Former Ethiopian Foreign Affairs Minister Gedu Andargachew claims that the prolonged conflict in Amhara is a deliberate strategy to weaken the region. He predicts no peaceful resolution without significant government and popular changes. The war has devastated social structures, leaving millions of students out of school. Despite the situation’s severity, the international community remains largely unresponsive.
The war in the Amhara region of Ethiopia has persisted for over a year and a half. Gedu Andargachew, the former Foreign Affairs Minister and President of Amhara, asserts that this conflict was “deliberately planned to weaken Amhara.” In a recent interview, he lamented that the anticipated changes these new leaderships would bring have instead led to chaos within the country.
Having previously served as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s National Security Advisor, Gedu expressed skepticism about the potential for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict. He outlined two scenarios that could lead to its cessation: firstly, government acknowledgment of the current strategy’s improbability; secondly, an increase in support for Fano’s efforts, compelling the government to seek peace.
The war has inflicted severe social and economic damage on the Amhara region. Reports indicate that over six million students are currently out of school due to the conflict, while educational institutions and healthcare facilities have come under attack. Human rights organizations have documented various abuses, including extrajudicial killings and rampant sexual violence, countered by government denial of the civilian death toll.
In August 2023, Abiy Ahmed’s administration declared a state of emergency intended to enforce law and disarm Fano forces. What was said to be a temporary measure has extended beyond a year and a half without resolution, with Fano now reportedly more heavily armed and controlling approximately 80 percent of the region. Despite the ongoing devastation, the international community remains largely silent, even as this situation echoes the violence previously observed between the federal government and the TPLF.
In summary, Gedu Andargachew highlights the deliberate planning behind the ongoing war in Amhara, indicating a strategic aim to undermine the region. With severe consequences affecting education and basic human rights, this protracted conflict continues without resolution. The circumstances necessitate urgent international attention and a reevaluation of the government’s approach to achieving peace and stability in the region.
Original Source: borkena.com
