The war in Ethiopia’s Amhara region is claimed to be a deliberate strategy to weaken it, according to former FM Gedu Andargachew. He believes that peace cannot be achieved through negotiations but instead requires a change in government perception or stronger Fano support. The war has led to severe educational and humanitarian crises, alongside escalating violence and armed conflict.
Gedu Andargachew, Ethiopia’s former Foreign Affairs Minister, claims the ongoing war in the Amhara region has been “deliberately planned to weaken Amhara.” Reflecting on his role in facilitating the government of Abiy Ahmed, he now expresses regret as the anticipated changes have devolved into chaos.
In his latest interview, Gedu opines that the conflict will not conclude through peaceful means. He describes two potential scenarios for resolution: one where the government recognizes its approach is unrealistic, or another where the Fano forces gain popular support, compelling the government towards peace negotiations.
The Amhara region has suffered significant socio-economic devastation due to the conflict lasting over a year and a half. Over 6 million students are reported to be out of school, with educational and health facilities frequently targeted by drone and artillery strikes, according to human rights organizations. Furthermore, issues such as extrajudicial killings and rape by government forces have surfaced amidst claims of thousands of civilian casualties.
In August 2023, Abiy Ahmed’s government enforced a six-month state of emergency aimed at disarming Fano forces, initially expected to last weeks. Contrarily, the conflict persists beyond a year and a half, with Fano forces now reportedly better armed and controlling over 80 percent of the Amhara region. The international community appears to overlook this conflict, despite its severity parallel to the previous federal government and TPLF clashes.
In summary, Gedu Andargachew highlights the perceived systematic planning behind the conflict in Amhara aimed at subduing the region. The ramifications of this war are extensive, causing immense educational disruption, social strife, and economic damage, while also raising concerns over human rights abuses. The future of the conflict appears grim, with both military escalation from Fano and government strategies failing to yield peace, amidst a backdrop of international neglect.
Original Source: borkena.com
