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Washington, D.C. — Thousands gathered outside the White House on Saturday, rallying against Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's administration for what they described as a violent crackdown on the Amhara population. Waving Ethiopian flags and holding signs that read "Stop the War on Amhara" and "End the Drone Attacks," demonstrators called on the United States and other international powers to intervene in the escalating crisis. Protesters highlighted that Abiy’s government has used heavy artillery, including drone strikes, to target civilians in the Amhara region. The rally featured emotional speeches by activists, including Haile Tadle and Hermela Mesfin, both members of the Ethiopian diaspora advocating for their community. Haile Tadle, speaking to the crowd, emphasized the severity of the violence, stating, “Our people are facing attacks from the skies and on the ground; we cannot remain silent as they suffer.” He appealed to American and global leaders to recognize the systematic nature of these attacks on civilians, insisting that this crisis demands immediate international attention. Hermela Mesfin, another speaker at the rally, shared her deep concern over the targeting of innocent civilians. Hermela highlighted how drone strikes and arbitrary detentions have instilled widespread fear among Amhara families, calling on the United States to leverage its influence in pushing for an end to the violence. Hermela passionately argued, “This is not a war against combatants—this is a war against our families, our communities. The international community needs to see these atrocities for what they are.” These concerns align with recent reports by Amnesty International, which condemned the Ethiopian government’s month-long campaign of arbitrary detentions and military assaults in the Amhara region. Thousands of Amhara civilians have reportedly been detained without charges, and civilian casualties from aerial and ground assaults are mounting. BBC Amharic and VOA Amharic have shared reports of drone strikes targeting civilian areas, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the violence. This rally in Washington was part of a global day of action, with coordinated protests in London, Paris, Frankfurt, and other cities. Across these events, members of the Ethiopian diaspora and supporters of human rights raised their voices, demanding accountability and urging global leaders to condemn what they described as an “unprecedented assault” on Amhara communities. Amhara Diaspora, Frankfurt, Germany “We’re here because our voices need to be heard,” said Alemayehu Bekele, a protest organizer in Washington. “The world needs to know about the atrocities being committed by Abiy’s administration against the Amhara people.” Protesters urged U.S. and other international officials to press for an immediate ceasefire and a neutral investigation into the reported abuses. They argued that international financial and diplomatic support for Ethiopia should be contingent upon respect for human rights and cessation of violence against civilians. The worldwide rallies reflect a growing movement among the Ethiopian diaspora to bring international attention to the crisis in Amhara, with organizers promising to keep up the pressure until meaningful action is taken. Washington DC Sources: Citations Amnesty International. (2024, November). Ethiopia: End the month-long arbitrary detention of thousands in Amhara region. Retrieved from https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/11/ethiopia-end-the-month-long-arbitrary-detention-of-thousands-in-amhara-region/ BBC Amharic. (2024, November). Drone attacks in the Amhara region increase civilian casualties. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.com/amharic/articles/czd5yz0pq39o VOA Amharic. (2024, November). Ethiopia’s drone assaults: Amhara civilians under attack. Retrieved from https://amharic.voanews.com/a/7849006.html?utm_campaign=Ethiopia&utm_source=VOA&utm_medium=X&utm_content=SB6lg7nnfmoi3s63mpw5p5tpehu2pttjtd2zs&s=09

November 30, 2023 The Amhara Society Network (ASN) strongly condemns drone strikes targeting civilians and expresses its disappointment about the silence of the International Community in the face of the tragedy on the Amhara people in Ethiopia. It is with great sorrow and outrage that we bring to the world's attention the ongoing atrocities being committed by the Oromo regime in Addis Ababa against the Amhara people. As the world's attention continues to be focused on the events in the Middle East, the regime has been relentlessly bombarding civilians with drones purchased with funds that could have been used to avert the famine-related deaths in Ethiopia. Marketplaces, schools, religious institutions and busy town squares have been bombarded in an action that amounts to war crimes. In this week alone, more than 25 drone strikes have been committed, resulting in the death of hundreds of civilians, including teachers and students who perished when schools were bombarded in the North Showa Zone. On 29 November 2023, a drone strike in a place called Lasta woreda of Northern Wollo zone has callously killed more than 118 civilians. On 30 November 2023 an Ambulance with a patient and five physicians was stricken by a drone in South Wollo Zone of Amhara