Historical Context of Amhara-Ethiopian Relations
Evolution of Ethnic Federalism in Ethiopia
The evolution of ethnic federalism in Ethiopia is a major factor in today’s conflicts. Ethiopia switched to ethnic federalism in 1991 after the fall of the Derg regime. The new system divided the country into regions based mostly on ethnicity. The goal was to give ethnic groups self-rule and reduce the political domination of any single group. This was formalized in the 1995 constitution, which officially recognized ethnic federalism and allowed each region some level of autonomy.
Under the surface, however, ethnic federalism in Ethiopia contributed to rising competition between regions. Each group wanted more control over land, resources, and local government. Political elites often used ethnic identity for their own gain, leading to tension and distrust. While ethnic federalism was supposed to protect minorities, it sometimes increased feelings of division. Amhara people felt their historic influence was shrinking, while some communities asked for further autonomy or even secession.
As Ethiopia’s government tried to keep unity and balance regional demands, disputes grew more common. The system, at first promising peace, over time set the stage for severe ethnic tensions. These conflicts affected the Amhara, Tigray, Oromo, and Somali regions the most. In recent years, these tensions exploded into open violence, with the federal system under severe pressure.
Legacy of the Tigray Conflict and Its Impact on Amhara
The legacy of the Tigray conflict still shapes the Amhara region today. The war in Tigray from 2020 to 2022 spread instability to neighboring areas, especially Amhara. During the height of the fighting, there were clashes over contested territories, including parts of western Tigray. The Amhara region became both a staging ground and a battlefield, leading to long-term insecurity.
Because the central government relied on Amhara special forces and militias during the Tigray War, these groups gained more power and influence. After the war, however, the government started to roll back this support and even tried to disarm the same militias. Feeling betrayed, many Amhara felt targeted and began to distrust the central government.
Civilian displacement and property destruction left deep scars. The main roads and local economies suffered, and ethnic animosity between Amhara and Tigrayan communities grew even stronger. Some Amhara see the outcome of the Tigray conflict as a loss, especially if territorial changes are not recognized by Addis Ababa or if their security is no longer a priority.
Overall, the impact of the Tigray conflict on Amhara includes more violence, shifting alliances, and a stronger sense of injustice. This legacy now fuels resistance and demands for greater rights and recognition, making peace and reconciliation even harder to achieve.
Political Reforms and Challenges to Ethnic Balance
Political reforms under Abiy Ahmed were intended to bring peace, prosperity, and national unity to Ethiopia. However, these changes have also increased ethnic tensions, especially in the Amhara region. Abiy Ahmed’s government launched major reforms such as freeing political prisoners, welcoming opposition groups back from exile, and promising democratic elections. While these efforts were praised at first, they also uncovered deep-seated grievances among Ethiopia’s many ethnic groups.
The ethnic federalism system, which divides power along ethnic lines, was supposed to help groups feel respected and secure. But Abiy’s vision for more centralized control worried some communities. Many Amharas felt their interests were not being addressed and feared losing their influence, especially as Tigray, Oromo, and Amhara elites all competed for power. As suggested by reports on the BBC and The Conversation, this challenge to the delicate ethnic balance resulted in significant unrest and division. Rumors of favoritism towards Abiy’s own Oromo group made matters more heated, fueling suspicion among Amhara elites.
Government Actions and Centralization Efforts
Government actions aimed at centralizing power have been at the heart of rising tensions in Amhara. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration made a bold decision to reduce the autonomy of Ethiopia’s regions. This involved dismantling regional armed groups and trying to bring security under the control of federal forces. According to various sources like Reuters and International Crisis Group, many in Amhara interpreted these actions as a direct threat to their community’s security and self-defense. The federal government insisted this move was necessary for stability, but in practice, it signaled a loss of trust between Amhara and the center.
Attempts to weaken local armed groups like the Amhara Special Forces led to protests and even open conflict. The population, already worried by the fallout of the Tigray war, saw centralization as a way to silence local voices and ignore unique regional needs. Leaders in Amhara tried to resist, and insurgent groups like the Fano militia gained support by presenting themselves as defenders against what they saw as domination from Addis Ababa.
Dissolution of Amhara Special Forces
The dissolution of the Amhara Special Forces marked a decisive moment in government-central region relations. The federal order in early 2023 to disband all regional special forces hit Amhara particularly hard. These forces were viewed in the region as crucial for protecting civilians against violence from neighboring regions and as a guarantee against threats from remaining Tigrayan fighters.
