasingly dire, mirroring the severity of the previously fought conflict between the federal government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).

In summary, Gedu Andargachew emphasizes that the conflict in the Amhara region is a calculated move against the Amhara people, with peace seeming far-fetched amidst increasing hostilities. The dire state of education and healthcare, along with the ongoing violence, highlights an urgent humanitarian crisis that remains largely ignored by international stakeholders. His insights underscore the pressing need for a reevaluation of government approach and increased support for affected communities in the region.

Original Source: borkena.com