Awra Amba, a peaceful community in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, is facing severe challenges due to ongoing conflicts between Fano fighters and federal forces. This has led to economic decline, violence, and community disruptions. Residents express a deep desire for peace amid these tumultuous changes, with calls for political dialogue to address the underlying tensions in the region.
The village of Awra Amba in Ethiopia’s Amhara region has endured a tumultuous two years amid escalating conflict between Fano fighters and Ethiopian federal forces. Once a thriving community known for its peace-centered ideals, Awra Amba now faces significant dangers, including violence, kidnappings, and economic turmoil. The impact of the ongoing clashes has made daily life perilous, and residents are longing for the peace they once enjoyed.
Nestled in Amhara, Awra Amba has historically been a beacon of egalitarianism and conflict resolution since its establishment in the 1970s. However, the region is now entangled in a fierce struggle, marked by violence and claims over territory by Fano, which emerged after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed proposed dissolving local forces. This ignited brutal confrontations, drawing widespread international concerns about human rights violations.
The tension has devastated Awra Amba’s economy. Once a popular destination for tourists, the village now sees a stark decline in visitors and revenue. Community member Worksew Mohammed lamented the loss of their chance to share their peaceful ethos with foreigners, noting that the current dangers prevent visitors from traveling to the area, directly impacting their financial sustainability.
Farmers in the community report fears of gang robberies along transport routes, leading to difficulties in selling their agricultural products. The situation is exacerbated by government-enforced internet blackouts in a bid to suppress rebel movements, which hinder residents’ ability to maintain educational and economic activities. As conflict escalates, the local cooperative has also been forced to shutter its school.
The community was recently shaken by the kidnapping of a local villager, with the ransom demand overwhelming given their limited resources. Awra Amba’s founder, Zumra Nuru, and his son have fled to Addis Ababa for safety amidst this chaos. Experts suggest that without a meaningful political dialogue addressing the concerns of Fano and other local groups, the cycle of violence in Amhara is likely to persist, leading to further instability in the region.
The conflict, rooted in a deeper struggle for representation and political power, has devastating implications. The UN has reported severe human rights abuses and a staggering number of children out of school due to the unrest. Nuru expresses a desire for peaceful resolutions through dialogue, reflective of the community’s past resilience in the face of adversity. As he stated, the focus should be on unity and collaboration to mitigate suffering and achieve lasting peace for Ethiopia.
The ongoing conflict in Awra Amba has profoundly disrupted the community’s way of life, resulting in economic challenges, violent incidents, and educational interruptions. The desperation for peace is palpable among residents, led by the foundational principles of their cooperative society. Urgent political reforms and constructive dialogue are essential to resolving the entrenched issues contributing to this turmoil. Amidst adversity, the villagers of Awra Amba continue to yearn for a harmonious resolution, emphasizing their commitment to peace and resilience through unity.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
