An Ethiopian opposition group has leveled accusations against government forces, alleging that they have been responsible for the deaths of numerous civilians in the tumultuous Amhara region, where ongoing clashes between local militias and the military persist.
According to a statement released by the Enat party, government troops allegedly killed 29 civilians, including children and the elderly, in the vicinity of their homes in the small town of Majete. The party further claimed that drone strikes resulted in the deaths of at least 20 civilians in two other areas within the region.
It’s important to note that the BBC has been unable to independently verify these claims, and there has been no response from the government regarding these allegations.
The conflict in Amhara erupted following simmering tensions that had built up over months, primarily triggered by controversial decisions to disband a paramilitary regional force. Critics argue that this move left the region vulnerable to attacks.
In early August, local militias entered most of the region’s major cities and briefly took control of an airport. Urban combat resulted in casualties, and a significant number of prisoners were freed.
While a semblance of normalcy has returned to the cities after government forces pushed the militias out, reports of ongoing fighting in or around several small towns and villages continue to emerge.
The situation is further compounded by an ongoing internet shutdown, making it challenging to obtain precise information regarding the scale of the conflict.