Awra Amba, a community in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, is embroiled in conflict as violence escalates between Fano fighters and federal troops. Despite a history of peace and cooperation, the village faces kidnappings, economic downturns, and school closures, severely impacting its residents. The call for political representation grows louder amid fears of continuing violence. Founder Zumra Nuru emphasizes the need for dialogue as a path to peace.
The village of Awra Amba has found itself amidst the escalating conflict in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, pitting Fano fighters against Ethiopian federal forces. While this community has been a sanctuary for peace since the 1970s, it is now grappling with violence that has disrupted its once-thriving existence. Gunfire and kidnappings have forced residents to remain in hiding, with schools shuttered and lives drastically altered.
Awra Amba is notable for its egalitarian principles, housing around 600 individuals who adhere to a cooperative lifestyle emphasizing equal work distribution. The community was a prominent model for peace and conflict resolution, drawing observers from various organizations, including the United Nations and Oxfam. Despite this, the ongoing violence has shattered the stability Awra Amba once enjoyed and has highlighted the broader insecurities plaguing Ethiopia as conflicts rage across the region.
The escalation of conflict began in April 2023 when Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed attempted to integrate regional forces into a federal military structure. Since then, reports of severe human rights violations and mass violence have surfaced, painting a dire picture of the region’s present state. Bantayehu Shiferaw Chanie, a researcher familiar with the situation, stated that the ongoing trauma has deeply affected local populations.
Awra Amba’s economy, once buoyed by tourism and self-sufficiency, has largely collapsed. The community used to welcome tourists and sell local artisanal products. However, with the threat of violence and an increase in robberies, trade has diminished significantly, compelling residents to adopt a more insular lifestyle. The recent internet blackouts imposed by the government further complicate their ability to communicate, study, and sustain their cooperative activities.
Socially and economically, the residents are feeling the conflict’s repercussions heartbreaking instances have included kidnappings for ransom, triggering fear and instability within the community. Current governance issues aggravate this situation, with Fano’s calls for political representation falling largely unattended, contributing to the crisis. Chanie emphasized that unless substantial policy changes are made toward welcoming Fano’s political aspirations, the violence will most likely persist.
Recent evaluations by the United Nations reveal even more distressing actions, including acts of torture and extrajudicial killings attributed to both the federal forces and Fano militias. Growing unrest in the region results in roughly four million children being deprived of their education, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
In light of these challenges, the people of Awra Amba, led by their founder Zumra Nuru, maintain hopes for peace. Nuru advocates for dialogue over violence, noting historical resilience against past adversities. He reinforced a collaborative vision among communities to combat division and foster a culture of reconciliation, concluding, “We believe that all conflicts can be resolved with reasonable discussion and debate.”
The situation in Awra Amba serves as a poignant microcosm of the ongoing conflict in Ethiopia’s Amhara region. Despite its established reputation for peace and cooperation, the community faces significant challenges from the escalating violence, economic dislocation, and social disruptions. Without significant policy actions favoring inclusion and representation, the conflict threatens to spiral further, impacting numerous lives in the region. The people of Awra Amba continue to hold on to the hope of reconciliation and peace, reinforcing the importance of dialogue in resolving conflicts.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
