ICRC Trains Ethiopian Armed Forces on International Humanitarian Law
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has intensified its efforts in Ethiopia to educate armed forces, police, and non-state groups on international humanitarian law (IHL). Through workshops, dialogues, and field visits, the ICRC seeks to safeguard civilians, uphold legal standards, a…
By Felo News Desk · Published
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is actively engaging armed actors across Ethiopia to reinforce the principles of international humanitarian law (IHL). Its mission is to ensure that those who wield weapons—whether state or non‑state—understand and respect the rules that protect civilians, wounded soldiers, and medical personnel during armed conflict.
ICRC’s Mission in a Dual‑Conflict Landscape
Ethiopia in 2026 presents a complex security environment. While the country is officially at peace, pockets of armed violence persist in the Amhara, Oromia, and Tigray regions. The ICRC’s role is twofold: it operates in both peacetime and active conflict zones, providing education, monitoring compliance, and facilitating humanitarian access.
Training and Dialogue with Armed Forces
During the first half of 2026, the ICRC organized workshops for more than 1,600 armed personnel, including members of the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF), Federal Police, regional police, and local militias. These sessions covered core IHL concepts such as distinction, proportionality, and the humane treatment of detainees. In 2025, the organization ran almost 70 training events, reaching double the number of participants that year, indicating a sustained commitment to capacity building.
“We will apply this training to ensure our junior soldiers clearly understand their obligations,” stated an ENDF officer, underscoring the practical impact of the ICRC’s educational efforts. Participants also examined case studies from past conflicts, enabling them to translate abstract legal principles into actionable conduct on the ground.
Engagement with Non‑State Armed Groups
Beyond state actors, the ICRC maintains confidential dialogues with non‑state armed groups operating in the Amhara and Oromia regions. These conversations are tailored to each group’s structure, often taking the form of informal sessions rather than formal training. The ICRC’s neutrality allows it to reach all parties without endorsing any side, thereby fostering an environment where humanitarian principles can be discussed openly.
These engagements aim to protect civilians, wounded fighters, and health workers, and to secure safe passage for humanitarian aid. By reinforcing the IHL framework among all weapon bearers, the ICRC seeks to reduce violations that often lead to civilian suffering.
Focus on the Tigray Region
In recent months, the ICRC has held sessions with ENDF operational commands in Bahir Dar, Woldiya, Kombolcha, and other northern Ethiopian locations. Parallel workshops were conducted with Tigray security forces in Shire, Wukro, and Maichew. The objective remains consistent: to remind all parties of their IHL obligations, especially as tensions rise and the risk of escalation increases.
“We do the same job in peacetime and in wartime, whether things are quiet or tensions arise,” explained an ICRC expert. “Of course, peace is always the better solution for the civilian population.” This statement highlights the ICRC’s belief that adherence to IHL can pave the way for lasting peace by minimizing harm and building trust among conflicting parties.
Monitoring Conduct of Hostilities
Beyond training, the ICRC monitors how armed forces conduct operations. It evaluates whether military necessity is balanced against the humanitarian imperative to reduce civilian suffering. Key IHL principles—distinction between combatants and civilians, and proportionality of force—are scrutinized to ensure that attacks do not cause excessive harm relative to the anticipated military advantage.
Recent resolutions from the International Conferences of 2019 and 2024 reinforce the responsibility of the Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement to disseminate IHL effectively. The ICRC’s ongoing efforts in Ethiopia exemplify this mandate by targeting those who are most influential in implementing or applying the law.
What Comes Next?
The ICRC plans to expand its outreach to additional rural communities and to strengthen partnerships with the Ethiopian Red Cross Society (ERCS). By combining training, dialogue, and field assistance, the organization aims to create a comprehensive safety net that protects civilians and ensures that humanitarian aid reaches those in need, even in the most remote areas.
While the situation in Ethiopia remains fluid, the ICRC’s persistent engagement with all weapon bearers underscores its commitment to upholding international humanitarian standards and fostering a safer environment for civilians caught in the crossfire.
Key facts
- ICRC conducts extensive IHL training for Ethiopian armed forces and police.
- The organization maintains confidential dialogues with non‑state armed groups.
- Workshops in Tigray aim to prevent escalation and protect civilians.
- ICRC monitors compliance with IHL principles like distinction and proportionality.
- Partnerships with the Ethiopian Red Cross Society enhance humanitarian access.
Why it matters
By educating armed actors on IHL, the ICRC helps reduce civilian casualties and ensures that humanitarian aid can reach those most in need, which is critical in regions where conflict and insecurity persist.
Frequently asked questions
What is the ICRC’s role in Ethiopia?
The ICRC educates armed actors on international humanitarian law, monitors compliance, and facilitates humanitarian access in conflict‑affected areas.
How does the ICRC engage with non‑state armed groups?
Through confidential, informal dialogues that emphasize IHL principles without endorsing any side, maintaining the organization’s neutrality.
Why is IHL training important in Ethiopia?
It helps reduce civilian harm, ensures humane treatment of detainees, and supports the delivery of humanitarian aid.
Sources
- [1] icrc.org — originally reported as “Ethiopia: A powerful guide for those who carry weapons”
