On January 23, 2025, Alexandra Völker, a prominent member of the Swedish Parliament, will raise urgent questions to Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard regarding the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Ethiopia, specifically the escalating violence in the Amhara region. Völker’s intervention follows mounting international concerns over civilian casualties, mass displacements, and alleged human rights abuses in the region.
The crisis in Amhara has been exacerbated by government crackdowns on dissent. In October 2024, Amnesty International reported the mass detention of civilians, including journalists, community leaders, and opposition figures, without due process. Families of those detained have described harrowing conditions in overcrowded detention centers, with limited access to legal representation.
The conflict has also disrupted critical services, including healthcare and education. Many residents of affected areas report shortages of food and medicine, compounding the humanitarian toll.
In a show of solidarity, members of the Ethiopian-Swedish diaspora have announced plans to gather at the Swedish Parliament on the same day. This community, deeply connected to events in Ethiopia, aims to amplify the voices of those affected by the crisis in the Amhara region and express support for Alexandra Völker’s efforts to bring attention to the situation.
I will be present to report on the diaspora’s engagement and the parliamentary session, ensuring that this critical moment is documented and shared widely,
Sweden’s decision to bring Ethiopia’s crisis into the spotlight could signal a broader effort by European nations to address escalating tensions in East Africa. With the EU already a major donor to Ethiopia, discussions could lead to conditional aid linked to improvements in human rights and governance.
