5 March 2024
Shewa Robit, Ethiopia – Residents reported heavy gunfire and clashes between government forces and Fano militants in Shawa Robit town, Amhara region, on Sunday, February 24, 2024. The fighting, which reportedly began around 7:00 PM and lasted until 4:00 AM the following morning, raised concerns for the safety of residents and disrupted daily life in the town.
According to local residents, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the clashes involved heavy weaponry and spanned across multiple areas of the town, including the city center, police station, and exits leading to Addis Ababa, Dese, and Madaya Sefer.
“The shooting was very disturbing and caused a serious threat, so everyone stayed at home,” said one resident. Another resident described the fighting as “a big war” and stated that Fano militants entered the town around 2:00 PM and took control of most areas.
Following the clashes, residents reported sporadic gunfire on Monday morning and ongoing security patrols by government forces, indicating continued tension in the town. They also expressed fear and concern for their safety, particularly in light of reports of violence against civilians during previous clashes.
The incident comes amidst ongoing tensions in the Amhara region following the government’s decision to disarm regional special forces and Fano militants. A state of emergency remains in place, and previous weeks have seen escalating clashes in various parts of the region.