Many in Amhara felt this move left them defenseless, leading some former special force members to join militia groups like Fano. According to the Wilson Center and other observers, the abrupt nature of this dissolution—without consulting Amhara’s leaders or providing alternative security guarantees—led to mass protests, gunfire in the streets, and a rapid expansion of the local insurgency. This government action is seen by many locals as one of the main triggers of the ongoing war in Amhara, deepening distrust and making reconciliation seem even less likely.
The combination of political reforms, aggressive centralization, and the forced disbanding of local forces has created a perfect storm in the Amhara region. Worries about identity, security, and political marginalization have only grown, feeding the cycle of violence and mistrust.
Emergence and Role of the Fano Military
The War in Amhara has seen the Fano military emerge as a central actor. The Fano started as an ethno-nationalist Amhara movement, made up mostly of local youths and ex-soldiers, who say they are defending the Amhara people. According to reports from The New Humanitarian and The Conversation, their goal is to protect territory they believe belongs to the Amhara and secure more rights for their community. The Fano militia has grown rapidly since early 2023, fueled by anger over federal decisions and a sense of exclusion from peace talks affecting their land. They have become a main resistance force against Ethiopian federal troops, launching surprise offensives and seizing key areas across the region (Wikipedia, Zehabesha).
Fano fighters have formed loose alliances with other Amhara armed groups, but their loyalty is to local interests, not any single leader or party. They act independently, making the conflict more unpredictable. Reports highlight that Fano’s numbers now reach into the tens of thousands, and their influence has deepened as more civilians join or support their cause, especially after government crackdowns. However, there have also been serious accusations, including attacks on civilians and human rights abuses (UK GOV, AP News).
Federal Forces and Military Operations
Federal forces, mainly the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF), have led the government’s operations in Amhara since April 2023. The conflict exploded after the federal government tried to dissolve the regional Amhara Special Forces, a move deeply opposed by local groups (Al Jazeera, HRW). Since then, the ENDF has attempted to regain control through heavy military actions, including ground assaults, artillery, and especially the use of drones (ZEHABESHA, CFR). The army has been backed by federal police and at times by allied paramilitaries.
Military operations have focused on capturing towns held by Fano, securing roads, and cutting off supplies to rebel fighters. Despite these efforts, federal troops have struggled to maintain full control, as Fano forces rely on guerrilla tactics and popular support among local people. Human Rights Watch and State Department reports confirm that clashes are ongoing in dozens of towns and rural areas, creating great instability. Federal operations have also drawn international criticism because of civilian casualties and heavy-handed strategies.
Key Events and Timeline (2023–2025)
The timeline of key events in the Amhara war reveals a deepening and complex crisis:
- April 2023: Violent clashes begin after the federal order to dismantle Amhara’s regional forces.
- August 2023: Ethiopian government declares a state of emergency as fighting escalates and major towns become battlegrounds (The Guardian).
- September 2023: Fano launches major offensives, even taking control of parts of the cities like Gondar and Bahir Dar for short periods (Wikipedia).
- Early 2024: State of emergency extended. Fighting reaches new peaks with waves of offensives and counterattacks.
- March 2025: Fano initiates new campaigns, leading to more intense battles, especially in northern Amhara (Wikipedia, ACLED, Amhara America).
- May–June 2025: Violence spreads to over 170 districts, with ongoing reports of atrocities and high civilian toll (Amhara America, ACLED).
Federal Army statements claim many Fano fighters have been killed, but Fano continues to mount new insurgencies, supported by local communities.
State of Emergency and Major Offensives
A state of emergency was imposed nationwide in August 2023, following a formal request from the Amhara regional leadership due to the breakdown of order (Wikipedia, UK GOV, The Guardian, Reuters). This special legal status gave security forces sweeping powers, including arbitrary detentions and curfews, and was extended repeatedly into 2024. The state of emergency was marked by major military offensives aimed at ousting Fano from urban centers and rural strongholds.
Key offensives by the federal army and regional authorities focused on Bahir Dar, Gondar, and smaller towns throughout western and northern Amhara. Despite battlefield gains, government forces often retreated once Fano counterattacked. Each round of offense left more of the region unstable, and curfews and travel restrictions only increased the suffering of ordinary people.
