Ethiopian army's drone strikes claim numerous civilian lives

In Ethiopia, a tragic event unfolded on April 17 during the Easter holiday, when a drone strike hit the town of Gedeb in the northern region. Families had gathered in the morning to repair a local primary school, but panic ensued when a drone attacked the crowd, killing and injuring many. Reports from residents described horrific scenes of destruction, with body parts scattered and survivors screaming in anguish. This incident is part of a broader trend where the Ethiopian army increasingly employs drones in conflict, a strategy that has gained traction during the ongoing insurgencies across the country. Since the start of the Tigray War between 2020 and 2022, drone warfare has been integrated into Ethiopia's military tactics. The use of such technology has expanded to other regions, including Amhara and Oromia, as the frequency of drone strikes has surged significantly. According to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED), more than 70 drone strikes have occurred in the Amhara region alone in 2023, resulting in the deaths of at least 669 people. The drive to adopt drones as a weapon of war reflects a larger trend across Africa, where many governments are turning to low-cost remotely piloted aircraft for military operations. Data indicates that around 30 African nations have procured drones, influenced by military cooperation with countries like Turkey. As regional militaries shift away from traditional infantry-based strategies, they often face challenges, including the disparity in capabilities among different factions in conflict zones. Despite the military advantages that drones may bring, experts caution against over-reliance on these technologies. History shows that drones alone cannot secure victory, as evidenced by the experiences in Libya and Sudan. As Ethiopia continues to grapple with conflicting factions and insurgencies, the long-term consequences of drone warfare remain uncertain, with fears that violence may escalate and civilians may bear the brunt of the toll. The recent air strikes have instilled a pervasive fear among the local population, driving them to live in constant uncertainty of future attacks.