The Lost Voice: Amhara Diaspora’s Inaction Amidst Genocide

By Sirak Zena

In the deafening silence that now engulfs the Amhara diaspora, we hear the echoes of screams from their homeland. The Fano fighters are bravely engaged in a struggle for the very survival and self-preservation of the Amhara people across four sub-regions of the Amhara region. This battle is for the endurance of a people and their way of life against overwhelming odds. 

Once a formidable force of advocacy during the Tigray conflict, their voices have fallen eerily silent as their flesh and blood face an unimaginable horror. The Amhara diaspora’s silence is not golden; it is damning. It is the Silence of the Lamb while the wolf ravages its flock. This is not merely a lapse in political judgment; it is a profound moral failing, a betrayal so deep it threatens to sever the ties that bind a people to their ancestral land.

The Amhara diaspora’s chorus was powerful and unwavering during the Tigray conflict. They stood as a bulwark of support for the Ethiopian government, their voices drowning out the cries of suffering Tigrayans. In their fervor, they paid no heed to widespread reports of human rights abuses, revealing a disturbing willingness to sacrifice their humanity on the altar of political allegiance. Now, as their people face a calculated campaign of ethnic cleansing, their silence is not just deafening—it is damning.

The Heart of the Resistance: Unsung Heroes of the Amhara Struggle

In the heart of the Amhara region, where the echoes of conflict resonate through mountains, valleys and villages, a diverse group of individuals has risen—a force united not by profession, but by an unyielding commitment to protect their people. These are the unsung heroes: the patriotic militia (Fano) comprised of farmers, teachers, students, doctors and former soldiers.  who have set aside their livelihoods and the comforts of family life to take up arms in defense of their homeland.

These fighters embody the spirit of resilience and sacrifice, battling against insurmountable odds in conditions few can imagine. They are not professional soldiers with advanced weaponry or strategic support; they are everyday heroes confronting a government equipped with drones, tanks, and mortars in a relentless fight for survival. It is a battle not just for territory, but for the very soul of a people determined to exist with dignity and honor.

Their struggle is a testament to the indomitable human spirit, a narrative of bravery that should stir the conscience of the diaspora. As they stand on the frontlines, their courage and determination speak volumes—a call to every Amhara soul scattered across the globe to awaken from the slumber of indifference. The fighters do not ask for accolades or riches; they seek solidarity and recognition, a shared sense of purpose that transcends borders.

In their eyes, the diaspora should see the reflection of their ancestors’ resilience, a reminder of the enduring legacy they must uphold. As these fighters hold the line, they implore the diaspora to amplify their voices, to lend their support in the global arena, and to ensure that the world does not turn a blind eye to their plight.

This is a rallying cry for the diaspora to feel the urgency of the moment, to let their hearts be moved by the sacrifices made in the name of justice and survival. It is a call to action, a plea for advocacy that echoes across continents, urging every Amhara voice to rise in unison and declare: “We stand with you.” Let the diaspora’s silence transform into a powerful symphony of support, a beacon of hope for those who fight fiercely under the Amhara sun.

Evidence of Atrocities on Amhara People

The Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) have unleashed a reign of terror that defies comprehension. Credible organizations like Amnesty International and the Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention have meticulously documented this descent into barbarity. 

Their reports paint a chilling portrait of a region under siege:

• Executions without trial or mercy, lives extinguished like candles in the wind.

• Hospitals and clinics were destroyed to the ground, denying the sick and wounded even the slightest chance of succor.

• Looting is so rampant it strips communities of their very lifeblood.

• Graves desecrated, the final insult to the dignity of the dead.

These are not isolated incidents but a systematic assault on the very existence of the Amhara people. Let the magnitude of these atrocities resonate within you.

Let the weight of these atrocities sink in. The massacre in Merawi on January 29, 2024—a day when “several dozen civilians” were brutally executed, their lives snuffed out in an instant. The executions in Bahir Dar’s Seba Tamit neighborhood on October 10-11, 2023—each life lost a testament to the growing darkness. 

These events are now etched into the collective memory of the Amhara, stark reminders of violence that targets not just bodies but the very spirit of a people. Even those who dare to heal, the health professionals offering solace amid chaos, have been targeted. This cruelty knows no bounds. These are the horrors inflicted upon the Amhara people. These horrors demand a response yet are met with nothing but silence.

The chronicles of suffering are not whispered rumors but documented truths. The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission’s accusations of extrajudicial killings and arbitrary detentions only add to the mountain of evidence pointing to genocide. This is not hyperbole or exaggeration; it is the stark, brutal reality that the Amhara people face daily. And yet, in the face of this overwhelming evidence, the diaspora remains silent.

These examples are merely the tip of the iceberg; countless other atrocities continue to occur, known to the diaspora as they focus on current affairs news regularly. 

