Abiy Ahmed Is “Anti-Amhara”

Abiy Ahmed has generated significant controversy regarding his relationship with the Amhara people. Although he began his term in 2018 as a reformer brimming with potential, many now view his actions as largely unsupportive of the Amhara community. During his tenure, there have been numerous allegations of targeting and hostility aimed at this ethnic group.

There are feelings of distrust and betrayal, with many Amhara blaming him for disappointing outcomes in both political influence and territorial disputes. Additionally, the reported disarmament of Amhara forces and exclusion from peace talks add to the growing sense of alienation.

Violence and displacement have plagued regions under his administration, contributing to serious human rights concerns. Critics and analysts continue to deliberate on these complex and contentious relationships, questioning whether there is intent to “eliminate” Amhara communities or if there’s a broader story untold.

Distrust and Sense of Betrayal Among Amhara

The distrust and sense of betrayal among the Amhara people towards Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed have heightened over the years, especially considering their role in the Tigray conflict. The initial optimism that many Amhara had when Abiy took office in 2018 has slowly eroded, replaced by feelings of being undermined and overlooked by the national government.

Support During the Tigray Conflict

During the Tigray conflict, the Amhara people showed their support for the federal forces, believing that their alliance might result in favorable outcomes for their community. They stood firm, anticipating that their efforts would be recognized and rewarded, but many now feel let down.

Expectation of Political Influence

The Amhara community had strong expectations of gaining political influence after their support during the conflict. Many believed that by aligning with Abiy and his government, they would gain a greater voice in the national political arena. However, this aspiration seems to have fallen short, as opportunities for increased political clout have not come to fruition. Instead, the Amhara’s role seems minimized, leaving them feeling unappreciated and sidelined.

Control Over Disputed Territories

Another crucial factor in the sense of betrayal stems from the lack of control over disputed territories such as Welkait and Raya. The Amhara people had hoped that their support during the Tigray conflict would translate into governmental backing in these contested areas. Yet, as time has passed, these expectations have not been realized. The unresolved status of these regions serves as a constant reminder of unfulfilled promises and the broken trust between the Amhara community and the current administration.

These factors contribute significantly to the distrust and sense of betrayal that the Amhara people feel under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s leadership, setting a tone of skepticism and disappointment for many within the community.

Disarmament and Suppression of Amhara Forces

The disarmament and suppression of Amhara forces have been contentious issues under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration. The Ethiopian government’s actions have led to accusations of targeting the Amhara community, increasing tensions and exacerbating conflicts.

Federal Government’s Disarmament Efforts

The Federal Government’s disarmament efforts aimed at regional special forces, primarily focusing on the Amhara militia known as Fano. The government justified these actions under the broad goal of enforcing national unity and securing peace.

Resistance to Disarmament

Resistance to disarmament has been pronounced among the Amhara, as the attempts to disarm their forces have been met with strong opposition. Many Amhara view these efforts as a direct threat to their security and autonomy. For them, Fano is not merely a militia; it’s a symbol of protection against ethnic strife and territorial disputes.

• Widespread protests erupted across the region.
• Some elements of Fano refused to lay down arms.
• There have been clashes with government forces.

Impact on Amhara Autonomy

The impact on Amhara autonomy due to disarmament has been severe. Many fear that without their regional forces, they are vulnerable to external threats. The move is perceived as a strategy to weaken Amhara’s political influence and control.

• Amhara leaders have voiced concerns over losing their ability to independently safeguard their regions.
• Disarmament has affected local governance and confidence.

Clashes Involving Fano

Clashes involving Fano have intensified during these disarmament processes. Incidents of violence have occurred as the militia sought to resist federal plans. These clashes have proved deadly and further strained relationships between the Amhara and Abiy’s government.

• Notable confrontations have occurred in cities like Gondar and Bahir Dar.
• The conflicts have resulted in casualties on both sides.
• Disarmament has led to a surge in violence, including attacks on infrastructure and civilians.

The complexity of the situation illustrates the deep-seated challenges facing Ethiopia in achieving peace and maintaining genuine unity.

Exclusion from Peace Processes and Unresolved Land Disputes

The relationship between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the Amhara people has been further strained due to the exclusion of Amhara representatives from crucial peace processes and the failure to resolve long-standing land disputes. These issues have led to growing resentment and distrust among the Amhara community.

Key Peace Talks and Amhara Representation

In many key peace talks, the voice of the Amhara community has been conspicuously absent. This exclusion has fueled accusations that the government is sidelining the Amhara people from important national dialogues. These peace talks, intended to pave the way for a more stable and unified Ethiopia, often lacked adequate representation from the Amhara ethnic group, raising questions about fairness and inclusivity. This perceived marginalization has amplified feelings of neglect and betrayal within the community, further intensifying ethnic tensions in the country.

Disputed Territories: Welkait and Raya

The disputed territories of Welkait and Raya remain critical flashpoints between the Amhara and neighboring ethnic groups. These areas have been subjects of intense territorial claims and have historical significance for the Amhara people. The failure to resolve these disputes has led to ongoing tensions and periodic violence. Critics of Abiy Ahmed’s administration argue that the lack of decisive action over these territories reflects a neglect of Amhara interests, causing further exasperation and fueling the narrative of government bias against Amhara.

The unresolved nature of these disputes exacerbates ethnic divisions and undermines potential peace initiatives. Until these historical land issues are addressed with a commitment to fairness and representation, there’s unlikely to be a lasting resolution, leaving the door open to further conflict and instability.

Resolving these land disputes is critical for building a lasting peace and ensuring all ethnic groups, including the Amhara, feel equitably involved in Ethiopia’s future.

