Conflict between Amharas and Qimants worsens in Gondar

Several people were feared dead in a conflicted that was believed to be intentionally instigated by the TPLF regime’s operatives between the Qimant and Amhara ethnic groups.

Unconfirmed reports say more than 50 people were killed so far in Gondar in the ensuing conflict. Yet, ESAT’s endeavor to confirm casualties from North Gondar Police Headquarters was unsuccessful.

Reliable sources told ESAT that the government has armed some members from both sides leading to a full scale conflict between the two people.

“The conflict has widened its scope; there is a fight in Negade Bahir, Chonchiq, Bhona, and Gubbay,” sources told ESAT.

On Sunday, the government forces burnt homes and crops of farmers. Later, the farmers pursued and battled them, according to ESAT’s sources. The government militia are said to be plotting similar action in Armachiho, sources said.

Gondar has become a battle field in many fronts. The TPLF regime has given a huge tracts of land to Sudan, which in return agreed not to host Ethiopian opposition guerrilla fighters. Most of the Northern and North Eastern part of Gondar was also ceded to Tigray in the last 24 Years. Currently, a fight is underway between the Amhara and Qimants, who were given arms by the regime. ESAT’s reliable sources say the TPLF has provided weaponry and strategic support for some Qimants to wage war against the Amharas, whom the regime perceives as its enemy. The TPLF has also opened an office for Qimants in Mekelle, ESAT’s sources said.