Military Executes Dozens in Amhara Region – HRW
Ethiopian military forces summarily executed scores of civilians over a six-hour period in the town of Merawi in the Amhara region on January 29th, according to witnesses and human rights groups. The killings came after earlier fighting between the military and Fano militia forces.
Residents described a horrific scene as soldiers went door-to-door and shot civilians, including women and children, after the militia withdrew from the town. “They accused the people of being Fano, saying ‘You are just pretending to be civilians’,” said one witness who saw at least 17 bodies the next day.
Community leaders compiled two lists totaling 40 named victims, but estimates suggest over 80 civilians were killed, their bodies left lining the main road. “I saw them drag someone out from their home and shoot them,” recounted another resident.
The following day, Orthodox Christian mourners were initially blocked from retrieving the dead. When finally allowed, mass burials took place under severe restrictions on traditional grieving practices. “We were not allowed to clean the bodies or pray properly,” said a priest.
More violence erupted on February 24th, with soldiers killing at least 2-8 more civilians, including a 23-year-old university student.
In addition to the executions, widespread looting and property destruction occurred, including burning over a dozen motorized rickshaws.
“The Ethiopian armed forces’ brutal killings undercut government claims of restoring order,” said Laetitia Bader of Human Rights Watch, which documented the atrocities and evidence of possible war crimes.
Human rights groups condemned the killings and called for independent investigations. The UN and African Union were urged to consider suspending new deployments of Ethiopian troops to peacekeeping missions until accountability measures are taken against commanders responsible for grave abuses during the Amhara conflict.