UN reports: Over 183 killed in fierce clashes in Ethiopia’s Amhara region

Government responds to violence with state of emergency, leading to over 1,000 nationwide arrests.

_{^{Government recaptures towns and cities, but conflict persists in the region. (Photo: Reuters)}}

Fighting between Ethiopia’s military and militiamen in the Amhara region has resulted in the deaths of at least 183 people, according to the UN. The UN’s report provides the most comprehensive independent death toll to date of the month-long conflict.

In response to the violence, the government declared a state of emergency and has arrested over 1,000 people nationwide. Many of those arrested are reported to be young people of ethnic Amhara origin.

The government denies accusations of undermining security in the Amhara region, which has fueled the conflict. Although government forces initially lost control of major towns and cities to the militiamen, they have since reclaimed them. However, the conflict continues as the Fano militias reportedly retreat into rural areas.

The UN has called on all actors to cease killings and other violations and abuses. Fresh fighting broke out in the town of Debre Tabor, resulting in at least four deaths, including three civilians and four police officers supporting the military.

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Toshika Chauhan