A senior Ethiopian official has accused militiamen in the Amhara region of attempting to overthrow both the regional and federal governments, as clashes between Fano militiamen and the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) continue. The situation has escalated into Ethiopia’s most severe security crisis since the end of the two-year civil war in the neighboring Tigray region. AdvertisementFano, a part-time militia, initially supported the ENDF during the Tigray War but their relationship soured over federal authorities’ attempts to weaken regional paramilitary groups. Protests erupted in Amhara after Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed disbanded security forces from all 11 regions and integrated them into the police or national army. Protesters accused the government of undermining Amhara’s security, while the government claimed it was necessary for national unity.

Source: Ethiopian News August 07, 2023 19:32 UTC