Ethiopian Fano militia kills Sudanese woman in refugee camp
June 18, 2024 (ADDIS ABABA) – A Sudanese woman was killed on Monday by the Ethiopian Fano militia in the Awlala camp, which houses around 6,000 Sudanese refugees who fled the ongoing war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
Sudanese refugees are facing the risk of death and armed attacks by Fano militiamen, who are targeting them inside the Awlala forest in the Amhara region.
Several refugees told Sudan Tribune that the attack occurred while a group of Sudanese women were fetching water from a well near the camp.
Eight other women were injured in the attack, which involved heavy gunfire.
Around 1,700 cases of assault, looting, and theft against Sudanese refugees have been reported in the area. Mohammed Hamed, a refugee representative, confirmed that these attacks were carried out by armed Fano militiamen.
Refugees accuse the UN Refugee Agency of neglecting their demands for protection and safe areas. In a video following the incident, one refugee pleaded for organizations to return them to Sudan.
Multiple sources have confirmed to Sudan Tribune that Ethiopian authorities have lost control over the area, leaving it vulnerable to lawlessness and violence perpetrated by Fano militias.
The conflict between the Ethiopian army and the Fano militia originated in the aftermath of the Tigray war. Despite initially fighting alongside the Ethiopian army against Tigrayan forces, Fano militiamen have been clashing with the army since July of last year.
This conflict stems from perceived betrayal among Amhara communities regarding the November 2022 peace deal between the federal government and Tigrayan leaders. The agreement failed to resolve the status of disputed territories between Amhara and Tigray, leading to frustration and anger among Fano supporters.
The federal government’s proposal to hold a referendum in the disputed areas, allowing residents to decide whether they belong to Tigray or Amhara, has further intensified the conflict. Fano militias strongly oppose this solution, exacerbating the already volatile situation.