Former Ethiopian Foreign Affairs Minister Gedu Andargachew claims the ongoing war in the Amhara region was intentionally orchestrated to diminish the region’s power. He doubts that peaceful negotiations will lead to resolution, proposing that either the government reassesses its strategies or that increased support for Fano forces may prompt peace talks. The conflict continues to disrupt millions of lives, with significant educational and humanitarian impacts.
The conflict in Ethiopia’s Amhara region has persisted for over a year and a half, with Gedu Andargachew, former Foreign Affairs Minister and President of Amhara, asserting that it was “deliberately planned to weaken Amhara.” In a recent interview following his departure from the country, he expressed disappointment that intended reforms led to chaos. Gedu stated that peaceful negotiation is unlikely to resolve the war, suggesting two possible scenarios: the government recognizing its impractical approach or increased support for Fano forces compelling the government to seek peace.
The ongoing war has inflicted significant social and economic distress on the Amhara region. Humanitarian organizations have reported that over 6 million students are currently out of school due to the conflict. Schools and healthcare facilities have been subjected to aerial and artillery strikes, highlighting severe human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings and instances of rape, despite government denials of civilian casualties.
In August 2023, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government imposed a state of emergency intended for a brief period, targeting the Fano forces to enforce law and order. Over a year later, the conflict shows no signs of resolution, with Fano forces now seemingly more heavily armed and controlling approximately 80 percent of the region. The international community has largely overlooked the escalating crisis, which is reported to be as devastating as the previous conflict with the TPLF.
In summary, Gedu Andargachew has expressed grave concerns regarding the ongoing war in the Amhara region, attributing its escalation to deliberate governmental actions aimed at weakening the region. The conflict has caused widespread educational disruption and severe humanitarian crises, prompting calls for recognition of the realities on the ground by both the government and the international community. Without a change in strategy or support for peace initiatives, the situation is likely to worsen further.
Original Source: borkena.com