Drone Strikes and Civilian Casualties
One of the most disturbing developments in the Amhara conflict is the widespread use of drone strikes by federal forces. Starting in late 2023 and continuing through 2024 and 2025, the Ethiopian military has heavily relied on drones to target Fano positions (Wikipedia, DW, Al Jazeera, Amhara America). However, many strikes have hit civilian areas, causing mounting casualties. Human rights groups and media have recorded multiple deadly incidents:
- September 2023: A drone attack in the Quarit district killed and wounded civilians walking together (UN reports).
- November 2023: Strikes on Wegel Tena left five civilians dead (Al Jazeera).
- February 2025: A drone strike near Robit killed at least four people, most of them non-combatants (Addis Standard).
- April 2025: The deadliest incident so far, with over 100 people killed in a strike on Gedeb in East Gojjam (Human Rights Research).
These attacks have raised global alarm. Human Rights Watch and health data analyses confirm that many of the casualties from airstrikes are civilians, including women and children. The tactic has driven fear and displacement, and accusations of collective punishment and war crimes by the government are growing ever louder.
This ongoing war leaves millions vulnerable—there is deep concern that peace and normal lives are still far away for the people of Amhara.
Humanitarian Crisis in the Amhara Region
Mass Displacement and Refugee Conditions
Mass displacement in the Amhara region has become a severe crisis. Since the conflict began in 2023, hundreds of thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes. Families have fled mainly from towns and villages affected by fighting between the federal forces and Fano militia. Many seek safety in neighboring regions or try to find shelter in overcrowded camps within Amhara itself.
Conditions in these camps are extremely harsh. Shelters are basic and often built from plastic sheets and sticks. Clean water, food, and sanitation are in short supply. Children and elderly people are especially vulnerable. Aid agencies struggle to access the area due to ongoing violence and restrictions on movement. As a result, many displaced people are cut off from critical help. The struggle to survive is intense, and the outlook remains grim as violence continues across the region.
Health and Food Crises
Health and food crises are spreading quickly in Amhara. Because of the conflict, health centers and hospitals are damaged or destroyed. Medical staff have fled, and supplies are almost gone. Pregnant women, children, and those with chronic illnesses cannot get the care they need. There have been reports of outbreaks of diseases like measles and cholera due to poor sanitation and crowded living conditions.
Food shortages are also critical. Farms have been abandoned because of the fighting. Government blockades and looted supplies have made food even more expensive and harder to find. Many families eat one meal a day—or less. Children are most at risk of severe malnutrition, which weakens their immune systems and threatens their lives. Humanitarian organizations warn that unless aid reaches the region soon, the situation could become even more deadly.
Reports of Human Rights Violations
Reports of human rights violations in Amhara are frequent and deeply concerning. Both federal armed forces and other actors, including local militias, are accused of violence against civilians. Observers and international organizations keep reporting new incidents, but the true scale may be even greater than what is known.
Extrajudicial Killings and Arbitrary Detentions
Extrajudicial killings and arbitrary detentions are major problems. Security forces have been accused of executing suspected militia members—and sometimes civilians—without trial. Hundreds, possibly thousands, have disappeared after being detained. Families often do not know where their loved ones have been taken or if they are alive.
Human rights groups say many people are arrested simply for being Amhara, or for expressing political views. The lack of fair legal process and reports of torture and abuse in detention centers have raised the alarm among international observers.
Targeting of Civilians and Livestock Looting
Targeting of civilians and livestock looting are common tactics. Armed groups and soldiers have attacked villages accused of supporting one side or another. Houses are burned, and people are sometimes shot or beaten if they try to resist. Even more, livestock and stored crops are stolen or destroyed as punishment or for profit.
This livestock looting has led to hunger and poverty spreading faster. In rural areas, cattle, sheep, and goats are the main source of survival for families. Losing them means losing any chance to recover. These acts deepen the misery and make the humanitarian crisis in Amhara even harder to solve.
Impact on National Unity and Ethnic Relations
The Amhara conflict is having a devastating effect on Ethiopian national unity and ethnic relations. According to reports from Crisis Group and academic commentaries, the violence in Amhara is not just a local or regional problem; it is now a major threat to the entire country’s stability. The deepening rift between Amhara factions and the federal government is making it hard for Ethiopians to see themselves as one nation.
