In a major development for the Amhara region’s armed resistance, four prominent Fano factions have announced their unification under a single umbrella organization named the Amhara Fano National Force (AFNF). The declaration follows a series of intensive consultations and a covenant signing in Quara, a historically significant site associated with Emperor Tewodros II.
The merging groups include:
Gojjam Fano led by Zemene Kassie
Wollo Fano under Mihret Wodajo
Gondar Fano Unity headed by Habte Woldie
Shewa Fano led by Desalegn Siasebeshewa
In their inaugural public statement released Friday, AFNF declared its mission as defending the Amhara people from what it termed “existential threats and structural attacks.” The group positions itself ideologically within Amhara Nationalism, while simultaneously affirming its commitment to Ethiopia’s unity and expressing readiness to collaborate with other like-minded organizations.
Collective Leadership, Structured Framework
Unlike many militant or resistance movements, the AFNF has opted against appointing a single leader at this stage. Instead, it will function under a collective leadership model, signaling openness to further integration with other Fano factions still operating independently, such as the Amhara Fano Popular Organization.
The group has announced a structured hierarchy that includes a General Assembly, Central Committee, Executive Committee, and a Patriots’ Council, with Mesafint Tesfu at the helm of the latter.
The 13-member Executive Committee comprises:
Zemene Kassie
Habte Woldie
Mihret Wodajo
Desalegn Siasebeshewa
Asres Mare Damtie
Henok Addise
General Tefera Mamo
Zinabu Lingerew
Dersane Berhane
Aschalew Belete
Samuel Baledil
Markew Mengiste
Akeber Simegnew
The selection of Quara for the unity agreement is symbolic; it is the birthplace of Kassa Hailu, who became Emperor Tewodros II, known for unifying Ethiopia in the 19th century and initiating the country’s modernization efforts following the fragmentation of the Zemene Mesafint era.
A Call for Support
In its statement, the AFNF appealed to the Amhara public, Fano fighters across the region, and media organizations to rally behind the newly unified force. The group’s logo was also unveiled, further formalizing its emergence as a national actor within the Amhara resistance landscape.
Observers say the formation of the AFNF could reshape the dynamics of armed opposition in the region and intensify the call for political solutions to the ongoing crisis in Ethiopia’s Amhara region.