ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA (HRNW) — Amnesty International is calling on the African Union to convene an emergency session on the renewed conflict in northern Ethiopia, citing reports of civilian harm, damage to infrastructure and restrictions on communications.
In a statement published on October 2, Amnesty said the latest fighting, which began on September 21, had expanded across parts of Tigray, Afar and Amhara.
The organization said it had received credible reports of destruction of civilian objects through shelling and airstrikes, intensified forced conscription and other acts that may violate international humanitarian and human-rights law.
Amnesty said fighting had intensified between Tigrayan forces and their allies, including Amhara Fano forces, on one side, and the Ethiopian National Defence Force and its allies on the other.
The organization reported the use of heavy weaponry and aerial attacks in several locations, including Axum and the regional capital, Mekelle.
It also expressed concern about reports that civilian infrastructure, including schools, had been damaged or targeted during aerial attacks.
According to Amnesty, fighting around Maychew and Alamata has reportedly caused civilian casualties and placed essential infrastructure at risk.
The organization said disruptions to communications in Tigray and parts of Afar and Amhara could make it more difficult to monitor abuses and deliver information and assistance to civilians.
Amnesty urged relevant authorities to restore communications services and ensure that people in affected areas can access essential information.
The organization called on the African Union’s Peace and Security Council to convene an emergency meeting and activate its response mechanisms.
Amnesty said the African Union had been among the guarantors of the ceasefire agreement that has effectively collapsed, and called for renewed regional engagement.
The organization also urged all parties to protect civilians, schools and other civilian infrastructure and to respect international humanitarian law.
The latest escalation comes after years of conflict and humanitarian disruption in Ethiopia, including in Tigray and other regions.
Amnesty said independent monitoring and accountability were necessary to address allegations of serious violations and reduce risks to civilians.
Support Appeal
HRNW appeals to readers, civil society organizations, governments and human-rights supporters to strengthen independent human-rights journalism and public awareness through the World’s No.1 dedicated Human Rights News Agency.
Support HRNW – World’s No.1 dedicated Human Rights News Agency
Disclaimer
This article is based on Amnesty International’s October 2, 2026 statement. Descriptions of military activity, civilian harm and alleged violations are attributed to Amnesty and the reports it cited. HRNW has not independently verified the incidents.
