Ethnic clashes between the Ethiopian military and Amhara militia, known as Fano, have resulted in dozens of deaths in Ethiopia's Amhara region. The tensions escalated after the federal government and Tigrayan leaders reached a deal that ended the Tigray war, leading to feelings of betrayal among the Amhara militias who fought alongside federal troops [919876c5]. The conflict in Amhara poses a challenge to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government and Ethiopia's stability. The World Bank's recent call for African governments to sacrifice sovereignty for regional integration comes at a time when Ethiopia is already facing instability caused by Abiy's extremist agenda [c9680edd]. The Fano, a grassroots Amhara militia force, has emerged as a resistance against Abiy's excesses, but the government is using military power to suppress the resistance, resulting in gross human rights violations [783d3416].
In addition to the ethnic clashes, the Sahala District in the Amhara region is facing a severe hunger and drought crisis. Six people have tragically lost their lives due to severe hunger in the drought-stricken Sahala District of the Waghemra Zone in Amhara Region. The fatalities resulted from a combination of failed crops and limited humanitarian access caused by ongoing conflict [3f1663cf]. The conflict has hindered the delivery of much-needed assistance, and donated sorghum was recently stolen. Over 90% of Sahala's population now requires urgent food, water, and medical support, placing over 180,000 people at risk of starvation. The ongoing drought has also led to the displacement of students [3f1663cf].
These crises in the Amhara region highlight the challenges faced by Ethiopia, including ethnic tensions, political instability, human rights violations, and a severe humanitarian crisis. It is crucial for the government to address these issues and work towards peace, stability, and economic development in the region. The international community should provide assistance and support to mitigate the conflicts and provide humanitarian aid to those affected [919876c5] [c9680edd] [783d3416] [3f1663cf].
Meanwhile, more than 50,000 people have been displaced by clashes in a disputed area in northern Ethiopia, according to the United Nations [eef278da]. The violence involves fighters from rival regions, with Amhara forces occupying Raya Alamata in southern Tigray. The clashes began on April 13/14 and the number of displaced people has reached over 50,000. The humanitarian situation is dire, with thousands of women and children in need of broad humanitarian support. The international community, including the United States, Japan, Britain, and France, has expressed concern and called for dialogue and the protection of civilians. Media access to northern Ethiopia is heavily restricted, making it difficult to independently verify the situation on the ground [eef278da].
These recent clashes in northern Ethiopia add to the ongoing ethnic tensions and conflicts in the country. The displacement of over 50,000 people further exacerbates the humanitarian crisis in the region, with thousands of women and children in urgent need of assistance. The international community has expressed concern and called for dialogue and the protection of civilians. However, media access to the region is restricted, making it challenging to independently verify the situation [eef278da].
The conflicts and crises in Ethiopia, both in the Amhara region and northern Ethiopia, highlight the urgent need for peace, stability, and humanitarian assistance in the country. The government must address the underlying causes of the conflicts, promote dialogue, and work towards a sustainable resolution. The international community should provide support and aid to mitigate the crises and protect the affected populations [919876c5] [c9680edd] [783d3416] [3f1663cf] [eef278da].
The Irob, a Catholic minority residing in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region, are facing extinction following decades of persecution and invasions by Eritrea. They were caught in the crossfire of the Tigray War from 2020 to 2022 and endured a harsh occupation by the Eritrean military. The conflict resulted in many deaths, displacements, and infrastructure destruction. The Irob people, numbering around 50,000, primarily reside in Irobland within Ethiopia's Tigray Region and speak Saho. They are mostly Catholic, with a minority following Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity or Islam. The Tigray conflict was fought between the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) and the Tigrayan People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), with Eritrean forces also involved. The war resulted in the death of 600,000 people, displacement of at least 2 million, and 2.3 million people in need of humanitarian aid. The Irob people suffered severely due to their proximity to the border with Eritrea, resulting in separation of families, assimilation efforts, looting, and human rights abuses. Catholic priests and churches were targeted. The Irob people have been displaced from their homes and face restricted access to humanitarian aid. Many have become refugees and are vulnerable to exploitation. The Irob community requires action to prevent extinction, including proper management of resources, economic rebuilding, reconstruction of villages, food aid, security, rehabilitation for war trauma, and ethnic and social support. The situation in Tigray remains fragile, with ongoing negotiations and concerns about long-term stability. Rebuilding the region is estimated to cost approximately US$20 billion. [83484624].
