Tragic Boat Accident Claims Lives in Ethiopia's Amhara Region

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia — A devastating boat accident in Ethiopia's conflict-ridden Amhara region has resulted in the deaths of at least 19 individuals, as reported by the Ethiopian Press Agency. The incident occurred on Saturday when a group of 26 people was traveling to a funeral on a makeshift wooden vessel on the Tekeze River, located near the Eritrean border. Recovery efforts are currently underway, with only two bodies retrieved thus far. The Tekeze River has become a perilous route for illegal migrants and civilians fleeing the ongoing violence in Amhara and the neighboring Tigray region. During the height of the Tigray civil war, thousands of Ethiopians utilized this river to escape to Sudan. Tragically, the river is notorious for boat capsizes, often linked to smugglers transporting migrants toward the Gulf of Aden and further to the Middle East and Europe. Reports from refugees indicate that it is not uncommon to see dead bodies floating in the river, highlighting the dangers associated with these treacherous crossings. The current conflict in Amhara, which involves Ethiopian federal forces and the Amhara nationalist group FANO, has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, leading to increased civilian displacement. As the situation unfolds, the lack of official comments from Ethiopian authorities raises concerns about the ongoing safety and security of those living in these conflict-affected areas. The tragic accident underscores the urgent need for solutions to the violence and instability plaguing the region.