The Amhara-Ethiopian communities organized a large rally on Saturday in Frankfurt, Germany, to raise awareness about the ongoing killings of ethnic Amharas, which ethnic Amhara activists have described as genocide.
The turnout at the Frankfurt rally was substantial, with protestors chanting slogans in German and carrying placards in English. One slogan read, “Stop Amhara Genocide!”
Earlier in the week, similar protests took place in the U.S. and Canada. Thousands took to the streets in Calgary to oppose the ongoing conflict in Ethiopia’s Amhara region and the killing of civilians.
In the U.S., a major demonstration was held in Washington, D.C. And today, there was another huge rally in Seattle.
Despite the deaths of thousands of civilians in the Amhara region—a death toll reportedly surpassing that of recent conflicts in the Middle East and even Ukraine—the international community has largely remained silent.
Reputable human rights organizations have reported on extrajudicial killings and drone attacks in the region. Just this week, at least 70 civilians were reportedly killed in drone strikes in two locations near Durbete and Armachiho in the Amhara region, with dozens more wounded. Children, women, and elders were among the casualties. At least two pregnant women were killed when one of the drones hit a health facility; the victims were reportedly at the hospital for maternity care.
The Amhara-Ethiopian diaspora community in Europe and North America has called on the international community to speak out against the violence.
The federal government, led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, declared war in the Amhara region in August 2023 with the stated objective of “disarming Fano forces.” Initially, the government announced it would complete the military operations within a few weeks. However, more than a year and a half later, the conflict continues. Fano forces have reportedly grown stronger, armed with weapons seized from government forces.
The killing of civilians has intensified as the defense forces face military setbacks in several parts of the region, according to activists with links to Amhara. Government officials have openly criticized residents of the region for supporting the Fano forces.
