Zemene Kassie, a leader of the Amhara Fano National Force (AFNF), has issued a public statement rejecting accusations made by government-linked figures and denying claims that he has had contact with officials of Ethiopia’s ruling Prosperity Party.
In his statement, Kassie said there is an organized campaign to discredit him and the Fano movement. He dismissed remarks attributed to Abdu Hussein, who allegedly described him as a coward and claimed that government officials had contacted him, calling the allegations false and misleading.
Kassie stated that he has never communicated with Prosperity Party officials and said the claims were intended to create suspicion among the public. He alleged that in 2014 of the Ethiopian Calendar, delegations sent by federal authorities approached him several times with offers that included political positions, opportunities for study abroad, land, housing, and support to form a political party. He said he rejected all such offers.
Addressing criticism of his role in the conflict, Kassie said he has been directly involved in fighting against federal forces, including operations involving drones and heavy weapons. He accused Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and senior military officials of ordering attacks in the Amhara region.
Kassie also dismissed statements made by Major General Addisu Mohammed, saying younger Fano commanders are currently leading operations.
He concluded his statement by saying that the Prosperity Party can no longer lead the country, extended holiday greetings to Ethiopian Orthodox Christians marking the feast of Saint Gabriel, and called for justice and peace.