Historical grievances and collective trauma are being reignited by recent events. Many Amharas feel betrayed by the central government since the peace deal sidelined their interests and security. This has created a strong sense of distrust, with some Amhara people fearing ethnic cleansing or loss of their rights. As a result, interethnic tensions between Amhara and neighboring groups, such as Tigrayans and Oromos, have increased. Community ties across regions have fractured, making reconciliation very difficult.
Media sources note that violence has led to rising hate speech, mutual suspicion, and a breakdown in traditional conflict resolution mechanisms. Religious and community leaders find it increasingly hard to act as mediators. This climate is fueling ethnic nationalism, undermining the very idea of a united Ethiopia. The war in Amhara has already led to a visible crumbling of previous alliances and, if it continues, risks encouraging separatist sentiments elsewhere in the country.
Economic Repercussions and Infrastructure Damage
The war in Amhara has taken a terrible toll on Ethiopia’s economy and infrastructure. Several reports, including those from Addis Standard and the International Food Policy Research Institute, lay out the scale of the damage. The fighting has disrupted trade routes, blocked supplies, and destroyed marketplaces that kept the region’s economy alive.
Key public infrastructures such as roads, electricity networks, schools, and hospitals have suffered widespread destruction due to fighting and targeted attacks. Agricultural infrastructure has been heavily damaged, leading to poor harvests and food insecurity. The United Nations and Addis Standard estimate the cost of needed recovery funding in the billions of dollars, with tens of thousands displaced and forced into poverty.
Businesses are closing, unemployment is soaring, and vital humanitarian resources have been diverted to war efforts. The ongoing violence has made foreign donors and investors cautious, leading to less outside support. In a country already facing high inflation and fuel shortages, these economic shocks are pushing more people into hunger and deepening the country’s poverty crisis.
Strain on Federal Government Authority
The federal government’s authority is facing its biggest challenge in years due to the Amhara conflict. Multiple credible sources, including the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) and analysis from the Lansing Institute, highlight that the government’s control over Amhara is now very weak. The inability to dissolve the Amhara Special Forces smoothly triggered armed resistance, and efforts to centralize power have led to backlash rather than unity.
With regular states of emergency and mass arrests, the federal government is seen as using force rather than dialogue. This approach has hardened opposition and damaged its legitimacy not only in Amhara but also in other regions such as Oromia. The presence of a powerful local militia (Fano) battling federal forces has made Amhara one of the most unstable regions in Ethiopia.
As the central government loses ground, there are growing fears of state fragility, with possible spillovers into other regions. Analysts warn that, unless the government changes course, its grip on national affairs could be irreversibly damaged. This turmoil makes meaningful governance, social services, and long-term development nearly impossible. The current crisis shows that without broad-based solutions and trust-building, governing a diverse country like Ethiopia becomes almost unmanageable.
Origins and Objectives of Fano
The origins of Fano run deep in Ethiopian history. Fano began as a symbol of resistance as early as the late 19th century, with roots in defending Ethiopian lands from foreign invaders. Over the years, Fano evolved from loose local defense groups into a more organized Amhara militia. Today, Fano defines itself as a movement fighting for the “defense and dignity of the Amhara people”. The objectives of Fano, according to several sources like The New Humanitarian and The Conversation, focus on resisting what its members see as the ongoing “oppression” of the Amhara community, ending the “balkanization” of Ethiopia under the current system, and protecting Amhara interests from perceived threats, both internal and external. Many Fano members are motivated by the belief that official channels have failed to defend their people, especially after the Tigray conflict, and that direct action is necessary. Some factions within Fano advocate for reforms to Ethiopia’s constitution or even the overhaul of the federal system, while others focus mainly on territorial defense.
Community Support and Civilian Involvement
Community support for Fano in the Amhara region is complex and deeply felt. In many areas, local communities see Fano as protectors, especially where trust in state security forces has collapsed. Civilians provide a wide range of support to Fano, including shelter, food, intelligence, and sometimes even direct participation in fighting. For many people in Amhara, Fano is not viewed just as an armed group, but as their own sons, brothers, and neighbors protecting villages from threats. This support, however, comes with huge risks, often exposing civilians to deadly government crackdowns, forced displacement, and constant fear. Reports from sources like Al Jazeera and Human Rights Watch reveal that the lines between civilian supporters and fighters are thin, making the conflict even more painful for communities. At the same time, some human rights groups and international organizations have raised concerns about the impact of this civilian involvement, reporting forced recruitment and accidental deaths among non-combatants caught in the conflict.
