Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Ethiopia’s army of committing war crimes, including the “summary execution” of civilians in the northwestern Amhara region.
The incident, which occurred in the city of Merawi in late January, marks one of the deadliest episodes since the conflict erupted between Ethiopian Federal Forces and Fano militia in August.
According to HRW’s report released on Thursday, Ethiopian armed forces “summarily executed several dozen civilians,” raising concerns about the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order in the region. Laetitia Bader, deputy Africa director at HRW, condemned the brutal killings, stating that civilians were once again bearing the brunt of an army operating with impunity.
While the Ethiopian government or army had not responded immediately to these allegations of war crimes, a separate investigation by the state-appointed Ethiopian Human Rights Commission estimated that at least 45 people were killed by government forces in Merawi.
However, HRW suggested that the actual number of civilian casualties could be higher, with some reports indicating over 80 fatalities.
HRW’s investigation into the war crimes involved testimonies from more than a dozen witnesses, including victims and their families, corroborated by videos on social media and satellite imagery.
The organization has called on the United Nations to launch an independent investigation into the alleged abuses and urged the African Union to suspend deployments of Ethiopian Federal forces to peacekeeping missions until accountability measures are implemented.
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Under international humanitarian law, deliberate killings, mistreatment of civilians, and pillage of civilian property constitute war crimes. HRW’s findings revealed a pattern of abuse, including shootings of civilians on the streets and during house raids, as well as pillaging and destruction of property by Ethiopian soldiers in Merawi.
The failure of the Ethiopian government to ensure accountability for these abuses contributes to ongoing cycles of violence and impunity, according to HRW. The conflict in Amhara, Ethiopia’s second most populous region, has escalated amid tensions between the federal government and groups like the Fano militia, who perceive government actions as threats to regional autonomy.
As Ethiopia grapples with allegations of war crimes and internal strife, the need for accountability and a peaceful resolution to the conflict remains paramount.
