A 19-second execution video mistakenly linked to Amhara is actually from Tigray, filmed in 2021. Its circulation highlights ongoing issues of misinformation amid a complex conflict in Ethiopia, exacerbated by tensions between the Fano militia and government forces after a disarmament campaign.
A recently circulated video, initially filmed in Tigray in 2021, is being falsely portrayed as current footage from Amhara, Ethiopia. The 19-second clip was shared on May 15, 2025, accompanied by an Amharic caption calling for support for the Fano militia and condemning the Prosperity party. It’s important to note that the Prosperity Party is the governing body of Ethiopia, and this misleading portrayal raises serious concerns about public misinformation.
The graphic video shows soldiers in military uniforms executing unarmed civilians in a rugged landscape, a heart-wrenching scene shared over 470 times. Another post with a similar message echoed sentiments of an ongoing massacre against the Amhara people, further fueling aggressive sentiments toward the government.
The situation in the Amhara region is complicated. In April 2023, the Ethiopian government initiated a disarmament campaign against local armed groups, sparking further conflict with the Fano militia. Tensions escalated, resulting in a humanitarian crisis that left millions of children out of school, and health facilities non-operational in the area, as reported by AFP in March 2025.
According to reports, nearly 300 Fano fighters were killed by federal forces in March 2025, and the government has struggled to maintain control of rural areas in response to escalating violence. Notably, last year, Amnesty International alleged that the Ethiopian military had executed civilians in the Amhara region, highlighting ongoing human rights abuses.
However, investigations reveal that the execution video circulating does not depict current events in Amhara. Using the InVID-WeVerify tool, AFP Fact Check confirmed the video’s origins, tracing it back to a gruesome clip published on a gore site in June 2021. It specifically documents atrocities committed during the Tigray conflict.
The caption on the longer version of this clip, lasting over 90 seconds, specifically mentions the events occurring in Tigray – a point corroborated by independent investigations by organizations such as Bellingcat and CNN, which aired parts of the video shortly after its initial circulation. Bellingcat linked the footage to the Mahbere Dego massacre, which occurred in January 2021 and has drawn attention for the horrific nature of the violence.
The conflict in Tigray led to immense loss of life, with estimates exceeding 600,000 casualties. Both the Ethiopian military and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front were implicated in severe human rights violations throughout the war, intensifying the urgency for accurate discourse around the ongoing situation.
By identifying the origins and context of this video, misinformation can be curbed, and more meaningful discussions about the current conflict and humanitarian needs can emerge without the influence of propaganda or false narratives. The consequences of such misinformation can be dire, as it affects public perception and could further exacerbate tensions in an already fragile region.
In summary, a misleading video from 2021, misattributed to current violence in Amhara, raises significant concerns about misinformation related to Ethiopia’s ongoing conflict. The video reflects past atrocities during the Tigray war, not current events. With the Fano militia conflict worsening and humanitarian issues surging, accurate reporting is critical to understand the complexities of the situation and avoid panic or unfounded accusations.
Original Source: factcheck.afp.com