The Echoing Silence and Silent Witnesses: The Amhara Diaspora’s Moral Crossroads

The diaspora’s inaction is not just unconscionable—it is a betrayal of the highest order. The Amhara diaspora, once so vocal and passionate, now appears tragically myopic. Their previous activism, however well-intentioned, seems hollow and self-serving when juxtaposed with their current silence. During the Tigray conflict, their focus on political narratives overshadowed the suffering of Tigrayans. Now, that same selective outrage closes their eyes to the annihilation of their people.

This selective engagement forces us to confront a crucial question: Is diaspora activism merely a tool for advancing specific political narratives, or does it reflect a genuine commitment to the well-being of all? The deafening silence surrounding the Amhara crisis suggests the former. This is political apathy and a moral failing of the highest order. The shared heritage and cultural ties that bind the diaspora to their homeland should compel them to protect all its people, regardless of political affiliation. 

This selective engagement is a moral plague, a festering wound upon the conscience of the diaspora. The resources, the influence, the platforms—all lie dormant, unused, while their people are slaughtered. Their silence is not merely a failure but a complicity, a tacit endorsement of the atrocities unfolding. It is a stain upon their collective soul, a legacy of shame that will be etched in the annals of history.

Where are those who rallied before the State Department and the White House, week after week, during the Tigray conflict? Where are the media appearances, the meticulously planned demonstrations, and the popular fundraising campaigns? The same energy, passion, and unwavering commitment—where is it now, when it is needed most? Are the lives of Amhara less valuable than those they once championed?

Indeed, we have observed a troubling shift among some diaspora individuals who were once celebrated for their leadership and advocacy for justice. These individuals have now buried their heads in the sand and aligned themselves with the government, creating significant confusion and raising questions. Their actions, perceived as a betrayal for personal gain, have further muddled the moral landscape in these trying times.

Can you please reveal to us the nature of your hesitations? Is it the exhaustion of spirit, the disillusionment that comes from battles fought and seemingly lost? Is it the avoidance of embracing a pure ethnic identity, a reluctance to stand firm in the face of ethnic distinctions that divide as much as they define? Or perhaps it is the fear of being perceived as inconsistent or hypocritical, a dread of the judgment that might follow actions that contradict past stances. What is the root of this silence, this retreat into inaction?

Your struggle is not unique, nor is it insurmountable. It is a common human experience to feel weary and to question one’s role in a sea of shifting allegiances and complex narratives. Yet, in these moments of doubt and introspection, we must find the strength to rise above personal reservations and embrace our collective responsibility. The fight for justice, dignity, and the soul of a people transcends individual fears and hesitations. It calls for a unity of purpose to bridge the chasms of doubt and division.

Let this be an invitation to reflect deeply on these questions, confront the barriers that hold you back, and engage with the courage and conviction the times demand. The world is not changed by those who wait in the shadows of their insecurities but by those who step into the light, driven by the unwavering belief in the power of justice and the sanctity of human life. Let your voice join the chorus of those who refuse to be silent in the face of injustice. Let it rise, resonate, and be the change that your people, and indeed all people, so desperately need.

Could your hesitation be rooted in fear of weakening the broader Ethiopian unity, as if speaking out might unravel the delicate fabric of national cohesion? Or is the dread of repercussions, the ominous shadow of possible retaliation, keeping you silent? These fears are not trivial; they are the chains that bind many to inaction, yet they must be confronted and overcome.

The struggle for justice cannot be sacrificed on the altar of perceived unity, nor can the fear of consequences silence the moral imperative to act. True unity is forged not in silence but in the shared pursuit of justice and truth. It is a unity that acknowledges the strength of diversity and embraces the courage to speak out against wrongs, regardless of who they affect.

Let us be clear: the fight for justice and humanity is not a zero-sum game. Standing against the atrocities faced by the Amhara people does not diminish the struggles of others; rather, it strengthens the collective resolve to uphold dignity for all. The fear of weakening unity should not be a barrier but a catalyst for more profound solidarity, a call to all Ethiopians to stand shoulder to shoulder-in the face of oppression.

To those who fear repercussions, know that history will not remember the comfortable silence of those who stood by but the courageous voices that dared to speak for the voiceless. The consequences of inaction—the continued suffering of a people, the loss of innocent lives, the erosion of moral integrity—are far more severe and enduring.

Now is the time to rise above these fears and embrace the responsibility of being part of a nation rich in history and culture. Let your actions be guided by a commitment to justice that transcends fear, a commitment that will strengthen Ethiopia’s unity rather than weaken it. Stand firm, speak out, and let the world know that Ethiopia’s strength lies not in silence but in the courage to demand justice for all its people.

