Gondar, Ethiopia — An urgent press release from the Gondar command of the Amhara Fano People’s Organization (AFPO) on Monday condemned actions by a rival formation calling itself the Amhara Fano National Force (AFNF) North Command, accusing the group of attacking AFPO forces and undermining the broader Amhara struggle.
The AFPO statement, issued on the occasion of the Christian Feast of the Cross, began by extending holiday greetings to Christians and all Ethiopians and stressing that the movement’s aims are to protect the survival and rights of the Amhara people, counter what it calls an “anti-Amhara narrative,” remove a destructive political system, and restore peace and unity across Ethiopia.
In the release the Gondar command said the AFNF North Command had “attacked Amhara Fano Gondar prime state,” causing harm to the movement and the loss of fighters the statement called “irreplaceable heroes.” AFPO described the incidents as damaging to the common cause and said the rival group’s actions risk opening “a five-way war” that would hurt both Amhara and Gondar communities.
The press release also announced efforts to reconcile competing Fano formations. AFPO said it and AFNF have established a joint “unity facilitating committee” and that elders and local leaders are working “day and night” to bring factions together. The Gondar command said fighters in eastern zones are cooperating on “an amazing adventure together,” framed as a hopeful sign for unity.
AFPO warned its supporters and troops to be aware of what it characterized as attempts by the AFNF North Command to “destroy each other” and to allow outside enemies to achieve their aims. The statement called on members of the movement to choose unity and love over internal conflict.
The press release did not include a statement from the AFNF North Command or independent verification of the clashes described. AFPO’s message framed the dispute as a damaging diversion from the larger political goals the organization says it pursues on behalf of the Amhara people.
The situation underscores tensions within armed Amhara factions and highlights ongoing efforts by some leaders to negotiate unity even as accusations and violent incidents persist.
