Disclaimer: AAA is a U.S. based NGO that documents human rights violations in the context of conflict, violence and political repression. One of AAA’s core activities is also to educate policymakers, journalists, researchers and other stakeholders with up-to-date information on developments in Ethiopia. AAA does not endorse any political parties or organizations based in the U.S. or Ethiopia.
Updated April 27th, 2026
Overview
For the week of April 20th to 26th, 2026, fighting between the Amhara Fano self-defense force (Fano) and Oromo Prosperity Party regime joint forces (regime forces) has continued in various parts of Amhara Region in Ethiopia.
- This week battle events and rights violations were recorded in more than 31 woreda/city administrations across 11 zonal administrations in Amhara Region. These zones included Wag-Hemra, North Wollo, South Wollo, North Shewa, East Gojjam, West Gojjam, Awi, North Gojjam, South Gonder, Central Gonder and North Gonder Zones. In Wag-Hemra Zone, fighting was carried out by Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) forces jointly with Agew-Shengo (also known as the Agew Democratic Movement (ADM)) militants against federal regime forces. Developments were also recorded in East Wollega Zone of Oromia Region and in Addis-Ababa City.
- Civilian casualties were recorded in 9 woreda/city administrations across 5 zonal administrations in Amhara Region. These included Raya-Kobo, Gidan, Gishe-Rabel, Minjar-Shenkora, Asagirt, Goncha-Siso-Enese, Shebel-Berenta and Bahir-Dar-Zuriya Woredas and Gonder City in North Wollo, North Shewa, East Gojjam, North Gojjam and Central Gonder Zones.
- Mass arrests were recorded in Addis-Ababa City. The arrests targeted close affiliates of popular recording artist Tewodros Kassahun (also known as Teddy Afro) following the release of the artist’s new album “Etorika.”
- This week, peaceful demonstrations continued in protest of upcoming national elections across multiple areas of Amhara Region.