The protests in Amhara began on July 12, 2016 when security forces attempted to arrest a leader of the Wolqait Identity and Self-Determination Committee, Colonel Demeka Zewdu, on alleged terrorism charges. 
Maandamano ya Amhara yalianza Julai 12, 2016 wakati vyombo vya usalama vilipojaribu kumkamata kiongozi wa Kundi la Wolqait Linalodai Kutambuliwa, Kanali Demeka Zewdu, kwa tuhuma za ugaidi.