On May 24, 2025, the Amhara Fano People’s Organization issued an official press release responding to remarks made by U.S. Ambassador Ervin Massinga on May 23, 2025. In his statement, the Ambassador called on Fano to adopt “realistic and peaceful objectives” in addressing the ongoing crisis in the Amhara region and urged the Ethiopian regime to cease its drone attacks on its own citizens. The AFPO acknowledged the constructive intent behind these recommendations but was quick to emphasize that their struggle is informed by a long-standing manifesto that envisions a comprehensive future for the nation—one that transcends the divisive, hate-fueled identity politics of the current regime and aligns with contemporary international norms.
The organization began by commending President Trump’s broader efforts to end conflicts globally, citing the recent peace agreement between warring parties in the Democratic Republic of Congo as a powerful example of what can be achieved through international initiatives. By highlighting these successes, the AFPO positioned its own vision as part of a global movement toward sustainable peace. With this, they assured international representatives from the United States, the European Union, the African Union, and IGAD that the door for further engagement remains wide open, should Ambassador Massinga or other interested parties wish to delve deeper into their comprehensive vision for Ethiopia.
A key point of contention raised by the AFPO centers on the issue of drone strikes. Ambassador Massinga had initially urged the Ethiopian regime to halt its drone and artillery attacks against its citizens—a call that was later retracted from his statement. The AFPO described this revision as highly regrettable, arguing that the original wording was essential in accurately highlighting the oppressive tactics employed against innocent civilians. They warned that such backsliding not only emboldens the regime’s intransigence but also deepens the alienation between the government and its detractors, ultimately hampering international efforts to address the country’s internal conflicts.
The press release went on to outline a clear set of demands for the international community. First, the AFPO urged a firm call for an end to the regime’s drone attacks, which are seen as emblematic of its broader campaign of repression. Second, they proposed establishing an international investigative team to look into possible war crimes and ensure that those responsible are held accountable under the rule of law. Third, they called for the world to give serious attention to the genocidal potential arising from the regime’s ethnic-based hate politics—a factor that they believe is pushing Ethiopia toward an impending catastrophe that will have global repercussions.
In reaffirming their commitment to change, the Amhara Fano People’s Organization declared that they would continue to be a proactive and collaborative partner in any international efforts aimed at achieving lasting peace and reform in Ethiopia. With a legacy of fifty years marked by a relentless quest for justice, dignity, and self-determination, the AFPO’s message resonates as both a rebuke to recent softening rhetoric and a robust call to action. The organization makes it clear that real change will only come when both domestic realities and international responsibilities converge to address the systemic issues at the heart of Ethiopia’s turbulent conflict.
