Drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), have become an increasingly common sight in conflicts worldwide. In the case of Ethiopia, the deployment and use of drones by both the government and various armed groups have sparked debates regarding their impact on civilians and the country's civil war. While drones can offer promising advancements in technology and surveillance, their usage in Ethiopia has become a controversial topic due to concerns over civilian casualties and the potential escalation of the conflict.

1. Ethiopia’s Drones: A Step Towards Progress or an Aggravated Civil War?
December 03, 2023 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
ET-2583
Belayneh Zelelew Negash
“Don’t kill us by using a drone
purchased with our money.”

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Introduction
Drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), have become an increasingly common sight in con-
flicts worldwide. In the case of Ethiopia, the deployment and use of drones by both the government and vari-
ous armed groups have sparked debates regarding their impact on civilians and the country’s civil war. While
drones can offer promising advancements in technology and surveillance, their usage in Ethiopia has become
a controversial topic due to concerns over civilian casualties and the potential escalation of the conflict.
The Role of Drones in Ethiopia’s Civil War
In recent years, Ethiopia has faced internal conflicts, particularly in the Amhara region, where a civil war has
been ongoing since June 2023. The government has employed drones as a strategic tool to gather intelligence,
conduct airstrikes, and gain a tactical advantage over the Fano resistance group. The use of drones is expected
to allow the Ethiopian military to gather real-time information on enemy movements, locate targets, and po-
tentially minimize casualties among their own forces.
The government has taken measures against the resistance group, believing they are a threat to government
power and that the group is working towards regime change with the help of the neighboring country, Eritrea.
The conflict between the federal government and the popular Amhara resistance group has lasted longer than
the government estimated, due to the Fano movement receiving support from the local community in every
part of the country.
Advantages of Drone Usage
One of the key advantages of drones in a conflict is their ability to provide surveillance and reconnaissance in
hostile territories. They can cover vast areas and transmit high-resolution imagery, offering valuable insights

3. into enemy positions, supply lines, and potential threats. Drones also reduce the need for ground troops in
certain operations, significantly reducing the risk to human lives.
Ethiopia’s use of drones in warfare allows the government to target rebel positions and disrupt their operations
more effectively. With improved accuracy, drones can minimize collateral damage and civilian casualties often
associated with traditional airstrikes.
The reality on the ground is that the drones have not met their intended targets, instead causing harm to civil-
ians and historical sites. This has increased support for the Fano group and has led to the group gaining logis-
tical and informational support from the local society.
Additionally, the use of drones in conflict zones raises concerns about civilian casualties and the violation of
human rights. There have been reports of drone strikes causing unintended harm to civilians and damaging
infrastructure, leading to further resentment and support for the resistance group.
Furthermore, the reliance on drones may also lead to a disconnect between the military and the local popula-
tion, as the use of unmanned aerial vehicles can create a perception of impersonal and remote warfare. This can
further alienate communities and make it difficult for the government to win hearts and minds in the affected
regions.
In conclusion, while drones may provide tactical advantages in warfare, their use in conflicts like the one in the

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Amhara region of Ethiopia comes with significant ethical and strategic considerations. It is important for the
Ethiopian government to carefully assess the impact of drone warfare on civilian populations and to consider
alternative approaches to resolving internal conflicts.
Civilian Concerns
While drones offer precision targeting and minimize civilian casualties in theory, the reality on the ground
might be different. Reports from humanitarian agencies and witness testimonies suggest that the use of drones
in Ethiopia’s civil war has resulted in civilian deaths and injuries.
The recent drone attacks by the government have resulted in many civilian casualties. In the December 2, 2023
attack in Gojjam, an ambulance was targeted and exploded, resulting in the immediate deaths of a doctor and
the ambulance driver. These attacks have led to condemnation from the international community and raised
concerns about the government’s use of drones.
One of the main concerns is the lack of transparency regarding drone strikes and their impact on non-com-
batants. Without proper accountability and oversight, it becomes challenging to determine the extent to which

5. drones are implicated in civilian casualties. This lack of accountability further fuels tensions within the affected
communities and can instigate further violence.
Escalation and Regional Conflict
Another aspect that must be considered is the potential for drones to escalate the conflict in Ethiopia. Various
armed groups within the country have also gained access to drones, employing them not only for surveillance
but also to conduct attacks. These groups can potentially launch counter-offensives, resulting in a cycle of vi-
olence.
Moreover, the use of drones by Ethiopia’s neighboring countries could lead to regional escalation. If the Ethi-
opian civil war continues to spill over into neighboring countries or if those countries become involved in the
conflict, the situation could rapidly deteriorate and destabilize the region as a whole.
Conclusion
The use of drones in Ethiopia’s civil war presents both advantages and concerns. While drones offer valuable
capabilities in terms of surveillance and precision targeting, their usage raises significant questions about civil-
ian casualties, transparency, and the potential for an expanded conflict.
Targeting civilians and killing so many innocent people only serves to strengthen resistance and give a chance
for Fano to increase their human resources, and get material and spiritual support from the society. This has
aggravated the civil war and caused damage to the people and the country as a whole.
It is crucial for stakeholders to address these concerns by establishing clear rules of engagement, ensuring
transparency in drone operations, and improving accountability mechanisms to prevent the further exacer-
bation of Ethiopia’s civil war. Additionally, regional actors must engage in peaceful dialogue to prevent the
spillover effects from engulfing the entire region in a broader conflict.
Don’t Kill Us by buying a Drone with our money.