Addis Ababa : The Amhara Fano National Movement (AFNM) has announced a five-day movement restriction across Ethiopia’s Amhara Region, beginning May 29, ahead of the country’s scheduled general election on June 1.
In a statement, the movement said renewed fighting had erupted between Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) troops and Fano fighters in several parts of the region.
AFNM alleged that the federal government was attempting to project control over wide areas of the region ahead of the election despite escalating insecurity.
The group also argued that conditions were not conducive for holding elections, particularly in Amhara, where the conflict has intensified in recent months. AFNM claimed the fighting had escalated to the point of causing casualties among senior military officers, including ENDF generals.
According to the announcement, all movement across the region will be restricted for five days, with ambulances exempted from the measure.
The Horn Frequency was unable to obtain comment from the regional government, as the Amhara regional communication bureau did not respond to requests for comment.
The conflict in the Amhara region has continued for nearly three years, with rights groups and humanitarian organizations repeatedly reporting allegations of widespread human rights abuses and civilian suffering.