A Cry for Justice: The Unyielding Call of the Amhara Fano

The Fano fighters implore you not to remain as a reserve force, waiting to join the fight only in dire need, nor to simply send your sons and daughters into battle. They are not asking for the clinking of coins or the rustle of dollar bills. However, their need for resources is undeniable and urgent. What they seek is far more profound—a voice, a beacon to pierce through the fog of global indifference that envelops the Amhara people’s suffering and plight. They call upon you to awaken the world’s conscience to the suffering of the Amhara people, to illuminate their struggle with the fierce light of truth and justice. Yet, in response to their heartfelt pleas, you turn a deaf ear, retreating into the comfort of your apathy. 

It is deeply embarrassing that the Fano fighters must now call upon the diaspora to be their voice—a call that should have been answered proactively long ago. The need for advocacy and support should not be a question raised amidst crisis but a constant commitment to justice and solidarity.

This indifference is not just a personal failing; it is a collective abandonment, a choice to ignore the cries of your kin as they stand on the precipice of destruction. The fighters do not ask for your wealth but your courage, advocacy, and unwavering solidarity. They stand battling a relentless foe and the numbing silence of those who could make a difference. Your voice, influence, and action could be the lifeline that pulls them back from the brink, yet you remain silent, a passive witness to their suffering.

Awaken from this slumber of indifference, rise from this abyss of silence, and let your voice be the trumpet that heralds the dawn of justice. Join the chorus of those who refuse to stand idly by as people are erased. Speak out, act decisively, and let history remember you not as a bystander but as a champion of the oppressed. Where are those who once filled the streets with protests and rallied with fervor and conviction? The time to act is now. Your voice can be their salvation. Let it be heard before it is too late.

Break the Bonds of Silence: Rise and Act Now

The Amhara diaspora possesses considerable resources and influence. It has platforms and voices that can reach the corridors of power. With this privilege comes an inescapable moral obligation to speak out and use every means to demand justice for those suffering in Amhara. Its silence is a betrayal of its fellow Ethiopians and a stain on its collective conscience that will echo through generations.

The time for action is now. Every moment of silence is complicity in the face of genocide. The Amhara diaspora must find its voice, not just to condemn these atrocities but to demand accountability and advocate tirelessly for their people’s protection. Their voice is desperately needed to prevent further bloodshed and ensure justice for the victims of this ongoing genocide. 

The world is watching, and history will pass judgment. It is time to break this suffocating silence, to stand in unwavering solidarity with those facing annihilation, and to uphold the principles of human rights and justice that the diaspora should champion above all else. The stakes could not be higher, and the cost of continued silence is too great to fathom. 

At the very least, if you cannot muster the resolve to build a unified body to support the struggle underway by Fano against the regime if you cannot rise above petty divisions and sub-regional championships to stand for the whole of Amhara, ask yourselves this: Is humanity not enough? Are human rights not a cause that can unite you? The fight for justice and dignity transcends political allegiances and sub-regional boundaries. It is a fight for the soul of a people, for the right to exist without fear, to live with dignity, and to die with honor.

While the silence of the Amhara diaspora is a grave concern, it also presents an opportunity for redemption. Advocacy in this complex and emotionally charged political landscape can be strenuous, and we must acknowledge the fear and confusion that may contribute to this inaction. However, silence must not be permanent.

Let this be the moment when the Amhara diaspora finally rises to meet the moral imperative of our time. Your silence condemns your people to death. Your voice can be their salvation. The choice is yours, but know this: future generations will look back on this moment and ask, “Where were you when your people needed you most?” Will you be able to answer that question with pride, or will the weight of your silence haunt you forever? The time to act is now. Speak out before it’s too late.

As the atrocities against the Amhara people continue unabated, the silence of the diaspora is not just a troubling reality—it is a symptom of a more significant crisis of identity and purpose. The moral responsibility to speak out in the face of such horrors cannot be overstated. Yet, the question remains: what will it take to awaken the diaspora from its current inertia? 

The time for hesitation has passed. Each day of inaction strengthens the hands of those perpetrating these atrocities and deepens the suffering of those on the ground. The urgency of this moment calls for a unified response—not just from the Amhara diaspora but from every Ethiopian who values justice, human rights, and the very survival of their nation. 

This is a political struggle and a fight for Ethiopia’s soul. Divisions that once seemed insurmountable must now give way to solidarity. Whether Amhara, Oromo, Tigray, or any other group, the fight for justice and human dignity transcends ethnic lines. The unity of all Ethiopian people in this cause is essential for building a future where every community can live in peace, security, and dignity.

It’s important to acknowledge the efforts of certain YouTube media outlets that work tirelessly to bring the plight of the Amhara people to the world’s attention. These platforms strive to raise awareness and support the cause.

The time to act is before history etches this moment into memory as a dark chapter of collective failure. Will the diaspora find its voice and stand in unwavering solidarity with those who are being erased, or will the weight of silence become an unforgivable burden? The choice is yours but know this: future generations will ask what you did when your people needed you most.

