Eskinder Nega has been chosen to lead the armed resistance movement in the Amhara region of Ethiopia. Since last year, a military operation has been underway in the Amhara region to crush Fano militias. The conflict began in the region when government decided to disarm and disband irregular armed militias called Fano. The militias supported the Ethiopian federal and regional forces in the war against Tigray fighters. After the war ended in November 2022, the government decided to disarm Fano militias, but the decision backfired.
Eskinder Nega, former head of “Balderas for Genuine Democracy” political party, took up arms against the Federal and Amhara regional government last year. He founded an armed group called Amhara Popular Front (APF). The group was mainly based in the Gojjam zone of the Amhara region. Most of the APF fighters were members of Fano commander Zemene Kassie’s Fano group. Zemene Kassie back then was in prison. Interestingly, government released Zemene Kassie who returned to Gojjam to reclaim his Fano group. Eskinder had to leave the Gojjam zone. He founded a new armed group in the North Shewa zone of the Amhara region.
Reportedly, Eskinder Nega has been chosen as the leader of Fano resistance movement. Several Fano commanders including General Tefera Mamo, Masresha, Major Habte Wolde, Mekataw, Colonel Fantahun Muhabaw and others have announced their support for Eskinder. But Fano groups based in Gojjam led by Zemene Kassie, Asres Mare Damte etc are refusing to accept Eskinder as their leader. They are vowing to continue their struggle. Wollo Fano Commander Mihret Wodajo also refused to accept Eskinder as leader of all Fano groups.
Eskinder has been chosen as the leader of Fano days after Tefera Mamo, former Amhara Special Force Chief, joined Fano. Tefera Mamo earlier this month released a video from North Shewa asking people to join Fano’s struggle.
It seems that Eskinder Nega has been chosen to lead Fano’s political wing. The operational wings are expected to be led by Fano commanders working in the field. It seems that it would be an uphill task for Eskinder to unite all Fano groups.
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