resulting in a cruel demise of all its occupants. These actions are big indicators how the strikes have broadened their scale and intensity as the regime forces continue incurring huge losses in the battle against Fano. It is our conviction that the international community's silence in the face of this tragedy has greatly emboldened the fascist Oromo regime, leading to an escalation in war crimes and crimes against humanity. Therefore, we urge immediate action be taken by the international community to stop the deadly strikes and to hold Abiy Ahmed Ali accountable for the hate-based crimes being committed against the Amhara people. We urge the international community to fulfill its duty by condemning this genocidal war waged on the Amhara civilians and doing its part to bring the perpetrators into account. The world cannot continue to turn a blind eye to the plight of innocent Amhara civilians in Ethiopia. Last but not least, while we strongly condemn the cruel massacre of innocent civilians in drone strikes and ask the international community to play its mandated role in standing for humanity, we would like to make it clear to the world that Amhara's’ fight against Oromo Prosperity fascism shall not be deterred by the cruelty and savagery the regime is exhibiting against innocent Amhara women, children, and civilians. The world should remember that turning a blind eye to the pains of Amhara's and minimizing a full-scale genocidal war on Amhara to communal violence would have dire consequences to peace and stability in the already fragile Horn of Africa.

By: Solomon A Date: October 17, 2022 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Amhara students were denied the national exam by the Abiy Ahmed administration. The Amhara region was devastated by the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) aggression in the last two years. Also, the region becomes a battleground; families, and most importantly, students have suffered the most. The following three reasons portray why 12,787 students were forced to leave testing centers situated in Debre Tabor, Debre Markos, Mekdela Amba, and Bahir Dar. First, the prosperity administration deployed a huge number of federal forces in the respected universities to intimidate and confuse students. Secondly, the federal government brought cadres within the vicinities of these universities to create turmoil and spread disinformation easily. Thirdly, the federal and the regional government show no interest to control the situation and instead created widespread agitation to other institutions. Amhara students are not new to the institutional discriminatory measure the federal government. According to the Ethiopian federal news outlet, FANA, there was a report on Sep 13, 2021, in reference to the Education Bureau Head, Getachew Biazin, “the terrorist TPLF has fully destroyed 260 schools in Amhara Regional State. Furthermore, 2,511 have been also partly destroyed because of the attacks of the terrorist element that targeted civilians in the region. Schools destroyed had the capacity to host over 1 million learners prior to the attacks by the terrorist agent, TPLF.” The federal government of Ethiopia shows little to no effort in restoring such big infrastructure damage for what the Amhara Regional Education Bureau requested. On top of these distractions, the Federal Ministry of Education deliberately targeted Amhara students during their senior year exams. Audio 1: VOA Amharic interview As VOA Amharic service spoke with students and the ministry of education authorities, irregularities in exam grading are acknowledged and more than 20, 000 complaints received especially from Amhara and Afar regions. In relation to the grading problem Institute Of The Ombudsman (የሕዝብ ዕንባ ጠባቂ ተቋም) threatens to take the agency to parliament over grade 12 result. However, the Federal examination agency did little effort to respond to the requests. In addition, the North Wollo Zone Education Department examiner and administration expert, Mulu Adane, said that the zone has been in a state of war for more than five months and students in the region were still not fully prepared to sit for the exams. Therefore, the Amhara Regional Education Bureau head questioned the grading system conducted at the federal level. Even if the head had requested a clarification, Mr. Brehanu Nega, the Minister of Education, had no interest in looking at the situation. Despite his own Deputy Director General of Exams Services, Tefera Feyisa, had even admitted that there were technical problems during the evaluation of the examination. The first action the Prosperity Party administrations did was to position a gigantic number of federal forces in the respected universities. The presence of heavily armed federal security forces demonstrates that the Department of Education is weak in pursuing and leading the learning process effectively. Secondly, it mounts tremendous pressure on the well-being of students by creating a harrowing environment on school grounds. In fact, most students came from families impacted by war in one way or another. Students show resilience to all these hardships hoping that education is a bridge from misery to light. Students who lost their parents in the ongoing conflict with TPLF feel a higher level of fear when they see troops on the school compound. Therefore, the school