Violence and Displacement of Amharas

The violence and displacement of the Amhara people have been subjects of grave concern amid Abiy Ahmed’s administration. The issue has been further exacerbated by occurrences in regions such as Oromia and Benishangul Gumuz, highlighting tensions underlined by ethnic strife and political instability.

Incidents in Oromia and Benishangul Gumuz

In Oromia and Benishangul Gumuz, numerous incidents involving violence and displacement of Amharas have been reported, causing deep-seated resentment among the Amhara community. The incidents often involve ethnic clashes and have resulted in the tragic loss of lives and the destruction of properties, leaving many Amharas without homes and livelihoods.

• In Oromia, reports indicate that Amhara communities have been targeted during ethnic conflicts. These clashes have led to the uprooting of families, with many seeking refuge in other regions.
• Benishangul Gumuz has witnessed similar turmoil, where violence has often stemmed from longstanding ethnic grievances. Here, Amharas have faced violent confrontations, severely impacting their ability to safely reside and work within the region.

These disturbing events have prompted human rights organizations to call for immediate action to protect the Amhara people and ensure their safety and rights.

Birakat Massacre and Army Conduct

The Birakat massacre stands out as one of the most shocking examples of violence faced by Amharas under the current regime. This tragic event has raised serious concerns about the conduct of the army and federal forces in Ethiopia.

• Reports from The Economist have illustrated the scale of brutality involved in the Birakat massacre, highlighting the alleged role of the army in perpetrating or failing to prevent the violence.
• The massacre has led to international condemnation, with critics accusing Abiy Ahmed’s administration of turning a blind eye to such atrocities, thereby fostering an environment of impunity.

The army’s conduct during such incidents has been called into question, with demands for accountability and transparency in investigations. The continued silence and inaction on such issues have only amplified fears and concerns among the Amhara people about their future security and rights.

These disturbing developments underscore the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address ethnic violence in Ethiopia to pave the way for peace and reconciliation.

Human Rights Violations and Suppression of Dissent

The state of human rights in Ethiopia has raised grave concerns, particularly regarding the Amhara community under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s leadership. Accusations of widespread suppression of dissent and violations of fundamental freedoms have been a recurring theme.

Democratic Backsliding Under Abiy’s Premiership

Under Abiy’s premiership, there have been notable instances of democratic backsliding. Although initially seen as a reformer, Abiy’s government has faced criticism for undermining democratic institutions and stifling opposition voices. Tactics such as media censorship and internet shutdowns have been employed, reminiscent of authoritarian regimes. Free speech has been curtailed, limiting the population’s ability to express their grievances or protest against the government. This democratic regression has sparked fears that Ethiopia’s political landscape is becoming increasingly repressive.

Criminalization of Amhara Identity and Politics

One particularly alarming concern is the criminalization of Amhara identity and politics. This has been perceived as a strategy to silence this ethnic group and suppress their political demands. Many Amharas claim that simply asserting their cultural or political identity has become grounds for persecution, painting a worrying picture of ethnic profiling and discrimination.

Detention of Activists and Journalists

The detention of activists and journalists is a poignant example of this suppression. Numerous reports have surfaced of Amhara activists being detained merely for expressing dissenting opinions or raising awareness about their community’s plight. Journalists, too, have faced intimidation and imprisonment for reporting on Amhara issues, indicating a broader crackdown on freedom of the press. This creates a climate of fear, discouraging open dialogue and hardening divisions within Ethiopian society.

These actions not only fuel further unrest among the Amhara but also tarnish the government’s international reputation as a champion of reform and reconciliation.

In conclusion, the reported human rights violations and the systemic oppression of dissent are major factors in the disillusionment with Abiy Ahmed’s leadership. The Amhara community‘s experience underlines the urgency of addressing these issues to foster peace and equality in Ethiopia.

Allegations of Intent to ‘Eliminate’ Amhara

Statements by Former Officials

There have been alarming statements by former officials regarding Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s alleged intent to “eliminate” the Amhara population. One of the most striking claims came from Taye Dendea, a former State Minister of Peace, who has publicly stated that Abiy expressed intentions that could be interpreted as a threat to the Amhara community. This statement has added fuel to the fire, as it echoes fears among many Amharas who feel targeted by the current regime. Such allegations have not only tarnished the Prime Minister’s reputation but have also intensified the already simmering ethnic tensions within the country.

These statements have not been isolated. Other former officials have hinted at similar sentiments during their tenure, suggesting a broader strategy that might be at play. These accusations highlight a disturbing pattern and have led to increased scrutiny of Abiy Ahmed’s policies and personal motives. The political atmosphere in Ethiopia is thus fraught with anxiety, as ethnic relations remain extremely delicate.

Public Reaction and Fears of Violence

The public reaction to these allegations has been one of fear and uncertainty. Ethiopians, particularly those from the Amhara region, have expressed overwhelming concern that these alleged intentions might result in renewed violence or worse. Many Amharas believe that such public figures’ claims cannot be easily dismissed, especially when supported by the administration’s track record of violence and suppression against their people.

Rumors and whispers about the Prime Minister’s actions and intent have spread rapidly across social media platforms, further fueling public anxiety. In an environment where information is highly censored and often unreliable, these fears of violence can provoke real-world consequences. Stories of increased security measures in Amhara regions and whispers of potential military crackdowns have only heightened tensions.

Community leaders and activists are calling for greater dialogue and peaceful negotiations to address grievances and prevent potential conflict. However, the trust deficit is pronounced, and the fear of violence lingers like a shadow over the Amhara populace, causing many to brace themselves for uncertain times ahead.

In such a charged and sensitive atmosphere, the consequences of these allegations, whether substantiated or not, could manifest in catastrophic ways. The government’s next moves will be crucial in either reassuring the public or exacerbating ethnic divides.

July 14, 2025
The Habesha