Labeling of Fano: Defense Group or Militant Threat?
The labeling of Fano differs sharply depending on who is speaking. Locally, many Amhara people emphasize Fano’s role as a defense group, insisting its members only seek to protect their homes, family members, and ethnic rights. They describe Fano as responding to attacks, resisting state centralization, and filling a vacuum left by the weakening of official regional forces.
In contrast, the Ethiopian government and some neighboring countries have described Fano as a militant threat or even accused the group of fueling wider instability. International analysis, including sites like the Institute for the Study of War, discusses Fano’s increasing military capability and willingness to confront state forces, raising concerns about the group’s actions escalating conflict throughout Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa. Reports of targeted violence and clashes with government troops have also led international organizations and media to warn about risks of civilian harm and regional destabilization.
In summary, Fano walks a dangerous line in Ethiopian society. To its supporters, it remains a grassroots defense movement born of fear and anger. To authorities and some outside analysts, it represents a militant challenge to national unity and peace. This debate—defenders or destabilizers?—is at the center of Ethiopia’s ongoing crisis.
International Perspective and Involvement
UN and Human Rights Organizations’ Responses
UN and Human Rights Organizations’ responses have focused on the serious humanitarian and human rights crisis in the Amhara region. Since 2023, groups like the United Nations, Human Rights Watch, and Amnesty International have raised alarms about widespread violence, mass displacement, and reports of extrajudicial killings. There are repeated appeals for urgent access to the region for humanitarian aid delivery and independent investigations into alleged abuses. Investigators say both Ethiopian federal forces and Fano militias have been accused of targeting civilians, leading to global pressure to respect human rights and protect vulnerable groups.
These organizations regularly call for restraint by both sides and for the government to protect civilians. The UN has urged the Ethiopian government to lift restrictions on humanitarian access and has documented the looming risk of famine and increased civilian suffering. Human rights defenders emphasize that without international monitoring and accountability, abuses could worsen. So far, many reports highlight a troubling lack of progress on holding perpetrators accountable and providing justice for victims.
Calls for African Union and Global Engagement
Calls for African Union and global engagement have grown louder as the conflict drags on. The African Union (AU) faces criticism for remaining largely inactive while violence and instability spread in the Amhara region. Many African and international leaders express concern that Ethiopia’s internal crisis may spill across borders and destabilize the region. Observers urge the AU to play a more direct mediation role and assist in dialogue to resolve the deepening conflict between federal forces and Amhara factions.
In addition to the AU, major powers including the United States, the European Union, and neighboring countries have encouraged unconditional negotiations and humanitarian corridors to save lives. There are many calls for both quiet diplomacy and public pressure on the Ethiopian government to pursue peace, guarantee rights, and find a sustainable solution. Many believe that, without regional partners, the Ethiopian crisis could turn into a wider East African problem.
External Disputes and Regional Instability
External disputes and regional instability are becoming real threats as the war in Amhara continues. The internal conflict in Ethiopia comes at a time of tense relations with neighboring countries like Sudan and Eritrea. The unresolved border disputes, especially over the al-Fashaga region, remain a source of confrontation. Meanwhile, instability in Amhara could embolden armed groups in neighboring regions, increasing the risk of cross-border violence.
Regional experts warn that Ethiopia’s gridlock could act as a flashpoint for wider instability, especially since millions have been displaced and are seeking refuge near or across borders. Eritrea’s ambiguous position and continued tensions with Tigray also raise the risk of new frontlines. There is increasing concern among international observers that if the Ethiopian federal government cannot restore order and stability, external actors may intervene or neighboring states may be drawn in, undermining peace in the Horn of Africa.
In summary, the international response highlights the urgent need for greater humanitarian access, accountability for abuses, and a unified approach to prevent escalation into a broader regional crisis. The world is watching for signs of progress, but delays in effective engagement could worsen an already dangerous situation.
Exclusion from Peace Accords
Exclusion from peace accords has been a major reason for the ongoing tensions and lack of trust in Amhara. When the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement was signed between the Ethiopian federal government and Tigrayan forces, key Amhara actors and militias like Fano were not invited to participate. According to the UK government’s June 2025 report, this exclusion upset many in the Amhara region, who felt their security concerns and demands for autonomy were ignored. As noted by several analyses, the roots of the current war can be traced back to these historical grievances and political marginalization, with the Fano militia’s omission from official peace talks further fueling the conflict and making meaningful reconciliation even harder to achieve.
