20 March 2024
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – A year after the US government declared war crimes committed in Ethiopia’s northern conflict, survivors are still denied justice, according to Amnesty International.
The human rights group criticizes the lack of concrete US action following its March 2023 atrocity determination. The determination found Ethiopian National Defense Forces, Eritrean forces, and Amhara forces responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
“An atrocity determination without policy changes tackling impunity in Ethiopia is meaningless for victims,” said Kate Hixon, Amnesty International USA’s Africa Advocacy Director. She urged the US government to support survivors and demand accountability.
Hixon further called for the US to update its determination to address ongoing violence in the Amhara region, where Amnesty documented possible war crimes.
Despite international pressure, the US allowed the mandate of the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia to expire in October 2023. Additionally, Ethiopian authorities haven’t taken steps to ensure accountability for past atrocities.
Amnesty International also highlighted the ongoing conflict in Amhara, where the Ethiopian military (ENDF) and Fano militia are allegedly committing war crimes. The region suffers from an internet blackout, hindering independent reporting.
The human rights organization further reported government harassment of Ethiopian civil society groups.
Hixon urged US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to work with the African Union and the international community to pressure Ethiopia to end civilian targeting in Amhara. She also stressed the need for a broader US atrocity analysis encompassing Amhara and Oromia, where ongoing conflicts risk further atrocities.
