Ethiopian Human Rights Council was one of the suspended human rights organizations in Ethiopia
By Getahun Tsegaye
Staff Reporter
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — The Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRC) has issued a press statement highlighting the deteriorating security situation across several regions of the country, warning of growing threats to civilian safety, education access, and humanitarian operations.
In its statement, the EHRC expressed deep concern over the “increasing erosion of community safety, particularly in the Amhara and Oromia regions.” According to the council, armed groups and government security forces are both contributing to the instability, using what it described as “irregular methods” of conflict that have significantly disrupted daily life.
One of the most disturbing incidents cited in the report took place on March 20, 2025, in Merawi town, North Gojjam Zone of the Amhara region. Five teachers from Colonel Tadesse Muluneh and Alfiya Secondary School—who taught civics, history, biology, chemistry, and English—were killed after allegedly defying an order from local Fano militants to halt school operations.
“We have verified through field evidence that these teachers were deliberately targeted and killed for continuing to educate students under threats,” the council said. Four of the victims were laid to rest in a joint funeral at Maryam Church in Merawi, while the fifth was buried at Lideta Church in Bahir Dar.
The EHRC also noted that many adolescent and young students are now too afraid to attend school due to the ongoing presence and pressure of armed groups in their communities.
The report documents an aerial attack in Goncha Siso Enese District 032 of Enegish town, East Gojjam Zone, on February 20, 2025, which occurred around 10:30 A.M. on a crowded market day. The EHRC confirmed that “many civilians were killed and injured during the attack,” though exact figures were not disclosed.
Travel and humanitarian work have also become perilous. According to EHRC, on March 31, 2025, 19 humanitarian workers—16 men and 3 women—were kidnapped while traveling from Metema to Gondar for project-related duties. Though the women were released shortly after due to logistical challenges, the men were only freed on April 3 after ransom payments were made.
“Abductions are now a growing concern and are causing widespread fear among NGO workers and drivers, affecting not just humanitarian efforts but local economic activity,” the council reported.
It further stated that civilians using public transportation between the Amhara region and Addis Ababa are frequently targeted by armed groups, especially in the North Shewa Zone of Oromia. These groups have reportedly engaged in abductions, killings, and ransom demands.
On April 2, 2025, passengers on a bus traveling from Bahir Dar to Addis Ababa were ambushed in the Tulu Milki area of Warajarso Woreda. “A number of passengers were abducted, and some were killed. Among the victims was a father of three from Addis Ababa, who was buried on April 6 at Kechene Medhanealem Church,” the report said. Government security forces responded to the incident and reportedly managed to rescue some hostages, with operations still ongoing.
The Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRC) has also called on all concerned parties to engage in peace talks as a critical step toward resolving the escalating crisis. The council emphasized that dialogue is essential to address the root causes of the conflict, restore stability, and protect civilians from further harm. EHRC urged both state and non-state actors to prioritize peaceful solutions over continued violence, stressing that sustainable peace can only be achieved through inclusive and constructive negotiations.
Ethiopia has faced a growing security crisis in recent years, particularly following the end of the war in Tigray. Tensions between federal forces and regional militias, especially in the Amhara and Oromia regions, have escalated into regular armed confrontations, with civilians often caught in the crossfire. In Amhara, clashes between government forces and local Fano militias have intensified, while in Oromia, the presence of the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) continues to fuel unrest. The instability has been compounded by economic hardships, political grievances, and ethnic tensions, leading to a volatile environment where abductions, targeted killings, and mass displacement are increasingly common.
__
Subscribe : https://borkena.com/subscribe-borkena/
Join our Telegram Channel : t.me/borkena
Like borkena on Facebook
Add your business to Ethiopian Business Listing / Ethiopian Business Directory Business Listing Toronto
Join the conversation. Follow us on X (Formerly Twitter) @zborkena to get the latest Ethiopian News updates regularly. Subscribe to YouTube channel To share information or for submission, send e-mail to info@borkena.com