Ethiopia Declares State of Emergency in Amhara Region

August 7, 2023

The Amhara region of Ethiopia has been thrown into chaos as a result of increasing violence pitting a local ethnic militia, called Fano, against the national army. The situation has become so dire that the council of ministers declared a state of emergency to address the mounting threat to public security and the significant economic damage caused by armed extremist groups.

Reasons for Declaring a State of Emergency: Violence

The primary reason for the declaration of a state of emergency in the Amhara region is the surge in violence between the local ethnic militia, Fano, and the national army. The clashes have intensified over a disputed plan to integrate regional security forces into the national army. Last year, the government also attempted to suppress the Amhara militia, which further escalated tensions in the region. The violence has resulted in an unknown number of casualties, causing serious economic, social, and humanitarian damage, prompting the need for immediate intervention.

The Ethnic Militia: Fano

At the center of the violence in the Amhara region is the local ethnic militia known as Fano. This group, alongside the regional security forces, played a significant role in the two-year-long civil war with the neighboring Tigray region. The Amhara population supports Fano and the regional security forces, considering them protectors of their interests. However, the Ethiopian government views these groups as a threat to the constitutional order and aims to suppress their influence.

Implications on the Amhara Region

As violence continues to escalate, the Amhara region has been severely affected. Flights to tourist hotspots like Gondar and Lalibela have been canceled, disrupting the region’s tourism industry. Government officials have fled several towns, leaving a power vacuum, and the internet has been cut, restricting communication and access to information. Moreover, the use of live ammunition and artillery in civilian areas has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis.

Geographic Significance of Amhara

The Amhara region is of great geographic significance to Ethiopia. It is home to Lake Tana, the largest inland body of water in Ethiopia and the source of the Blue Nile River. The region’s highlands receive 80% of Ethiopia’s total annual rainfall, making it the country’s most fertile and climatically hospitable area.

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