Ethiopia: A powerful guide for those who carry weapons

In Ethiopia and elsewhere, non-State armed groups involved in conflict also need to know and respect IHL. We reach out to them with the same messages calling for the safeguard of civilians, wounded and sick, those no longer fighting, health- and humanitarian workers. These engagements are adapted to the specificities of these groups, involving informal sessions rather than structured “training”, and keeping bilateral dialogue as the main type of interaction on the humanitarian issues at stake.

We are sometimes asked why we engage with armed groups such as those operating in the Amhara and Oromia regions. The answer is found in the ICRC’s neutrality, which means that, in any situation of armed conflict or armed violence, we cannot, and do not, take sides. In Ethiopia, to carry out our humanitarian work, we maintain a strictly humanitarian and confidential dialogue with all those involved in conflicts, including members of such non-State armed groups.

These contacts aim to strengthen both the respect for basic humanitarian principles and our safe access to conflict-affected communities, often in remote areas. This dialogue doesn’t imply any political recognition or endorsement of these armed groups.

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