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By: Getahun Tsegaye
Staff Writer
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia– The National Movement of Amhara (NAMA), an opposition party in Ethiopia, has issued a strong condemnation of Eritrea’s alleged role in exacerbating the ongoing security crisis in Ethiopia’s Amhara and Oromia regions.
In a statement released after its 3rd General Assembly, NAMA’s executive committee accused Eritrea of aligning with forces intent on worsening the security situation, particularly in Amhara, and of acting as proxies for Ethiopia’s historical adversaries. “Since its inception, Eritrea has been detrimental to the interests of the Amhara people and the broader Ethiopian political landscape,” the statement read.
The party called upon Ethiopians to “vehemently denounce and resist Eritrea’s destabilizing activities,” while framing its allegations within a wider historical narrative. Referencing Eritrea’s independence in 1993, NAMA questioned the legitimacy of the separation process and criticized the transitional Ethiopian government’s decision to allow Eritrean secession without, they argue, meaningful public participation. However, despite the strong accusations, NAMA’s statement fails to provide concrete evidence to substantiate its claims against Eritrea.
According to NAMA, Ethiopia’s loss of historical sea access remains a critical national issue that demands urgent attention. “The ceding of Ethiopia’s sea ports was not just a political error but a grave historical injustice,” the party argued, insisting that reclaiming or negotiating access to the sea should be elevated to a top national agenda requiring a united, strategic effort. This concern over maritime access also aligns with recent federal government claims under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who declared that Ethiopia must secure “an outlet to the sea” as a matter of national survival, a move that raised tensions with Eritrea and neighboring countries.
In its broader geopolitical assessment, NAMA claimed that Eritrea continues to prioritize unilateral gains through “conspiracy and force,” allegedly undermining peace and cooperation efforts in the Horn of Africa. Turning to the ongoing conflict in the Amhara region, NAMA reiterated its rejection of war as a solution. Drawing parallels to Eritrea’s own independence war and the struggles of South Sudan, the party argued that military paths to independence or justice often lead to long-term instability, oppression, and loss.
NAMA emphasized that Ethiopia must shift away from cycles of violence by strengthening national dialogue, the rule of law, shared societal values, and economic opportunity. “Our nation cannot afford to remain trapped in a cycle of ethnic-based conflicts,” the party stressed, calling for all forces to prioritize civilian protection and pursue peaceful alternatives.
However, broader opposition sentiment in Amhara has expressed reservations about the credibility of ongoing peace efforts, particularly the National Dialogue led by Professor Mesfin Araya. While NAMA expressed cautious optimism that the Dialogue could serve as a “strategic platform,” others have voiced skepticism, especially as arrests of key political figures from the Amhara region continue.
The arrest and ongoing detention of Christian Tadele, a prominent Amhara parliamentarian and critic of federal policies, has raised concerns among observers regarding the environment for dialogue. Some critics argue that the detention may affect trust in the inclusivity of the peace process. According to a political analyst based in Addis Ababa, “The detention of prominent figures like Christian Tadele raises questions about the prospects for genuine dialogue.” The Ethiopian government, however, has defended the detention, arguing that it is based on security concerns rather than political repression, stating that Christian Tadele is being investigated for alleged involvement in activities that “threaten national security and public order” under the state of emergency declared in August 2023.
Professor Mesfin Araya, during his visit to Bahir Dar, insisted that the National Dialogue is independent, stating, “We are not an extension of any political power. Our mission is to create a platform where all Ethiopian voices, especially those suffering from conflict, can be heard and respected.”
At the same time, growing criticism within the Amhara opposition has been directed at the National Movement of Amhara (NAMA) itself. Some activists and commentators argue that NAMA, once seen as a voice for Amhara interests, is increasingly perceived as aligned with the federal government rather than firmly standing for the people’s demands. Critics contend that NAMA’s cautious stance on sensitive issues—such as the detention of Christian Tadele and the broader federal military operations in Amhara—suggests that the party is prioritizing political accommodation over confronting injustices faced by the Amhara community. “Today, NAMA sounds more like a partner to the government than a defender of the Amhara people,” one political activist based in Addis Ababa said.
Others have accused the party of being “silent or ambiguous” at critical moments when a stronger defense of Amhara civilian victims and political prisoners was needed. According to these voices, NAMA’s current posture risks alienating its original support base and weakening broader Amhara resistance against what many see as systemic marginalization and violence.
Alongside its formal statement, NAMA’s General Assembly also discussed recent developments in Amhara, reflecting deep concern over the broader human and economic cost of the conflict. According to the Assembly’s summary, the ongoing violence over the past two years has caused “widespread human suffering and destruction,” with schools closed, civilians displaced, students and teachers marginalized, and economic collapse taking hold across many areas.
The Assembly also raised alarms about external forces allegedly exploiting the conflict, although it did not clearly specify which actors were being referred to. The statement warned that “foreign elements” and “enemies” of the Amhara people were using the region’s instability to erode its future generations and economic foundation. “Efforts are underway to deny the Amhara people today — and future generations — any opportunity for national leadership through the weakening of education, economy, and social fabric,” it said.
Still, critics note that while these concerns are serious, the Assembly’s wording lacked clarity regarding exactly who it blames for the alleged conspiracies and destabilization efforts, leaving the door open to various interpretations.
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