(Robert Lansing Institute) – The Amhara crisis is not an isolated regional issue—it is a symptom of Ethiopia’s unresolved political transition. A durable solution must combine local peacebuilding, national reform, and external pressure for accountability. Ignoring the crisis risks not only Ethiopia’s disintegration but broader regional instability.
Harassment, kidnappings for ransom and arrests were daily experiences for Amhara region residents trying to enter Addis Ababa. Members of the Amhara community also faced ethnic-based violence in various parts of the country. These incidents provoked anti-government protests throughout Amhara.
A peace agreement signed in 2022 in South Africa ended a brutal two-year war in Tigray and neighboring regions. However, it deepened the sense of marginalization in Amhara.
While the agreement silenced the guns in Tigray, it sidelined Amhara constituencies by denying them representation in the talks despite the region being affected by the war. The agreement’s ambiguity regarding the fate of territories disputed between Amhara and Tigray, such as Welkait, further fueled distrust.
The last nail in the coffin came in April 2023. The government decided to dismantle regional special forces. This was ostensibly aimed at consolidating the country’s fighting forces. Continued conflict in Amhara could lead to other regions pursuing autonomy or resisting federal control. … [READ THE FULL ARTICLE]