shouldn't look like a war zone but instead a place where students relish peace and safety. In addition, the current ruling party copied the same tactic from the former architect of chaos, the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF). This includes infiltrating the school system through paid cadres such as prosperity party fanatic educators aligning themselves in their criminal deeds. This verifies that this exam session is a great opportunity to trigger students and create turmoil. Thirdly, the federal government controls telecommunication and social media propagandists allowing misinformation to spread and reach the level that students are misguided enough to quit their exams. In the aftermath of the incident in the Debre Tabor, Debre Markos, Mekdela Amba, and Bahir Dar exam centers, the Federal Ministry of Education's action itself speaks volumes. In his statement, Brehanu Nega asserted that students who left the exam will not be allowed to take it again. This includes 7,150 students from Debre Tabor University, 2,711 students from Bahir Dar University, 1700 students from Mekdela Amba University at Mekane Selam Campus, and 1,226 students from Debre Markos University, totaling up to 12,787 students. In conclusion, the Ethiopian federal government should have known better; schools are not an ideal place to stage a political game. As Malcolm X said, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.” The same applies to Amhara students; what options would they have on the table other than those schools? Education is a bridge for the majority of Amhara students who come across different life challenges throughout their learning process. Especially, raising kids and sending them to school in the current economy is difficult since students entirely depend on countless poor parents. Taking the 12th-grade exam is used as a catalyst to pull families and communities out of the cycle of poverty. Therefore, those 12,787 students who missed the exam should be allowed to retake it. One thing the federal government of Ethiopia has to understand is that students' central goal is getting a good education. Finally, forcing all of those students to drop out from a probable future academic career is a crime against students and communities. As Nelson Mandela said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” So, let them have the opportunity to change their life, their communities, and the world. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors. They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of ASN or its affiliates.

Mission Statement We are committed to safeguarding the future and dignity of the Amhara people, standing united against all forms of oppression and marginalization. Rooted in justice and unwavering solidarity, our mission is to protect Amhara lives, defend their rights, and preserve the rich cultural heritage that has endured through generations. We strive tirelessly for peace, freedom, and equality for all Amhara, mobilizing communities and allies in a shared struggle for a just and inclusive Ethiopia where every Amhara can live without fear, with respect, and with the promise of a brighter future. Our mission serves as a rallying cry for the survival and resilience of the Amhara people amidst extreme adversity. As a bastion of advocacy, we work to secure international recognition of the ongoing ethnic cleansing and genocide, as well as critical assistance and support for Amhara communities. We amplify their voices, bringing global attention to their struggle for survival, dignity, and the inalienable rights of humanity. Vision We envision a future where Amhara communities live in peace, dignity, and unyielding security, free from violence, persecution, and deprivation. Our vision is bold: to forge a powerful global alliance of advocates and allies, united in defending the Amhara people's right to safety, self-determination, and justice. We are committed to mobilizing international support to secure protection and resources, empowering Amhara communities to rebuild and thrive on their terms, with their rights fully recognized and respected. This vision embodies a transformative pursuit of justice, resilience, and enduring freedom for the Amhara people. Our History Welcome to a journey through the enduring spirit of the Amhara people a heritage deeply rooted in strength, resilience, and cultural richness that has shaped Ethiopian civilization for millennia. With a legacy of innovation, art, scholarship, and leadership, the Amhara community has long upheld values of unity, bravery, and an unwavering dedication to community. Today, we honor our ancestors' achievements and confront the challenges of our present, driven by a steadfast commitment to protect, preserve, and celebrate the identity and freedom of our people. Stand with us as we safeguard this legacy for future generations, ensuring the Amhara heritage continues to thrive with dignity and pride. Our organization emerged as a lifeline for the Amhara community amidst intensifying violence and suffering. Founded by individuals compelled to action, we quickly organized to address the urgent need for structured support and unyielding advocacy. From these origins, we have grown into a global network of allies dedicated to bringing relief, strength, and hope to the Amhara people through their darkest hours.

