This followed mass arrests of government officials, opposition activists, academics, journalists and any others suspected of supporting the ‘Fano’ rebel militias.
The government may declare a new state of emergency to provide a legal veneer for the new offensive.
The offensive means the national dialogue is unlikely to engage with Amhara region, further fuelling a sense of Amhara marginalisation.
Coming amid the harvest season, the unrest will worsen poverty and food insecurity and disrupt education, health and other basic services.
Further disruptions of supply lines from Amhara region, which is one of Ethiopia’s breadbaskets, could fuel wider inflationary pressures.
The intensification of fighting may trigger increased international pressure to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
