Amhara Fano People’s Organization Denies Deal with Govt

Amhara Fano People’s Organization (AFPO) today denied having signed any peace deal with the government. AFPO has issued a statement in this regard.

Today Amhara regional government claimed that AFPO commander Mesresha Sete has surrendered and signed a peace deal with the Amhara regional government. Amhara regional state media released pictures showing Amhara regional president Arega Kebede and Fano commander Mesresha Sete. African Union officials were also shown attending the peace deal signing ceremony.

Amhara Fano People’s Organization, in the statement today, said that Mesresha Sete had been expelled from APFO earlier this week and he does not represent the organization. AFPO chief Eskinder Nega released an audio message too. He said that he founded AFPO and he did not engage in any dialogue with the government.

On weekend, Amhara Fano People’s Organization issued a statement. It accused commander Mesresha Sete and Mesfin Abate of having links with the government and it expelled the two from the Fano organization. A day after that, Mesresha Sete surrendered to Amhara regional government.

Mesresha Sete, reportedly, surrendered due to internal divisions in AFPO. He did not command a large Fano group. Other commander were not allowing him to settle in Wollo or Shewa zones. Last year, he was expelled from Gojjam by Fano commander Zemene Kassie. His surrender is not likely to be a big blow to Fano groups.