On Friday, the Ethiopian government declared a state of emergency in the second-largest region, Amhara, due to ongoing clashes between the military and local Fano militiamen.
The recent fighting has swiftly evolved into Ethiopia’s most significant security crisis since the conclusion of a two-year civil war in the neighboring Tigray region last November.
Amhara’s regional administration sought additional assistance from federal authorities to restore order.
“The declaration of a state of emergency became necessary as it was increasingly challenging to control these alarming activities through the regular legal framework,” stated Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s office.
This declaration grants the government authority to prohibit public gatherings, conduct arrests without warrants, and impose curfews.
Fano, a militia composed of local volunteers, previously collaborated closely with the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) during the Tigray conflict.
However, their relationship deteriorated, partly due to recent attempts by federal authorities to diminish the influence of regional paramilitary groups. Some activists argue that this has made Amhara susceptible to attacks from neighboring regions.
Residents of Gondar, Amhara’s second-largest city, reported intense fighting near the university. While ENDF initially gained control of the university, they were later repelled by Fano. The situation in the city center remained contested.
A Fano member, speaking anonymously, revealed that the militiamen were working to encircle Bahir Dar, the capital of Amhara. The individual also claimed the capture of Merawi, a town situated 30 km south of Bahir Dar. These claims were not independently verified by Reuters, and an ENDF spokesperson did not respond to inquiries.
In response to the escalating situation, the United States and Canada advised their citizens in Amhara to stay where they are.
Mobile internet services remained disrupted in the region, and Ethiopian Airlines canceled flights to three out of four airports in Amhara.
Tensions flared in Amhara in April following an order from Abiy to integrate security forces from all of Ethiopia’s 11 regions into the police or national army. While protesters alleged this move aimed to weaken Amhara, the federal government asserted its goal was national unity.
Since assuming power in 2018, Abiy has sought to centralize authority in a nation characterized by 11 semi-autonomous regions.
The conflict in Tigray originated from disputes between regional and federal powers, as well as longstanding grievances between ethnic groups. The conflict resulted in tens of thousands of casualties and millions displaced before a truce was eventually established.
