Extremist Armed Group in Amhara Perpetuating Damage on People

Staff Writer

Addis Ababa, April 26, 2025 (ENA) --- In its dedication to ensuring peace and stability, the government has registered robust economic growth paving the way for the country's prosperity.

However, there has been numerous internal and external challenges facing the country. Driven by individualistic or group political interests, Ethiopia has experienced violence and conflict, compounded by external anti-peace forces. As such violent groups have made attempts  to destabilize the country.

The incumbent government has been reiterated that peaceful avenue is the only option for Ethiopia's political wrangling. Accordingly, it has demonstrated its commitment to peace. Suffice  to mention the unprecedented Pretoria Peace Agreement in 2022 which brought normal life and restoration of service to the people of Tigray region.

By the same token the government of Ethiopia has repeatedly called that violent armed groups in Amhara and Oromia should accept the path of peaceful struggle. Accordingly, many of former militants accepted the offer made by the government, received rehabilitation and skills trainings and they are living normal life with their communities.  

However, those extremist armed groups who refused to accept peaceful path and dialogue, the extremist group--bent on destroying the country, committing killings, looting, and destruction in various parts of the region.

The irresponsible actions of extremist armed groups have caused a significant social and economic crisis in the region. Widespread killings, kidnapping, and attacks on civilians are prevalent.

Recently, the Amhara Peace and Security Bureau Head Eshete Yesuf told ENA that the government has been making repeated calls for peace, urging the group to abandon its destructive path. Beyond disrupting the delivery of fertilizers to different parts of the region and disrupting other social services, the extremist group has prevented farmers from cultivating their lands and taking products to market.

The actions of the armed groups have created a pervasive climate of fear and insecurity on the communities. These groups have continued to destabilize the country and the region through violence, including killings, looting, and destruction.

Realizing the evil intentions of the extremist group and accepting the government's call for peace, many of the armed group's members have returned to peaceful life.

In response to the daily abuses, violence, and sabotage inflicted by anti-peace groups, both the regional and federal governments, together with the affected populace, are advocating for intensified law enforcement measures.

These groups have consistently obstructed daily life by blocking roads, disrupting the delivery of fertilizers and other essential services, and impeding farmers' access to markets. The extremist group has in particular demonstrated its anti-people stance by throwing grenades on schools, killing teachers, and preventing children from going to school.

This situation has prevented millions of children and youths in the region from going to school, posing serious ramification to the long-term trained youth of the region to spearhead its development.

Furthermore, the extremist’s destruction has undermined the region's economy by disrupting transportation networks and hindering farming, leading to a severe impact on food production and likelihoods. Despite the aspirations of the entire region and the federal governments for peace and stability, the extremist armed groups have consistently hampered the peace and stability efforts. The group is bent on inflicting serious harm on civilians, the region, and the nation.

Eyewitness accounts detail civilians enduring extortion, violence, and widespread insecurity, with armed groups demanding financial and material support and imposing illegal taxes. These groups also perpetrate abductions and killings. Teachers being abused the armed group.

Ethiopian Teachers Association President also strongly condemned the inhumane acts against teachers by extremist groups in the Amhara region, urging parents and relevant education bureau authorities to advocate for students' right to go to school. This violence has paralyzed daily life through intimidation, murder, property theft, and child recruitment, devastating rural communities struggling with their economic hardship.

Recognizing the gravity of the situation and in response to persistent calls by the public and government, former militants in the Amhara region have laid down their arms and joined to rehabilitation training programs. Both the government and the public continue to strongly urge armed groups to lay down their arms and embrace the path of peace and development.

Former militants who accepted the peace call expressed their conviction that their past actions only exacerbated the suffering of the Amhara people and vowed to embrace peace through constructive dialogue. Many former militants who operated across various parts of the Amhara region, acknowledged that their destabilization of the region with the intention of addressing the genuine needs of the Amhara people, was misguided, causing serious damages on the region and the Amhara people.

They recounted the devastating consequences of the conflict, including loss of life, disruption of transportation, incapacitation of health facilities, and the impediment of children to school.

Recognizing that public needs cannot be met by taking up arms, the militants sincerely accepted peace overtures and affirmed their belief in peaceful dialogue as lasting path forward, pledging to compensate their communities for the harm they have caused, collaborating with national defense forces for lasting peace, and offering a formal apology for their actions.

The government remains steadfast in its commitment to peaceful dialogue with any armed group willing to engage peacefully. Recall that recently, the representatives of the Amhara region submitted agendas items gathered from the region to the National Dialogue Commission.

To reverse anarchism and restore regional peace and public order, law enforcement measures will be intensified. The Region's Peace and Security Bureau Head emphasized that consolidated law enforcement measures are being taken against the extremist group that has been kidnapping and murdering citizens, disrupting the educational system, and abusing teachers in the region.  The law enforcement measures being taken in all parts of the region have been enjoying public support and cooperation.