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A New Year Overshadowed by Conflict in the Amhara Region

AI SUMMARY

Residents of Ethiopia’s Amhara region are welcoming the 2019 Ethiopian New Year with a mixture of hope, insecurity, and drought-related challenges.

Residents across the Amhara region are welcoming the 2019 Ethiopian New Year with a mix of hope and anxiety.
Bahir Dar resident Amare Kasahun reported that this year's holiday eve has a better atmosphere and relative peace compared to the severe security crises of previous years.
A teacher in Debre Work, East Gojjam Zone, expressed relief about returning to work in 2026/27 (2019 E.C.) after being unemployed for three years due to conflict.
Destaw Alebel, a resident of Delanta district in South Wollo, stated that recent fighting in neighboring areas has left residents celebrating under constant anxiety.
Dessie resident Yonatan Chekol noted that while the holiday atmosphere is lively, market prices have skyrocketed, with a chicken costing between 2,700 and 2,800 Birr and shared meat portions reaching 7,000 to 8,000 Birr.
Nuru Muhammad from Janamora district, North Gondar, reported that residents are struggling with drought and noted the absence of Adey Abeba flowers for the past two years due to lack of rainfall.
Residents expressed a collective wish for lasting peace in the new year to allow students to return to school, farmers to tend their fields, and traders to conduct business freely.