Since the Taliban’s resurgence in Afghanistan, the Hazara ethnic minority and Shia Muslim population have faced a devastating campaign of escalated violence, systematic discrimination, and social isolation. The Taliban’s discriminatory policies have stripped Hazaras and Shias of their fundamental rights and freedoms. The Taliban’s early actions included abolishing the Shia Personal Status Law, removing Ja’fari jurisprudence from the education system, and dismissing Shia judges. The targeting of Hazaras has intensified under Taliban rule, with numerous deadly attacks on schools, mosques, and educational centers. The Taliban have also enacted sweeping bans on Shia literature and jurisprudence, stripping these communities of their cultural identity. Hazaras and Shias have been systematically excluded from governance, with no representation in ministries, provincial administrations, or the judiciary. The Taliban’s policies directly violate international human rights treaties, as well as core Islamic principles of equality and non-discrimination. As the persecution of Hazaras and Shias continues, the future of Afghanistan remains in peril, with the risk of spiraling ethno-religious conflict looming large. The Taliban are imposing their views on Afghanistan’s diverse ethnic, cultural, and religious groups. The international and regional community is united on pushing for a more inclusive government in Afghanistan. The Taliban continue to suppress dissent and hinder efforts for peace and conflict resolution. Inclusion is crucial for lasting peace, as seen in Colombia's peace accord. Afghanistan's future should not be dictated by any singular group, and all Afghans should be included in decision-making processes. The Taliban's rejection of inclusive governance is at odds with the international community. The Taliban are undermining social cohesion by erasing equal rights, changing the calendar, imposing language restrictions, and confiscating books. History shows the importance of sustaining focus on Afghanistan and supporting its stability and development. Upholding the principle of 'do no harm' is crucial in engaging with the Taliban. Continued support for Afghanistan is necessary for regional stability and international security.
Human rights groups, including FIDH and OMCT, are urging the Ethiopian authorities to halt their crackdown on civic space, human rights organizations, and independent media. The crackdown includes surveillance, harassment, intimidation, and threats against groups like the Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRCO). Ethiopian security and intelligence forces have increased intimidation, harassment, and threats against human rights organizations, including EHRCO. The authorities have followed staff members, demanded they stop their human rights work, and threatened them. The crackdown has also targeted independent media and dissenting voices. At least 200 journalists have been arrested since 2019, and internet access has been restricted in parts of the Amhara region. The crackdown has led to the detention of human rights defenders and journalists, causing many to flee the country. The Ethiopian government's actions are undermining civic activities, freedom of expression, and association in the country. [03df33b0].
Ethiopian security forces have committed widespread attacks on medical professionals, patients, and health facilities in the Amhara region since August 2023. The attacks amount to war crimes and have disrupted the delivery of medical supplies, leading to shortages of essential medicines. Human Rights Watch has documented the attacks and called for accountability and an end to the violence. The Ethiopian government has not responded to the organization's findings. International partners should increase scrutiny of the human rights situation in Ethiopia, condemn the attacks, and provide support for health services in the region. [f1c6f70d].
The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL) is facing a new humanitarian crisis in Edirne, Turkey. 40 refugees from the AROPL, who were previously stuck at the Kapıkule border between Turkey and Bulgaria, faced mistreatment and beatings by the Turkish police while attempting to reach the European Union. The AROPL is a Shia-derivative new religious movement that is regarded as heretical in both Sunni and Shia countries and severely persecuted. After settling in Edirne, the refugees applied for asylum in Turkey and received temporary resident permits. However, they have now received an order to leave Edirne and scatter to eighteen different Turkish cities within fifteen days without any housing support. Failure to comply may result in the revocation of their residence permits and possible deportation. The refugees are concerned about the disruption to their peaceful lives, loss of jobs, and the vulnerable members being placed in an intolerable predicament. The lack of support for refugees in Turkey is highlighted, and international intervention is called for to address this humanitarian and religious freedom crisis [31ba2237].