The Amhara Fano National Force (AFNF) has issued a sweeping press release calling for the consolidation of all Fano factions under a single, unified structure. The statement, released from the group’s central command in Qwara, outlines a comprehensive vision for coordinated resistance against what it describes as systemic repression targeting the Amhara people.
The AFNF accuses the Ethiopian federal government of orchestrating a campaign of ethnic violence, political marginalization, and cultural erasure. It frames the current struggle not merely as a political movement but as a fight for survival, dignity, and national identity.
The release emphasizes the need for ideological clarity and organizational discipline, stating that fragmented efforts have weakened the broader resistance. “We must transcend personal agendas and political distractions,” the statement reads, “and forge a single, disciplined, and ideologically coherent front.”
AFNF leaders reaffirmed their commitment to a structured resistance movement, led by a General Assembly, Central Council, and Executive Committee. The organization is currently headed by Patriot Mesafint Tesfu, with a 13-member Central Command overseeing operations. Among its stated objectives are the removal of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration, the establishment of a transitional government, and the protection of Amhara civilians from targeted violence.
The group also addressed recent claims by the Ethiopian Defense Forces, which announced the killing of 81 alleged extremists in operations across Gondar and Gojjam. AFNF dismissed the reports as propaganda, asserting that many of the named individuals are still alive and actively engaged in the resistance.
Central to the statement was the reaffirmation of the “Qwara Pact,” a symbolic agreement among Fano factions to unify their efforts. AFNF described the pact as a covenant of sacrifice and solidarity, pledging to uphold it not only in words but in action. “This is not a media stunt,” the group declared. “It is a solemn promise to our people, forged in the fires of struggle and sealed by the blood of martyrs.”
The release also invoked historical references, including the legacy of Emperor Menelik II and the victory at Adwa, as models of unity and resistance. It called on all Amhara citizens, both within Ethiopia and in the diaspora, to support the movement through solidarity, advocacy, and material support.
AFNF concluded its statement with a direct challenge to all Fano leaders and fighters: to reflect on their individual contributions and recommit to the collective cause. “Unity is not a slogan,” the group declared. “It is a sacred duty. Our survival depends on it.”
As tensions continue to escalate in the Amhara region, the AFNF’s declaration marks a pivotal moment in Ethiopia’s volatile political landscape. Whether this renewed push for unity will translate into tangible coordination among resistance factions remains to be seen.
