Fano Commander, Eskinder Nega, today talked about negotiation with government. Eskinder took up arms against government forces in 2023. He founded Balderas for Democracy political party but disgruntled with the government, he decided to start armed movement against the Ethiopian government. Last year he founded Amhara Popular Front (APF) in Gojjam zone to launch this armed movement. He is now mainly based in Showa zone.
He said today that no decision has been taken to negotiate with the government. “We have not reached a decision yet about talks with government,” he said. He explained, “There are many Fano groups fighting with the government. Each group is independent. Efforts are being put to unify Fano groups in Amhara.”
“At the moment we are talking about unity. After this process is completed, a decision can be reached about negotiations with the government. but in principle negotiations is acceptable,” he concluded.
It seems that Fano Commander Eskinder is changing his position. Last month, in response to US ambassador to Ethiopia’s call for dialogue, he released an audio message and showed willingness to talk to the government after the formation of a representative pan Amhara organization. Eskinder faced criticism after that. Other Fano commanders refuses to talk to the government or they laid out very tough pre conditions.
The armed conflict in Amhara has seriously disrupted educational, economic, social, transport and other activities. The students of the Amhara region are not able to attend 6th, 8th and 12th grade exams. In East Gojjam and North Shewa zones, majority of students could not take 8th grade exam held this week, Businesses remain closed. There is lack of medical supplies at hospitals. Transport services get suspended and travelling is vey risky.
Both the government and Fano are not showing any flexibility to start process of talks to end this conflict. Government forces want to crush Fano group militarily, while Fano groups want to march to Bahir Dar and Addis Ababa to overthrow the government.
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