About
The Amhara Women Association Against Genocide (WAAG) is established to bridging the knowledge gap on genocidal violence against the Amhara people in Ethiopia with key focuses on:
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researching the causes, phases & damages of the atrocities
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studying preventative & accountability approaches, and
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help coordinating efforts for the development of educational resources & partner for executions
We are a Registered non-profit organization in the United States and qualify for tax exempt under IRS Code Section 501(c)(3).
EIN: 87-1658515
Mission & Vision
We are dedicated to bridging the knowledge gap on genocidal violence against the Amhara people in Ethiopia through education, in-depth research into the root causes, and understanding the repercussions of the atrocities. Our focus extends to educating policymakers, international rights groups, and other educators. We aim to empower them with essential knowledge and insights to actively participate in enforcing and implementing robust preventative and accountability measures. Together, we strive for justice, peace, and well-being not only for the Amhara people but for all in Ethiopia.

Background
Ethiopia, with over 80 ethnic groups, has a complex history of governance and transitions. Following the collapse of the monarchy in 1974, the nation endured 17 years under communist rule. In 1991, ethno-nationalist factions seized control, forming the EPRDF coalition, with the TPLF (Tigray-based party) exerting dominance for 27 years. This regime propagated anti-Amhara sentiments, fueling genocidal violence from the early 1990s. The EPRDF introduced an ethnic federalist constitution in 1995, formally dividing the nation along ethnic lines and triggering tensions and ongoing conflicts between non-homogeneous groups that coexisted within such regions. The Amhara, a group that has long faced ethnic targeting and genocide since the EPRDF ruling, experienced a significant escalation in violence since 2018, coinciding with a regime change. This tumultuous period witnessed widespread violence against the Amhara in the Oromo, Benishangul-Gumuz, and Amhara regions. Perpetrators included the Oromo, armed OLA/OLF, Qeerroo youth groups, armed Gumuz, and various Tigrayan armed factions in parts of the Amhara region annexed into Tigray until 2020. The Oromo and Benishangul-Gumuz regions witnessed the curtailment of rights for minority groups and other 'outgroup' ethnicities, leading to massacres and genocidal violence, primarily targeting the Amhara ethnic group. Perpetrators continued to mobilize and launch attacks in the Amhara region, resulting in numerous incidents and massacres in areas like Ataye and its surroundings, causing widespread destruction. During the Northern Ethiopia war from 2020 to 2022, the Amhara region endured mass killings and widespread destruction inflicted by invading Tigray TPLF/TDF soldiers. Notably, atrocities such as the Amhara massacres in MaiKadra, Kobo, Chena, Kombolcha, and others ravaged the region. Since April 2023, the government has engaged in war in the Amhara region against the Amhara Fano, a public resistance force, and the ruling party imposed and extended a State of Emergency. This conflict has resulted in government-led civilian atrocities and severe human rights violations, including civilian drone strikes, extrajudicial killings, rape, displacement of millions, widespread detention, internet and telecommunication blockage, exacerbated famine, and extensive destruction of the region. Human Rights Watch designated it a war crime committed by government soldiers against Amhara civilians. The ongoing war in Amhara has prompted genocide alerts from international groups, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian, prevention, and accountability efforts. In the face of mounting genocidal violence, a group of women founded a non-profit in July 2021, focusing on bridging the knowledge/information gap on genocidal violence against the Amhara people in Ethiopia. Our mission involves education, in-depth research into the root causes, and understanding the repercussions of the atrocities, reaching out to various influential groups and platforms. Our collective efforts aim not only to shed light on the current atrocities but also to work towards preventing future genocides while advocating for justice and lasting peace especially for the targeted Amhara people in Ethiopia.

