Although ACLED reported over a 50% decrease in violent events overall and a 74% decrease in battles in Ethiopia as a whole in February, continuing violence in Oromia was perpetrated by Oromia regional special forces.[1] Fighting between OLA and the Ethiopian government continued, and OLA targeted an IDP camp and killed at least 50 people between 2 and 4 February in East Wollega Zone, Oromia. After the Ethiopia National Defense Forces (ENDF) regained control of the area at least eight youths were killed, suspected of collaborating with OLA.[2] The Oromo regional president said he wanted to end the fighting with OLA and called for the group to participate in reconciliation processes.[3]
Banking services were restored in Tigray, and school resumed in the capital, Mekelle.[4] Following a meeting between Prime Minister Abiy and the TPLF, theENDF transferred control of the Central and North Western zones to Tigrayan control.[5]
Eritrean forces are withdrawing from northern Ethiopia, and victims are beginning to speak of the abuses. It was recently reported that EDF allegedly massacred about 300 people just days before the signing of the November peace deal.[6]
A referendum was held in six zones and five special woredas of Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples region (SNNPR) on whether to establish a new regional state to incorporate the zones and special woredas.[7] Although it was initially reported that a majority of voters favoured the creation of a new southern region, numerous irregularities were reported,[8] and the referendum will reportedly be repeated.[9]
Religious tensions began to rise at the end of January after a split in Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church (EOTC) and the situation turned violent when EOTC supporters were violently repressed by Oromo security forces.[10] Factions from different synods clashed over control of the churches in the region and at least eight people were killed.[11] The Oromo regional forces sided with the newly established Holy Synod of Oromia and Nations and Nationalities thus risking widening the ethno-political tensions in the country.[12] An agreement between both synods was reached on 15 February,[13] but tensions remain high.
International response:
The Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia announced the Ethiopian government planned to present a resolution at the March session of the UN Human Rights Council to terminate the mandate of the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia (ICHREE). Termination of a commission mid-mandate is unprecedented. Civil society organisations requested the Council to reject the resolution and support the work of the commission. Such a move is unprecedented and could set a dangerous precedent regarding international scrutiny and encourage impunity for rights abuses elsewhere.[14] Although the effort was ultimately unsuccessful, there is concern about the future of the commission once its current mandate expires in September.
[1] Ethiopia Peace Observatory, EPO February 2023 Monthly: Religious disputes and government involvement in Ethiopia, 8 March 2023, https://epo.acleddata.com/2023/03/08/epo-february-2023-monthly-religious-disputes-and-government-involvement-in-ethiopia/
[2] Addis Standard, “News: At least 50 killed on IDPs shelter in East Wollega, attack blamed on Oromo rebels; eight more killed by federal forces accused of links with rebels: Rights Commission,” 15 February 2023, https://addisstandard.com/news-at-least-50-killed-on-idps-in-east-wollega-attack-blamed-on-oromo-rebels-eight-more-killed-by-federal-forces-accused-of-links-with-rebels-rights-commission/
[3] Addis Standard, “Breaking: Oromia Region President calls for reconciliation with OLA,” 17 February 2023, https://addisstandard.com/breaking-oromia-region-president-calls-for-reconciliation-with-ola/
[4] VOA, “Ethiopia: Children in Ethiopia’s Tigray Return to School but Face Extended Trauma,” 7 March 2023, https://allafrica.com/stories/202303080065.html
[5] Ethiopia Peace Observatory, EPO Weekly 4-10 February 2023, 15 February 2023, https://epo.acleddata.com/2023/02/15/epo-weekly-4-10-february-2023
[6] The Washington Post, “Hundreds massacred in Ethiopia even as peace deal was being reached,” 1 March 2023, https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2023/02/28/ethiopia-massacre-tigray-eritrea/
[7] Ethiopia Peace Observatory, EPO Weekly 4-10 February 2023, 15 February 2023, https://epo.acleddata.com/2023/02/15/epo-weekly-4-10-february-2023/
[8] Addis Observer, “NEBE reports majority vote in favor of new region in recent referendum, irregularities in Wolaita zone,” 21 February 2023, https://addisstandard.com/news-nebe-reports-majority-vote-in-favor-of-new-region-in-recent-referendum-irregularities-in-wolaita-zone/
[9] Fana Broadcasting Corporate, “NEBE Announces Results Of Referendum Held In SNNPR,” 1 March 2023, https://www.fanabc.com/english/nebe-announces-results-of-referendum-held-in-snnpr/
[10] Atrocities Watch Africa, Monitor February 2023, February 2023,
[11] Ethiopia Peace Observatory, EPO February 2023 Monthly: Religious disputes and government involvement in Ethiopia, 8 March 2023, https://epo.acleddata.com/2023/03/08/epo-february-2023-monthly-religious-disputes-and-government-involvement-in-ethiopia/
[12] Ethiopia Peace Observatory, EPO February 2023 Monthly: Religious disputes and government involvement in Ethiopia, 8 March 2023, https://epo.acleddata.com/2023/03/08/epo-february-2023-monthly-religious-disputes-and-government-involvement-in-ethiopia/
[13] Addis Standard, “News Analysis: Ethiopian Orthodox Church leaders resolve schism through dialogue, restore Church unity “based on church’s canon”, 16 February 2023, https://addisstandard.com/news-analysis-ethiopian-orthodox-church-leaders-resolve-schism-through-dialogue-restore-church-unity-based-on-churchs-canon/
[14] Atrocities Watch Africa, “Letter to the UN Human Rights Council on the threats to terminate the mandate of the ICHREE,” 28 February 2023, https://atrocitieswatch.org/publications/letter-to-the-un-human-rights-council-on-the-threats-to-terminate-the-mandate-of-the-ichree/
