Ethiopia: Health System Caught in Crossfire Amid Amhara Conflict
Healthcare System Caught in the Crossfire
Since the onset of war between Fano fighters and government forces in Ethiopia’s Amhara region, health centers, medical staff, and patients have become casualties of the escalating violence. Human Rights Watch (HRW) released a 66-page report, “If the Soldier Dies, It’s Your Fault”, on July 3, 2024, detailing potential war crimes targeting medical services. The conflict, which began with sporadic clashes in August 2023, has spiraled into a full-scale war.
On November 30, 2023, a marked ambulance was hit by an air-dropped munition—likely from an Ethiopian Air Force drone—on the outskirts of Wegel Tena, a town in South Wollo. The vehicle was returning from a supply run with three medical staff aboard. HRW’s investigation suggests the Ethiopian military is responsible for such attacks on healthcare personnel and facilities.
Healthcare Under Siege
The report highlights cases where the Ethiopian government military have attacked medical workers. Testimonies like that of Dr. Solomon, who fled his city after receiving threats from soldiers accusing him of treating Fano fighters, paint a grim picture of harassment and intimidation. Solomon, along with many other doctors, abandoned his practice, leaving a healthcare system already crippled by resource shortages even more vulnerable.
Dr. Solomon, who fled his city after receiving threats from soldiers accusing him of treating Fano fighters, paint a grim picture of harassment and intimidation. Solomon, along with many other doctors, abandoned his practice, leaving a healthcare system already crippled by resource shortages even more vulnerable.
The Ethiopian government’s decision to dismantle regional special forces has compounded the crisis, slowing funding, and restricting humanitarian access. “While many factors contribute to this situation, federal government decisions have created this medical shortage,” HRW’s Deputy Africa Director, Laetitia Bader, stated.
Patients Too Are Suffering
Patients in Amhara, including those with chronic illnesses and pregnant women, now fear seeking medical help. HRW documented how riot police and militias have pulled patients from hospital beds, accusing them of being Fano sympathizers. Civilians with injuries suspected of being conflict-related are frequently targeted, with some being arrested or even subjected to physical abuse.
HRW documented how riot police and militias have pulled patients from hospital beds, accusing them of being Fano sympathizers. Civilians with injuries suspected of being conflict-related are frequently targeted, with some being arrested or even subjected to physical abuse
HRW calls for immediate action to protect healthcare workers and patients, urging international donors and stakeholders to demand an end to the impunity enjoyed by Ethiopian forces. The situation, they stress, threatens to further devastate an already fragile health system in Amhara.
Editorial Note
This report was originally covered by Augustine Passilly, a freelance journalist based in Addis Ababa, for Le Point, a leading French news media outlet. It has been translated from French to English to shed light on the ongoing health crisis in Ethiopia’s Amhara region amid escalating conflict.
