The Washington Centre for Human Rights (WCHR) expresses deep concern over the alarming increase in kidnappings and violent attacks targeting heavy truck drivers in Ethiopia’s Amhara region. According to reports from the Tana Heavy Vehicle Drivers Association and other credible sources, more than 30 drivers have been abducted in the past two weeks alone. This surge in insecurity is directly linked to the ongoing militarized conflict between Ethiopian federal forces and Fano militias, which has severely destabilized the region.
Impact on Transport and Regional Economy
The freight transport sector is a critical lifeline for Ethiopia’s economy and regional trade, facilitating the movement of essential goods such as beans, coffee, and onions to neighboring countries including Sudan. Key transport corridors, such as the Gondar–Metema route, have been disrupted or closed due to insecurity, forcing drivers to take longer and more dangerous detours. These disruptions have led to delayed deliveries, increased operational costs, and heightened risks for drivers who now face kidnappings, armed robberies, and violent attacks on a daily basis.
Security Challenges and Humanitarian Concerns
The Washington Centre is particularly concerned about the lack of effective security measures and accountability for perpetrators. Armed groups and criminal actors operate with impunity, using explosives and firearms to stop vehicles and demand ransoms ranging from 50,000 to one million Ethiopian birr. The resulting climate of fear has forced drivers to avoid night travel and to move in groups, yet incidents continue unabated. Beyond the immediate threat to drivers, these attacks exacerbate the broader humanitarian crisis in Amhara, where conflict has led to mass displacement, food shortages, and the destruction of social infrastructure.
Call to Action
The Washington Centre urges the Ethiopian government, regional authorities, and international partners to take immediate and coordinated action to address this crisis. Priority measures should include enhancing security presence along critical transport routes, ensuring swift justice and accountability for those responsible for kidnappings and violence, and engaging in dialogue to resolve the underlying conflict. Additionally, support for humanitarian and economic recovery efforts is essential to mitigate the conflict’s devastating impact on vulnerable communities.
The safety of truck drivers and the stability of transport corridors are vital not only for Ethiopia’s economic health but also for regional trade and humanitarian access. The Washington Centre for Human Rights calls on all stakeholders to prioritize restoring security and rule of law in the Amhara region to protect lives and livelihoods.