A severe humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, where starvation, drone strikes and human rights abuses have led to numerous deaths. The region is facing critical food shortages, a lack of medical supplies and restricted access for humanitarian aid.
Reports indicate people are dying because of starvation and health complications related to malnutrition. The situation has been exacerbated by severe food shortages, with more than 3.5 million people in the region requiring urgent food assistance. Hospitals and health centres are struggling to provide essential medical care due to shortages of medicines and equipment. Aid organisations are also struggling to deliver assistance because of an alleged blockade of humanitarian aid by the Ethiopian government.
Drone attacks have intensified the crisis, with reports of civilian casualties and significant damage to infrastructure. Over 72 drone strikes have been reported in the Amhara region in the last two months, resulting in 434 casualties, including 321 deaths and 113 injuries. The drone strikes have reportedly targeted civilian areas, including hospitals and health centres, schools and homes. Widespread destruction has occurred, causing damage to infrastructure, homes, and agricultural land. Human rights organisations have accused the Ethiopian military of using drones to target civilians, which they say is in violation of international humanitarian law.
Reports have also emerged of children being arrested and forcibly recruited into soldier training camps. This is a violation of international human rights law, which prohibits the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict. In Gojjam, in the Amhara region, soldiers seized children aged 13, 14, and 16 while they were playing football with friends. The soldiers prepared fake IDs and student cards for the children and forced them to join the Birsheleco military training camp. However, the children managed to escape when Fano forces attacked the camp.
The international community is being urged to take immediate action to address the crisis in the Amhara region. There are four main calls for action which include ensuring the delivery of food, medical supplies and other essential aid to the affected areas and demanding that the Ethiopian government allow unrestricted access to aid agencies and humanitarian organisations. The international community is also being urged to ensure the protection of civilians, including women, children and the elderly, from violence and human rights abuses and to ensure those responsible for war crimes and human rights abuses are held accountable.
The crisis in Ethiopia’s Amhara region highlights the devastating consequences of conflict, poverty and neglect. It is essential that the international community takes immediate action to address this humanitarian disaster and ensures that the people of Amhara receive the aid, protection and support they urgently need.
