Extrajudicial killings, torture, and mass detentions remain pressing concerns in Ethiopia, according to the latest annual human rights report released by the US Department of State. Although the civil war in the Tigray region officially ended in 2022, the country continues to grapple with armed conflict, particularly in the Amhara and Oromia regions. Throughout the past year, clashes between the Ethiopian army and regional militias have led to widespread violence, with devastating consequences for civilians.
Drawing from investigations by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, the report highlights a grim toll: at least 1,351 civilians were killed nationwide between January 2023 and January 2024. The fighting in 2024 was marked by mass forced displacement, ethnic cleansing, sexual violence against women and girls, and the looting and destruction of property—especially by militias operating in Amhara. These abuses have compounded the suffering of communities already destabilized by years of conflict.
Beyond the battlefield, the report documents significant restrictions on press freedom and freedom of speech, alongside a troubling rise in abduction cases. In one incident in July 2024, three buses carrying 167 passengers were reportedly hijacked in Oromia, with ransom demands following. Refugees—many of whom have fled violence in neighboring Sudan—are among the most vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, as Ethiopia continues to host large numbers of displaced civilians.
The Tigray region, once the epicenter of Ethiopia’s civil war, remains deeply affected by its aftermath. Communities there continue to face insecurity and systemic challenges, with limited access to justice and protection. While the Ethiopian government has made efforts to address the violence and restore stability, the US State Department concludes that these measures fall short of what is needed to safeguard human rights and ensure lasting peace. The report serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need for deeper reforms, stronger accountability, and sustained international engagement to support Ethiopia’s path toward recovery.