Amhara Association Nashville

January , 2026

The Honorable [Member of Congress’s Name]
United States House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515

(or The Honorable [Senator’s Name], United States Senate, Washington, DC 20510)

Dear [Representative/Senator] [Last Name],
We write with profound concern and urgency regarding the ongoing humanitarian and human rights crisis in Ethiopia, particularly in the Amhara region, amid protracted internal conflicts that threaten regional stability in the Horn of Africa.
As a nation dedicated to upholding universal human rights, democratic principles, and stability in strategically vital regions, the United States has a longstanding interest in supporting Ethiopia’s prosperity and the protection of all its citizens. Recent congressional actions, including H.Res. 937 introduced in the 119th Congress, which condemns actions undermining peace, stability, and human rights in the region, reflect this commitment and merit strong support.
The Horn of Africa remains critical for international trade, counterterrorism efforts, and humanitarian security. Persistent conflicts in Ethiopia since 2020, including hostilities in the Amhara region involving human rights abuses by federal forces, have continued into 2025, resulting in significant civilian casualties, widespread displacement, destruction of infrastructure, and exacerbated food insecurity. Reports from reputable sources, such as Human Rights Watch’s World Report 2025 and the U.S. Department of State’s 2024 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, document serious abuses by government and government-aligned forces, including extrajudicial executions, sexual violence, attacks on civilians and protected sites, and restrictions on humanitarian access.
These developments not only inflict profound suffering on affected Amhara communities—families displaced, grieving losses from violence, and facing acute needs—but also heighten risks of regional spillover, including exploitation by extremist networks and refugee movements impacting neighboring countries. Concerns have also been raised regarding religious freedoms, with documented attacks on places of worship and communities, especially those belonging to the Ethiopian Orthodox Church.
In alignment with U.S. foreign policy priorities that place human rights and democratic governance at the forefront, we urge Congress to:
1.  Publicly express concern over actions that undermine peace, stability, and the rule of law in the Horn of Africa, and support diplomatic initiatives promoting inclusive dialogue and cessation of hostilities.
2.  Demand independent investigations and accountability for serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law through multilateral mechanisms.
3.  Ensure that U.S. bilateral and multilateral assistance is conditioned on demonstrable progress in protecting civilians, upholding human rights, and advancing inclusive governance, including through targeted measures to address impunity.
4.  Acknowledge the legitimacy of the Fano movement, which arose from a desperate need to provide succor to the beleaguered Amhara people and to counter Abiy Ahmed's government policies that are  wrecking the country and destabilizing the region. 
Ethiopia’s stability is essential to regional security, economic development, and the protection of universal human rights. Principled U.S. leadership can help mitigate further escalation, alleviate suffering, and foster sustainable peace through dialogue and reconciliation.
We stand ready to provide additional information and support efforts toward these objectives. Thank you for your attention to this critical matter and for your continued commitment to human rights and stability in the Horn of Africa.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Title/Organization, if applicable]