Obstacles to Dialogue and Meaningful Engagement
Obstacles to dialogue and meaningful engagement in the Amhara conflict are many and complex. Ongoing violence, especially between Fano and federal forces, has disrupted any attempt at peace talks or community-level mediation. According to ACLED and other sources, efforts by the National Dialogue Commission and the Amhara Peace Council have stalled due to a lack of real negotiating power and trust among the parties. Deep-rooted grievances—like feelings of ethnic marginalization, recent displacement, and distrust toward the federal government—make open dialogue very difficult. Reports say the Prosperity Party government remains unpopular in much of the Amhara region, while violence and insecurity prevent regular, safe contact between rival groups. The destruction left by wars in Tigray and Amhara casts further shadows, leaving communities traumatized and wary of new promises.
Scenarios for the Future: Military Escalation, Negotiation, or Regime Change
Scenarios for the future of Amhara and Ethiopia look uncertain and concerning. According to a range of sources, one scenario is continued military escalation, where the government could try to crush the Fano insurgency, risking a widening civil war and even greater humanitarian crises. Another possibility is renewed negotiation. International organizations like the International Crisis Group urge both sides to open talks, but distrust, exclusion, and past failures hinder this pathway. A third potential outcome some analysts see is regime change, whether through political reform from inside the ruling party or outside pressure due to repeated failures to restore peace. Ethiopia stands at a crossroads: either the situation gets worse with fresh waves of conflict, or leaders take bold steps toward inclusive dialogue and political compromise. For millions in Amhara and beyond, the stakes could not be higher.
Addressing Historical Grievances
Addressing historical grievances is a difficult but vital pathway for peace in Amhara and Ethiopia. For many years, Amhara communities have felt that their land and rights were either ignored or violated by various governments. Ethnic federalism and long-standing disputes over territory have created layers of frustration and anger. Many sources, such as zehabesha.com, explain that these grievances stem from land resettlement, boundary changes, identity politics, and violence that have never been fully addressed.
The only way forward is to openly acknowledge this history. Transitional justice, including truth-telling and compensation, must be considered. The government and opposition must listen to Amhara voices and create safe spaces for dialogue. This also requires reviewing contested administrative boundaries and allowing for inclusive participation in decision-making. If Ethiopia fails to address these historical wounds, ethnic-based resentment will continue and make peace impossible.
Reconciliation and Inclusive Governance
Reconciliation and inclusive governance are at the heart of any lasting solution. Many peace experts and reports (for example, civicus.org and the Carnegie Endowment) say that transitional justice is needed—not just political deals among elites. The country must establish systems of accountability for past abuses in Amhara and elsewhere, ensuring that all communities feel respected by the state.
Inclusive governance means ensuring every group, including the Amhara, has a real voice at the national table. It will take much more than symbolic gestures. Ethiopia should enhance its national dialogue efforts, going beyond political leaders to invsdozzssszzzzsvvvvvvvvvvvvzsvzsczzzzvxzvvvvvvvvvvxvvxcccxcxxvvvvvvvvvvvv
=0 lve elders, women, youth, religious leaders, and civil society. Traditional local processes like Shimglina (community mediation) can be used at the grassroots along with new legal reforms. True reconciliation also depends on recognizing regional diversity as a source of strength, not division. The goal should be a government that is both strong and genuinely representative of all Ethiopians.
Building a Foundation for Lasting Unity
Building a foundation for lasting unity is necessary to stop future cycles of conflict. As sources like ScholasticaHQ and MFA Ethiopia Blog note, Ethiopia’s diversity can become a strength if it is managed wisely. There must be a shared vision that includes both national pride and respect for regional differences. Education, national dialogue, and youth engagement are essential to heal social divides.
Leadership is very important. Unified and honest leaders, both in Amhara and at the federal level, can guide fragmented communities toward common ground. Grassroots projects that connect communities and promote economic cooperation will also help. Laws and structures need to protect minority rights while promoting a shared sense of citizenship. If all communities see their values and future in the country’s destiny, long-term unity is possible. But for this to happen, Ethiopia must break from the past’s mistakes and ensure justice, equality, and hope for every citizen.