Addis Ababa: In a bid to maintain peace and stability, the Ethiopian government has made significant strides in economic growth. However, the country continues to grapple with both internal and external challenges, particularly from extremist armed groups that threaten to destabilize the region.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, ongoing violence and conflict have been fueled by political interests, both individual and group-driven, alongside external anti-peace forces. The government has consistently advocated for peaceful resolution, exemplified by the Pretoria Peace Agreement in 2022, which restored normalcy in the Tigray region. Efforts to extend this peace to the Amhara and Oromia regions have seen many former militants reintegrate into society after accepting government offers of rehabilitation and training.
Nonetheless, extremist groups in Amhara persist in their destructive activities, causing widespread social and economic crises. Reports of killings, kidnappings, and attacks on civilians are rampant, disrupting essential services and agricultural activities. Eshete Yesuf, the head of the Amhara Peace and Security Bureau, highlighted the government’s repeated calls for peace, which have largely gone unheeded by these groups. Their actions have not only disrupted the delivery of fertilizers and other services but also prevented farmers from taking their products to market, exacerbating food insecurity.
The armed groups’ activities have instilled fear and insecurity among communities, with incidents such as grenade attacks on schools and the killing of teachers preventing children from attending school. This has had severe implications for the region’s education system, impacting the long-term development of its youth. The Ethiopian Teachers Association has condemned these acts, urging parents and educational authorities to advocate for students’ right to education.
In response to the ongoing violence, the government, along with regional authorities, is advocating for intensified law enforcement measures. Public support remains robust for these measures, aimed at restoring order and peace. Former militants have begun participating in rehabilitation programs, acknowledging past mistakes and expressing their commitment to peaceful dialogue.
Efforts continue as the government remains open to peaceful negotiations with any group willing to engage constructively. Recent submissions to the National Dialogue Commission reflect the region’s desire for stability and development. The Amhara Peace and Security Bureau has emphasized the need for reinforced law enforcement to counteract the extremist groups’ activities and restore peace in the region.