Council Urges Immediate Action as Armed Violence Surge in Amhara, Gambella, Oromia, and Benishangul-Gumuz

The Ethiopian Human Rights Council (EHRCO) has reported widespread civilian casualties, abductions, and displacement linked to ongoing armed violence across the Amhara, Gambella, Oromia, and Benishangul-Gumuz regions, urging federal and regional authorities to protect non-combatants and bring perpetrators to justice. In a statement issued on October 22, 2026, EHRCO documented a series of violations involving both government security forces and armed groups, including attacks targeting residential neighborhoods, refugees, public transport passengers, and humanitarian personnel. In the Amhara Region, the council reported that heavy weaponry struck residential homes in Sekota town on September 25, leaving one person dead and two injured. Beginning October 6, clashes in Dabat Woreda, North Gondar Zone, resulted in three civilian deaths from stray bullets, while a heavy weapons strike near an Eritrean refugee camp wounded three refugees. In Gambella Region, gunfire directed at a public transport vehicle in Abol Woreda on September 18 resulted in multiple casualties among passengers. EHRCO also documented civilian deaths in Gambella town on October 10 and four additional fatalities in Kebele 04 on October 13, alongside an October 11 attack in Addis Sefer that injured a mother and child. Subsequent clashes between regional security forces and armed groups—sparked when residents attempted to present grievances to the regional administration—left one person injured and caused property damage. In Oromia, EHRCO noted that clashes in the East Wollega, West Wollega, and Kellem Wollega zones have intensified since September, leaving displaced populations from Gida Ayana Woreda sheltering in private homes without humanitarian aid. The rights group also flagged human rights violations in the Shirka and Honqolo Wabe woredas of East Arsi Zone. In Benishangul-Gumuz, the council reported the October 14 killing of Mulugeta Andualem, an Ethiopian Red Cross Society ambulance driver, who was struck down while on a humanitarian mission in Dangur Woreda. Two days later, armed actors abducted truck drivers and logistics workers in Manbuk Woreda, demanding ransom payments from their families. EHRCO emphasized that these abuses violate fundamental rights guaranteed under the Ethiopian Constitution and international human rights law, including protections for life, bodily integrity, liberty, and freedom of movement. The council called on authorities to launch thorough investigations, prosecute those responsible, secure the release of abducted workers, and deliver essential food, shelter, and medical assistance to displaced communities. The statement did not include responses from federal or regional authorities regarding the reported incidents. The findings coincide with broader domestic and international appeals to prioritize civilian protection amid ongoing conflict. In a recent interview with The Reporter , US Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin J. Massinga stressed that the welfare of ordinary citizens must supersede political disputes. “It is more than time—it is overdue—for politicians and politics to take a back seat and allow the interests of the people to be first and foremost,” Massinga said, highlighting the severe economic disruption and isolation endured by conflict-affected populations. He added that when civilians are harmed, authorities must formally acknowledge the damage, provide restitution, and strengthen prevention measures.