The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has confirmed that government security forces killed 45 civilians in Merhawi, 15 in Shebel Berenta, and 6 in Kuwarit following clashes between Fano fighters and government forces, as reported by Addis Maleda and Alain. According to the EHRC, the number of victims could be higher.
In Merhawi, security forces arrested and unlawfully killed an unconfirmed number of people, claiming they were supporters of Fano. Witnesses told the EHRC that government forces killed 18 people who had taken shelter in one location when fighting suddenly broke out around them. Additionally, the forces killed eight people, alleging they did not cooperate in the search for a missing security force member. They also burned 12 rickshaws, known as bajajs, that day.
On January 19, 2024, government forces killed 15 civilians and injured two in Shebel Berenta Woreda of the East Gojam Zone. The security forces killed civilians they encountered during house searches and on the street after Fano fighters had already left the town.
On January 6, 2024, security forces conducting security canvassing killed 6 civilians, taking them out of their houses.
The EHRC has called for an immediate end to the unlawful killings and urged for sustainable solutions through peaceful discussions. The EHRC director also called for those who committed the atrocities to be held accountable.
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