Ethiopia’s Call for Accountability: Demanding Unfettered Access to Amhara Region

Access Denied: Ethiopian Government Must Grant Independent Investigators and Media Access to Amhara Region

Introduction

Amnesty International has called on the Ethiopian government to grant independent investigators and media access to the Amhara region amidst reports of gross human rights violations. The ongoing armed confrontations between the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) and the local armed Fano militia have led to widespread allegations of civilian deaths, mass killings, and casualties. The government’s declaration of a state of emergency and its subsequent sweeping powers have raised concerns about the protection of human rights and the freedom of the press. This report examines the situation in the Amhara region, discusses the implications of the state of emergency, and emphasizes the need for independent investigations.

The Call for Independent Investigations

Amnesty International has urged the Ethiopian government to provide unhindered access to the Independent Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia (ICHREE) and other independent investigative bodies, as well as independent media. The gravity of the allegations of human rights violations in the Amhara region necessitates a thorough examination by impartial and objective investigators. Tigere Chagutah, Amnesty International’s Regional Director for East and Southern Africa, emphasizes the government’s responsibility to respect and protect human rights in the face of these allegations.

The State of Emergency and Its Implications

On August 4, 2023, the Ethiopian government declared a six-month state of emergency, with its application extending nationwide. This state of emergency, approved by the country’s House of People’s Representatives on August 14, grants sweeping powers to the government, including the ability to arrest suspects without a court warrant, impose curfews, restrict freedom of movement, and ban public assemblies or associations. Under the state of emergency, the Amhara Region is placed under a command post headed by the country’s intelligence chief, reporting directly to the Prime Minister.

The implications of this state of emergency are significant for the protection of human rights and the rule of law. The emergency proclamation permits the closure or restriction of media outlets or entities that are deemed to be “acting contrary to the purpose of this proclamation.” The ambiguous and broad terms in which these actions can be justified, coupled with the lack of judicial oversight, raise concerns about the potential misuse of power and the suppression of dissent.

Furthermore, the Ethiopian government’s detention of individuals in informal detention centers, including schools, without access to the court or legal counsel, is a violation of their fundamental rights. The blockage of internet access in the Amhara region since August 3, 2023, further exacerbates the lack of transparency and accountability. Previous states of emergency in Ethiopia have led to mass arrests, prolonged detention without charge or trial, and unlawful restrictions on communication.

The Urgency of Independent Investigations and Media Access

Tigere Chagutah highlights the urgency of allowing independent investigations and the free operation of the media in the Amhara region. The sweeping state of emergency, coupled with the internet blockages, hinders the monitoring and scrutiny of the situation on the ground. It is crucial that international and regional actors maintain their vigilance and continue to hold the Ethiopian government accountable.

Amnesty International’s call for independent investigators and media access aligns with the principles of justice, transparency, and accountability. The alleged human rights violations in the Amhara region demand careful scrutiny, and the only way to establish the truth is through impartial and independent investigations. By preventing access to the Amhara region, the Ethiopian government risks undermining trust and reinforcing suspicions of wrongdoing.

Conclusion

The Ethiopian government’s responsibility to protect human rights and uphold the rule of law is of paramount importance. The ongoing armed confrontations in the Amhara region have resulted in alarming reports of civilian deaths, mass killings, and casualties. As such, it is imperative that the Ethiopian government grants independent investigators and media access to the region. The state of emergency and the government’s unchecked powers, coupled with the restriction of media outlets and internet blockages, raise serious concerns about transparency and accountability. International and regional actors must continue to exert pressure on the Ethiopian government to ensure the protection of human rights and the establishment of the truth. It is only through independent investigations that justice can prevail and lasting peace can be achieved.