Shared Responsibility: Broader Ethiopian Unity

While this piece mainly centers on the Amhara diaspora, the call for justice and humanity is a mantle that all Ethiopian ethnic groups must courageously bear. Just as the Amhara diaspora is summoned from its silence to champion justice, so too must the Oromo, Tigray, Somali, Afar, and every other group rise against injustices—not merely for their kin, but for every soul that calls Ethiopia home. True unity in diversity demands that each community transcend ethnic divisions, embracing a shared commitment to the nation’s future. 

In this pivotal moment, the onus of defending rights and dignity falls equally upon every Ethiopian nationality. Ethiopia’s strength resides not in the supremacy of one group over another but in the solidarity and mutual respect of all its peoples. Now is the time for every group across all regions to foster unity and collaborate for justice and human rights, envisioning a nation where every community flourishes in dignity and equity. 

The path to a united future hinge on the voices and actions of every Ethiopian, united in purpose and driven by a collective love for their nation and its people. This is a clarion call for all to awaken from the slumber of indifference, to break the chains of silence, and to join hands in forging a future where justice is not a privilege but a right for all.

Let the echoes of your voices ring out in defense of humanity, in defiance of oppression, and in celebration of the rich mosaic of cultures that make Ethiopia whole. The time for action is upon us, and the world watches with bated breath. Will you rise to the occasion, or will the weight of inaction become a burden too significant to bear? Let this be the moment of reckoning, the dawn of a new era where unity, justice, and peace reign supreme. The future of Ethiopia is in your hands. Speak out, act, and make history and yourself proud.

Conclusion: A Call to the Conscience of Diaspora

As we stand at this critical juncture, the path forward is illuminated not by the flickering light of uncertainty but by the resolute flame of moral duty. The Amhara diaspora, once a formidable force in the advocacy landscape, now faces a profound ethical dilemma. The silence currently defining their stance betrays their people and, thus, the universal principles of justice and humanity they claim to uphold.

This is a call to awaken from the slumber of complacency, to rise above the fears and excuses that bind. It is a call to harness the considerable resources, influence, and platforms at their disposal to wield them not as weapons of division but as instruments of unity and justice. The fight against the atrocities faced by the Amhara people is not a solitary struggle; it is a collective endeavor that requires the strength and solidarity of all.

True unity is not forged in silence but in the shared commitment to justice for all. It transcends ethnic lines and political allegiances, embracing the common humanity that binds us all. This moment calls for courage—a courage that overcomes the fear of repercussions, defies the paralysis of inaction, and stands firm in the face of adversity.

Today’s diaspora’s actions—or inactions—will be etched in the annals of time, a testament to their commitment to justice or lament their complicity in silence. The stakes are higher than ever, and the cost of continued silence is too great to bear. Every moment of inaction is a moment of complicity in the face of genocide.

This is not just a fight for the Amhara; it is a fight for the soul of a nation, for the right to exist without fear, to live with dignity, and to die with honor. The time for action is now. Let this be the moment when the Amhara diaspora finally rises to meet the moral imperative of our time. Speak out, act decisively, and let your voice be the beacon of hope and justice.

Authors Note:

This article is not written out of anger  but aims to resonate with the urgent call from the Fano fighters for support from the diaspora. It serves as a straightforward dialogue with brothers and sisters in the USA, Europe, Canada, the Middle East, and elsewhere, urging them to awaken from silence and heed this wake-up call. Even me, writing about it now, am not free from the silence syndrome that grips so many. The intention is to echo the recent pleas from Fano and galvanize collective action for justice and protection for the Amhara people. Please take it as a wake-up call.

References:

• https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/02/ethiopia-end-extrajudicial-executions-in-amhara-region-bring-perpetrators-to-justice/

• https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/08/it-is-long-overdue-for-the-african-and-global-human-rights-bodies-to-bring-ethiopia-back-to-their-agenda-including-setting-up-public-and-private-engagements-on-the-situation-in-the-amhara-region/

• https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-54964378

• https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/03/05/ethiopia-eritrean-forces-massacre-tigray-civilians

• https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/04/04/ethiopia-military-executes-dozens-amhara-region

• https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/07/03/ethiopia-army-attacks-health-care-amhara-conflict

• https://www.hrw.org/world-report/2024/country-chapters/ethiopia

• https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-country-reports-on-human-rights-practices/ethiopia/

• https://www.wilsoncenter.org/blog-post/tigray-war-and-education

I would like to acknowledge the sources of the images included in this article:

1.Lej Tadele (Tadele Melaku)

2.Saba on X 

3.Amahra S Network

4.https://sites.manchester.ac.uk  

Editor’s note : Views in the article do not necessarily reflect the views of borkena.com

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