The US shows its “concern” about the “increase in violence” in the Amhara region, in northern Ethiopia

Blinken warns of “increased tensions” in the Horn of Africa, amid disputes between Addis Ababa and Mogadishu

Nov. 5 (EUROPA PRESS) –

The United States Government has expressed its “concern” about the “increase in violence” in the Ethiopian state of Amhara, located in the north of the country and the scene of an uptick in clashes between security forces and rebel militias known as Fano, who have made various advances in the area in recent weeks.

The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has conveyed to the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed, Washington’s support for the peace agreement signed two years ago with the Tigray Popular Liberation Front (TPLF) and for the “efforts” of Addis Ababa, to apply its clauses.

However, he has highlighted “the need for political dialogue to address internal conflicts” in the country, as well as his “concern” about the “growing violence in Amhara”, according to a statement published by the US State Department.

The Ethiopian Government declared a state of emergency in Amhara in early August 2023 in response to months of clashes between security forces and the Fano militias, which collaborated with Amhara troops during the 2020-2022 war against the TPLF. Although the measure expired in June, fighting has continued in the area.

The Fano militias were positioned on the side of the Amhara special forces in the war against the TPLF and have also participated in operations against the rebel group Oromia Liberation Army (OLA). The Government’s decision to dissolve these special forces led many of their members to join these militias and carry out attacks against the Army.

On the other hand, Blinken and Abiy discussed “concerns about rising tensions in the Horn of Africa,” amid exchanges of accusations between Ethiopia and Somalia regarding the deployment of Ethiopian peacekeeping troops in the neighboring country and the memorandum of understanding reached between Addis Ababa and the semi-autonomous Somali region of Somaliland.

Abiy himself reiterated last week the country’s “immovable” interest in achieving access to the Red Sea, although he stated that he seeks to obtain it “peacefully.” “A war is not necessary,” stressed the Ethiopian Prime Minister, before delving into the fact that this request is “reasonable and fair.”

In January, the Ethiopian Government signed a memorandum of understanding with the semi-autonomous Somali region of Somaliland that contemplates the lease of 20 kilometers of its coasts to Addis Ababa so that it can obtain access to the sea in exchange for recognizing its independence, among other points, which unleashed harsh criticism from Mogadishu.

Tensions have been rising in recent months, especially after the signing of a military agreement between Somalia and Egypt, clashing with Ethiopia over the dam being built by Addis Ababa on the Blue Nile River, within the framework of the transition to the new mission of the African Union (AU) in Somali territory.