We have learned that dozens of Muslims were massacred in cold blood in Gondar, and mosques and businesses belonging to Muslims were burned down. Preliminary reports indicate that the perpetrators were the notorious Fanos, who have managed to have sort of a parallel paramilitary force in the Amhara region. From what we know, the roots of the problem have something to do with places where Muslims can worship and burial grounds. Incidentally, the Gondar incident was preceded by burning down mosques in Mota, another town in the region.

In an apparent retaliation for the Gondar massacre, residents of Werabe town in the Silte Zone (Southern Region) have reportedly burned down a total of five churches. (Most residents of Werabe are Muslims) There have also been demonstrations in Addis Ababa, Diredawa, and Jugjiga by Muslims who took offense at what happened in Gondar. First of all, the Gondar massacre and the burning of churches in Werabe must be condemned because they are criminal acts. All those responsible for such heinous acts must be held responsible without delay. It should be remembered that every religious group has the right to exercise its faith freely without any interference from the government or affiliated groups.

That being said, it is indeed very sad that Ethiopia is fast descending into a complete chaos with religious conflicts now mixing with ethnic conflicts - this is indeed a very explosive mix.

But who is behind such clashes and why? It is not difficult to guess that the Abiy government is behind such conflicts. be it directly or indirectly. Look no farther than the sermons of Daniel Kibret, Abiy’s “Social Affairs Advisor,” on various occasions denigrating Muslims and Islam. One can also watch a number of clips where Fanos pledge to fight the “infidels” with a clear reference to Muslims.These are government actors whose actions should justifiably be imputed to the Abiy regime that is indeed instigating and fueling this conflict. I also blame some Muslim clerics in equal measure for preaching against Christians. But those are not government actors.

The religious conflict that we are witnessing in Ethiopia is a double whammy as it comes at a time when the Tigray issue is at a standstill and when the war in Oromia and other regions is spreading like wildfire. The economy is on a life support and the country’s diplomatic relations have not been this bad in many years.

In my view, the Abiy regime has lost all legitimacy to rule and is completely incapable of addressing the myriad problems, including religious conflicts, that the country faces. My fear is that things will get even worse than they already are as long as Abiy remains in power, or at least until he recognizes that all the conflicts in Ethiopia are interrelated and therefore need a comprehensive solution in the form of an all-inclusive dialogue leading to a transitional arrangement. I see no way out short of that. May the souls of all those who were killed needlessly rest in peace!!!