Ethiopia: Suspected airstrike kills at least 25 people in Finote Selam, Amhara Region, Aug. 13

Event

A suspected government airstrike killed at least 25 people and wounded 50 others in Fineto Selam, Amhara Region, Aug. 13. Local media indicate that the strike targeted demonstrators gathered in protest against the government's ongoing military operations to disarm local armed militias. Finote Selam is located approximately 246 km (152 miles) northwest of Addis Ababa.

Officials may increase security in the impacted area in the coming days. Protests by locals in response to the incident are possible in Finote Selam and other cities in Amhara Region. Security force operations and protests could result in localized ground travel disruptions.

Context

Federal security personnel are currently undertaking military operations to integrate the FANO militia into several security structures, including the federal or regional police and the national army. Amhara activists oppose the decision and view the move as a way to reduce autonomy and leave the region vulnerable to attacks. This decision has sharply increased tensions between the federal government and local militia known as FANO.

The federal government's move came despite strong criticism, especially from ethnic-Amhara activists and members of the National Movement of the Amhara (NaMA) party, who see the move as a way for Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to disarm FANO so that the neighboring Tigray Region can regain control of occupied disputed territories, (Wolkait) Western Tigray and Raya zone (Southern Tigray). Amhara forces controlled Wolkait and Raya zones in November 2020 following the military confrontation between the federal troops and Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) rebels. FANO fought alongside the national forces against TPLF rebels between 2020-2022.

Fighting between the federal government and TPLF rebels ended on Nov. 2 after signing a peace agreement in Pretoria, South Africa. Several steps have been taken to implement the peace deal, including forming an Interim Regional Administration (IRA) and removing the TPLF from the designated terrorist list. Despite positive trends, key issues remain, including the withdrawal of non-government forces (Eritrean troops and Amhara militias) from Tigray territory.

Advice

Liaise with trusted contacts before traveling in the Finote Selam, Amhara Region. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Avoid all large public gatherings and concentrations of security personnel.