Ongoing War in Amhara Region Strategically Aimed to Weaken Amhara: Former FM Gedu

Gedu Andargachew, former Ethiopian Foreign Minister, claims the ongoing war in Amhara is a deliberate attempt to weaken the region. He doubts peaceful negotiations will end the conflict and suggests two alternate pathways. The war has severely impacted social and economic structures, with millions facing educational disruptions. Despite a longstanding emergency declaration, conflict intensifies, and international responses remain inadequate.

The conflict in Ethiopia’s Amhara region has reportedly been strategically designed to weaken the Amhara people, as articulated by Gedu Andargachew, the former Foreign Affairs Minister and President of the region. In a recent interview, he expressed disillusionment with the transition initiated by Abiy Ahmed’s government, suggesting it has only led to further chaos instead of progress.

Gedu, who has also held the position of National Security Advisor, stated that he does not foresee a peaceful resolution to the conflict. He identifies two potential pathways for an end to the war: the government must acknowledge the futility of its current approach, or the Fano resistance must gain significant public and military support to compel the government to entertain peace negotiations.

The war has inflicted severe social and economic damage on the Amhara region, with over six million children currently out of school, according to humanitarian reports. Human rights organizations have documented assaults on educational and healthcare facilities, alongside incidents of extrajudicial killings and rape, exacerbating the already dire situation.

Following a six-month emergency state declared by the government in August 2023, aimed at disarming Fano forces, the conflict has persisted for over a year and a half, with no resolution in sight. Fano forces have become significantly more armed, now exerting control over 80 percent of the region. Despite its intensity and destruction, the international community appears largely unresponsive to this ongoing humanitarian crisis, which rivaled the severity of previous conflicts involving the Federal government and TPLF.

In conclusion, Gedu Andargachew’s assertions underscore a troubling trend in the Amhara region, where the ongoing conflict has instigated profound societal collapse. Without significant shifts in governmental strategy or bolstered support for the Fano resistance, the path to peace appears fraught with challenges. Furthermore, the international community’s lack of engagement raises concerns about the escalating humanitarian crisis and the plight of millions affected by this war.

Original Source: borkena.com