Ethiopia: Continued Conflict in Amhara Region — 2026 Update

Last updated: 16 September 2026

Photo: Roadside Donations - Rod Waddington

This Ethiopia Amhara update tracks the continuing conflict in Amhara region as of early 2026. The conflict that began in mid-2023 between federal Ethiopian forces and Fano militias has not subsided. Furthermore, civilian casualties have continued. UNHCHR, HRW, and Amnesty International have documented additional patterns since the previous Q4 2025 reporting cycle. Therefore, asylum lawyers with live Ethiopian Amhara cases should review their evidence files. The new patterns matter for return-risk arguments and for the assessment of internal relocation viability. For background, see the article on the Amhara-Tigray conflict and the broader Ethiopia country report.[1]

The 2026 Ethiopia Amhara Update: What Has Changed

Three patterns stand out in early 2026. First, federal forces have continued aerial strikes on towns in North Shewa, North Gondar, and parts of Wollo. Second, Fano militia formations have expanded their geographic operations. Third, mass detention of ethnic Amharas in Addis Ababa has continued under the August 2023 state of emergency framework, even as the formal state of emergency has been extended and reformed.[2]

Pattern 1: Continuing aerial strikes

Federal aerial strikes have continued in North Shewa and other Amhara districts. Towns affected include Finote Selam, Debre Birhan, and Lalibela. Civilian casualties in market areas, schools, and hospitals have been documented by UNHCHR and Amnesty. The pattern resembles the 2023-2024 baseline rather than de-escalation.

Pattern 2: Fano operational expansion

Fano militia formations have expanded their operations to additional districts. The group is decentralised; different commanders control different zones. As a result, federal counter-operations are scattered across the region. Civilians are caught between competing armed actors. Furthermore, intra-Amhara tensions between Fano factions and other community militias have produced inter-communal violence in some areas.

Pattern 3: Continuing mass detention

The August 2023 state of emergency was extended and reformed but its detention authority continues. Mass arrests of ethnic Amhara individuals in Addis Ababa have continued through 2025-2026. Estimates of detainees in unregistered facilities exceed 10,000. Conditions remain documented as severe. Furthermore, family members of detained Fano associates have faced derivative detention.[3]

Profiles Most Affected

The 2026 escalation specifically affects the following risk profiles. Each requires updated evidence in pending cases.[4]

The Amhara conflict shows no sign of conclusion. The federal government's reliance on aerial operations and mass detention has not reduced civilian harm and has not produced political settlement.
UNHCHR, Briefing on Ethiopia (Q1 2026)

Asylum Case Implications

Three steps follow from this update. First, review pending Amhara cases for any of the affected profiles. Second, commission supplementary expert evidence where the prior report predates Q4 2025. Third, file a covering letter highlighting the change in conditions. Furthermore, where the original refusal relied on the absence of recent targeting evidence, the new patterns directly respond to that point.[5]

For wider context, see the Ethiopia country report. To commission an Ethiopia supplementary expert report, use the find expert witness service.

Conclusion

The 2026 Ethiopia Amhara update confirms what UNHCHR and HRW have warned about throughout 2024-2025: the post-Pretoria narrative of improvement does not extend to Amhara region. Therefore, asylum lawyers with live cases should refresh their evidence base. Most importantly, judges accept genuine country-condition changes as a basis for reconsideration. For broader Ethiopian asylum guidance, see the asylum guide collection.