Following the violent confrontation between Fano militia members and the Addis Ababa Police in the Bole district, Ethiopian police have initiated a series of arrests targeting individuals of Amhara ethnicity in the capital city. This development has led to rising tensions and concerns over ethnic profiling and human rights.
The arrests have been concentrated in areas with large Amhara communities, such as Bole, Piassa, and Merkato. Door-to-door searches and police checkpoints have been set up across the city.
While exact figures are unclear, estimates from local sources suggest that hundreds of Amhara individuals may have been detained in the aftermath of the Bole incident.
Police have conducted random identity checks on the streets and at checkpoints. Homes of Amhara individuals have been raided, with people being taken into custody without clear charges or legal processes.
The Amhara community in Addis Ababa has expressed outrage and fear over the targeted arrests. Community leaders and human rights organizations have condemned the actions, calling them discriminatory and unjust.
This wave of arrests has exacerbated ethnic tensions in Addis Ababa and could have broader implications for ethnic relations across Ethiopia. The situation underscores the urgent need for balanced and fair law enforcement practices that respect human rights and prevent the escalation of inter-ethnic conflict.
Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International must raised concerns about the targeting of Amhara individuals in Addis Ababa, calling on the Ethiopian government to halt the ethnic profiling and ensure that those detained are given fair legal treatment. The international community, particularly Western governments and African Union officials, have to urged Ethiopia to address these issues with a focus on justice and reconciliation.
