US express grave concern over civilian killings in Merawi, Ethiopia and calls for an impartial investigation

Fano Lisan – The reports of targeted civilian killings in Merawi town, Gojjam have sparked deep concern within the US government.

The incident occurred following intense clashes between the Fano militia and government forces, during which Fano emerged victorious and withdrew from the scene to prevent indiscriminate heavy weapon attacks on the city by government forces. Subsequently, upon the departure of the Fano militia, government forces returned with reinforced strength and conducted retaliatory executions on ordinary civilians, leading to the reported deaths of at least 157 individuals

Residents paint a horrifying picture, describing the deaths of at least 157 civilians at the hands of government forces, labeling them as cold-blooded executions.

Local human rights groups and medical professionals from Merawi hospitals fear the true death toll may surpass 200.

In response to this tragedy, US Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin Massinga issued statement, urging for unfettered access for independent human rights monitors and demanding an impartial investigation to unearth the truth and bring the perpetrators to justice. Ambassador Massinga stressed that dialogue, not violence, serves as the sole path towards a peaceful resolution in Ethiopia.