The killing of Menberu Getaye, a mid-tier commander of the Gojjam Fano militia, has been confirmed and “brought renewed attention to the sacrifices made by regional militias in their struggle for autonomy and justice” according to the movment’s supporters. Menberu’s death reportedly occurred during an operation to free imprisoned youths in the East Gojjam zone of the Amhara region—a region deeply affected by two years of armed conflict between Fano militias and the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF).
Government forces reportedly detained local youths in Sede, a small town near Motta city, in what many residents describe as an unjust crackdown on dissenting voices. The Fano militia, armed resistance standing up against perceived injustices, launched an operation to rescue these youths on Friday. Tragically, Menberu Getaye was killed in the exchange of gunfire that followed. Seyoum Zengaw Dinku, another prominent figure serving as a spokesperson for a Fano group, also lost his life on the same day.
According to Fano movement advocates, Menberu Getaye’s death is more than the loss of a commander—it is a “symbol of the ongoing struggle for self-determination and resistance against oppression”. “Fano militias have been at the forefront of addressing local grievances, advocating for regional autonomy, and defending their communities against perceived overreach by centralized authorities” said unnamed member of the movemnt to Amhara media.
The humanitarian crisis caused by the conflict has left millions of students out of school and disrupted livelihoods across the Amhara region. While the Ethiopian government cites security concerns as the reason for its actions, Fano supporters argue that such measures have worsened the plight of the local population and stifled regional aspirations. Menberu’s death, therefore, serves as a rallying point for those who believe in the Fano cause and highlights the urgent need for solutions that respect the voices and rights of the Amhara people.
