The Peace Council of the Amhara Region has confirmed the killing of one of its leaders in the North Gojjam Zone, Melake Mihret Nekatibeb Genet, by armed attackers.According to official statements, the slain leader had been working actively to resolve local conflicts through peaceful dialogue. He was reportedly engaged in community meetings and public gatherings, urging both civilians and armed actors to pursue nonviolent solutions and negotiations.The Council disclosed that on the evening of July 8, 2025 (Hamle 01, 2017 E.C.), unidentified assailants abducted the leader from the church compound where he was serving. The attackers reportedly held him captive at a location known as “Dahna Mariam,” an area believed to be under the control of armed groups, before executing him on August 12, 2025 (Nehase 06, 2017 E.C.).This tragic incident is part of an ongoing pattern of violence in the Amhara Region. The Peace Council, which was formed to mediate between government forces and local armed groups (commonly known as “Fano”), has repeatedly called for dialogue and reconciliation.Council spokesperson Mr. Yayeheyrad Belete clarified that the council’s role is solely to mediate and facilitate dialogue, not to take sides or administer any decisions. “We are here to create space for both parties to engage in discussion and choose their own mediator,” he said.This recent killing is not an isolated event. In July 2024 (Hamle 2016 E.C.), in South Mecha Woreda, also in North Gojjam, armed groups similarly targeted religious leaders, elders, and mothers accused of participating in peace committees. The attackers accused the victims of cooperating with government initiatives and subjected them to extreme and inhumane punishments, including killings.A regional government report issued on July 23, 2024, stated that the victims had been returning from Bahir Dar after participating in a government-organized peace initiative. The attackers reportedly labeled them as collaborators and executed them upon their return.Among the deceased were respected local figures such as Mergeta Girum, a church administrator; elders Azene Admasu and Asmamaw Abe; and a woman named Yeneayehu Dagnaw. The report also noted that 13 additional individuals remain in captivity.Despite these challenges, the Amhara Regional Peace Council claims that some factions within the armed groups have expressed openness to dialogue.
Council members have reportedly initiated contact with several such individuals and are working toward arranging further meetings.Ato Eyachew Teshale, head of public relations for the council, told local media that many Fano members are beginning to accept negotiation as a legitimate path forward. However, he emphasized that deep mistrust between the federal government and the armed factions continues to undermine efforts toward lasting peace.