Mission Statement We are committed to safeguarding the future and dignity of the Amhara people, standing united against all forms of oppression and marginalization. Rooted in justice and unwavering solidarity, our mission is to protect Amhara lives, defend their rights, and preserve the rich cultural heritage that has endured through generations. We strive tirelessly for peace, freedom, and equality for all Amhara, mobilizing communities and allies in a shared struggle for a just and inclusive Ethiopia where every Amhara can live without fear, with respect, and with the promise of a brighter future. Our mission serves as a rallying cry for the survival and resilience of the Amhara people amidst extreme adversity. As a bastion of advocacy, we work to secure international recognition of the ongoing ethnic cleansing and genocide, as well as critical assistance and support for Amhara communities. We amplify their voices, bringing global attention to their struggle for survival, dignity, and the inalienable rights of humanity. Vision We envision a future where Amhara communities live in peace, dignity, and unyielding security, free from violence, persecution, and deprivation. Our vision is bold: to forge a powerful global alliance of advocates and allies, united in defending the Amhara people's right to safety, self-determination, and justice. We are committed to mobilizing international support to secure protection and resources, empowering Amhara communities to rebuild and thrive on their terms, with their rights fully recognized and respected. This vision embodies a transformative pursuit of justice, resilience, and enduring freedom for the Amhara people. Our History Welcome to a journey through the enduring spirit of the Amhara people a heritage deeply rooted in strength, resilience, and cultural richness that has shaped Ethiopian civilization for millennia. With a legacy of innovation, art, scholarship, and leadership, the Amhara community has long upheld values of unity, bravery, and an unwavering dedication to community. Today, we honor our ancestors' achievements and confront the challenges of our present, driven by a steadfast commitment to protect, preserve, and celebrate the identity and freedom of our people. Stand with us as we safeguard this legacy for future generations, ensuring the Amhara heritage continues to thrive with dignity and pride. Our organization emerged as a lifeline for the Amhara community amidst intensifying violence and suffering. Founded by individuals compelled to action, we quickly organized to address the urgent need for structured support and unyielding advocacy. From these origins, we have grown into a global network of allies dedicated to bringing relief, strength, and hope to the Amhara people through their darkest hours.

News News News Ethiopia: Civilians in Western Oromia Left Unprotected Armed Group Kills Hundreds of Amharas in June Massacre; Independent Inquiries Needed Human Rights Watch Laetitia Bader August 31, 2022 Read More Sudan summons Ethiopia envoy over downed plane claims The New Arab Staff & Agencies 31 August, 2022 Read More Ethiopia, USAID Agency: “Aid looted by TPLF rebels" “We know for a fact… that the TPLF (Tigray People’s Liberation Front), every town they’ve gone into they looted the warehouses, they’ve looted trucks, they’ve caused a great deal of destruction in all the villages they visited and it’s a great concern for humanitarians,” Sean Jones, head of the USAID mission Focus On Africa - David Tommasin Read More Journalists face growing hostility as Ethiopia’s civil war persists CPJ - Committee to Protect Journalists August 1, 2022 Read More 'We're also starving': Ethiopia's Afar says aid only going to Tigray By Africanews with AFP August 3, 2022 Read More Ethiopia: 'Horrific' massacre of 400 ethnic Amhara must be investigated immediately Amnesty International UK July 21, 2022 Read More ኢትዮጵያ ያለባት ዕዳ ስንት ነው? ዕዳዋን ባትከፍልስ ምን ይከተላል? BBC NEWS 22 ሀምሌ 2022 Read More The Ethiopian genocide commands attention The Washington Post July 18, 2022 Read More THE UNITED STATES PROVIDES NEARLY $1.3 BILLION IN SURGE OF HUMANITARIAN AND DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE TO THE HORN OF AFRICA USAID Press Release July 18, 2022 Read More Ethiopia’s leader admits military losses in insurgencies Associated Press July 7, 2022 Read More Ethiopia rights chief slams violations by security forces, armed groups Africanews with AFP Read More Ethiopian Rights Body Urges Government to Protect Human Rights VOA NEWS Read More Amhara civilians were massacred in Tole, but questions remain Ethiopian Insight Read More