We, the undersigned American citizens of Ethiopian descent living in Texas, are writing this petition to urgently bring to your attention the grave concerns we have regarding the ongoing atrocities against the Amhara people in Ethiopia. We collectively implore you to take decisive action to address this pressing matter on the international stage.

The plight of the Amhara people is a distressing reality that demands immediate attention. The introduction of an ethnic-based constitution back in December 1994 has perpetuated a systematic persecution of the Amhara people, depriving them of true political representation within the government. Despite being the majority, the Amharas have faced ongoing marginalization, leading to dire consequences including massacres of innocent children and women, primarily in the Oromia region.

The atrocities have taken various forms, including underfunding the Amhara region, hindering access to education and healthcare. The Amhara people, in collaboration with others from different ethnic backgrounds, initiated peaceful protests advocating for change in the government. However, the situation has escalated since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed assumed office, culminating in a genocidal war against the Amhara people. The war has resulted in the loss of countless lives across regions, notably in Tigray, Amhara, and Afar.

Abiy's actions have exacerbated the crisis. He has blocked Amharas from entering the capital city, displaced and killed those residing in other regions, and declared a state of emergency in the Amhara region. The indiscriminate shelling of residential areas in Gondar, Bahir Dar, and Debre Birhan cities has led to further loss of innocent lives and the destruction of historic relics, churches, and city infrastructure.

Furthermore, there are credible reports that the Ethiopian Airlines, a civilian institution, is being exploited for military transport, in clear violation of international conventions. These actions not only endanger civilian safety but also undermine international agreements.

In light of these developments, we humbly request your urgent assistance in putting an end to the reign of terror, violence, and arbitrary arrests perpetrated by the Ethiopian government against the Amhara people. We appeal to the United States and the esteemed Members of Congress to use your diplomatic influence and global partnerships to condemn these grave atrocities.

We call upon you to exert pressure on the Ethiopian government to cease attacks on civilians, respect human rights, and engage in peaceful conflict resolution. Our hope is that, united, we can halt this humanitarian crisis and work towards justice and stability for the Amhara people and all of Ethiopia.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude for your consideration of this critical matter and your commitment to upholding human rights and international peace.