By Hirut Geremew Woldetsadik
Ethiopia’s political landscape has become a battleground of ethnic strife, with the Amhara people facing a profound and systematic betrayal from the very government that should protect them. Historically significant in Ethiopian politics, the Amhara have increasingly found themselves marginalized and oppressed under the current regime. This opinion piece delves into the myriad ways in which the Amhara community has been betrayed, highlighting the urgent need for recognition, justice, and genuine dialogue.
Historical Context of Betrayal
The roots of the Amhara’s sense of betrayal can be traced back to the establishment of ethnic federalism in the 1990s. Initially intended to empower various ethnic groups, this system has devolved into a mechanism for division and conflict. The Amhara, who once wielded significant influence, began to perceive a systematic sidelining in favor of the Oromo and Tigrayan factions, particularly as Prime Minister Abiy’s Oromo-led government prioritized regional interests over national unity.
The arrival of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in 2018 initially sparked hope for a more inclusive political environment. However, the subsequent years have revealed a troubling trend: the Amhara community has been increasingly sidelined in favor of other ethnic groups. Abiy’s government, primarily representing Oromo interests, has fostered a political environment where Amhara voices are often ignored, leading to feelings of abandonment and betrayal.
Disarmament and Rising Vulnerability
A pivotal moment of betrayal came with the government’s decision to disband the Amhara regional special forces in 2023. The disarmament of these forces was framed as a necessary step toward national security and unity. However, it has left the Amhara community exposed and vulnerable to attacks from rival ethnic militias, particularly the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) and Tigrayan forces. This decision was perceived as a direct affront to the Amhara people, who had relied on these special forces for protection against growing violence in their regions【1】【2】.
The subsequent attacks by Oromo and Tigrayan militias have underscored the Amhara’s feelings of betrayal and frustration. Communities that once felt secure now live in fear of raids and assaults on their homes. The Amhara people view their disarmament as a political maneuver that favors the Oromo-dominated ruling government while leaving them defenseless against aggression from armed groups. Many Amhara feel abandoned by a state that has failed to protect them, fostering a climate of resentment and helplessness【3】【4】.
The Tigray Conflict and Amhara Involvement
The Tigray conflict, which erupted in late 2020, further complicated the Amhara’s situation. As federal forces engaged Tigrayan troops, the Amhara region became a battleground, with civilians caught in the crossfire. Despite the significant sacrifices made by the Amhara people during this conflict, the federal government has largely ignored their contributions and concerns. Following the **Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA)** signed in November 2022, the Amhara were notably absent from the negotiations, resulting in their grievances being sidelined yet again【5】【6】.
State of Emergency: The Government’s Crackdown
In August 2023, the Ethiopian government declared a state of emergency in response to escalating protests in the Amhara region. This move not only intensified the repression faced by the Amhara people but also underscored the government’s betrayal. Under the guise of maintaining order, the authorities conducted mass arrests of Amhara leaders, activists, and ordinary citizens, branding them as “anti-peace” and potential threats to national security.
The situation escalated quickly. Ethnic profiling became rampant, with security forces targeting individuals based solely on their perceived Amhara identity. Reports of arbitrary detentions, door-to-door searches, and street checks flooded in, highlighting the pervasive climate of fear that now grips the Amhara community【7】【8】. Instead of safeguarding their citizens, the government resorted to collective punishment, retaliating against the Amhara for alleged affiliations with the Fano militia【9】.
Betrayal Through Transitional Justice Failures
The Ethiopian government’s transitional justice framework, intended to address past human rights violations, has turned into yet another broken promise for the Amhara. Although discussions about a transitional justice policy began, they have lacked transparency and commitment. The establishment of a Transitional Justice Working Group raised hopes, but many Amhara community leaders remain skeptical about the government’s intentions and actions.
The Amhara people have been largely excluded from critical discussions about transitional justice, perpetuating their feelings of betrayal. Their calls for accountability and recognition of the atrocities committed against them have gone unheeded, leaving them with no sense of closure or support【10】. Instead of creating an inclusive process that acknowledges the suffering of all ethnic groups, the government has opted for a narrative that favors the ruling party and marginalizes dissenting voices.
A Legacy of Dehumanization and Abandonment
The systematic marginalization of the Amhara people has manifested in dehumanizing rhetoric from state officials and media outlets. The derogatory term “neftenga” (bandits) has become increasingly prevalent, further alienating the Amhara community and portraying them as enemies of the state【11】. This language not only reflects a profound betrayal but also fosters a hostile environment where violence against the Amhara is often overlooked or justified.
Conclusion: The Path Forward
The Amhara people deserve recognition for their struggles and sacrifices, yet they continue to be met with betrayal and neglect from the Ethiopian government. The failure to address their grievances, coupled with ongoing violence and repression, creates an unstable foundation for Ethiopia’s future.
To heal the wounds of the past and build a just society, the Ethiopian government must acknowledge the experiences of the Amhara people. Engaging in meaningful dialogue, ensuring representation in transitional justice processes, and committing to human rights protections are essential steps toward reconciliation.
The Amhara’s quest for justice is not just about rectifying past wrongs; it is a crucial aspect of Ethiopia’s path toward unity and stability. The time for action is now; the Amhara people can no longer afford to be denied justice.
References
1. Abbink, J. (2020). Ethnic Conflicts and Political Unrest in Ethiopia: A Critical Overview.
2. International Crisis Group. (2021). “Ethiopia: A New Political Order?”
3. Human Rights Watch. (2022). “Ethiopia: The Human Cost of the Tigray Conflict.”
4. Ethiopian Human Rights Commission. (2022). “Report on Human Rights Violations in Tigray.”
5. Amnesty International. (2023). “Ethiopia: State of Emergency Declared Amid Unrest.”
6. Coalition for Human Rights in Ethiopia. (2023). “Transitional Justice in Ethiopia: A Failed Promise.”
7. Zewdie, S. (2023). “The Role of Ethnic Identity in Ethiopia’s Transitional Justice Process.”
8. Medhane, T. (2023). “Human Rights and Transitional Justice in Ethiopia: Challenges Ahead.”
9. Global Human Rights Forum. (2023). “Ethiopia: Trends in Ethnic Violence and Government Response.”
10. International Refugee Rights Initiative. (2023). “The Plight of the Amhara: Displacement and Violence.”
11. Bede, K. (2023). “Ethnic Conflict and Human Rights in Ethiopia: An Overview.”
Editor’s note : Views in the article do not necessarily reflect the views of borkena.com
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