The ruling Prosperity Party recently concluded its national assembly, ending the session with renewed accusations against what it called “historical enemies” and “internal traitors” as the sources of Ethiopia’s instability. The party’s rhetoric has increasingly centered on external meddling and internal sabotage, framing them as the main obstacles to peace and development.
Meanwhile, the war in the Amhara region has dragged on for nearly two years, fueling widespread insecurity and humanitarian strain. Many observers point to the Prosperity Party’s own political maneuvers and centralization drive as having played a role in igniting the conflict, even as the government continues to blame armed groups for ongoing violence.
Against this backdrop, multiple government-aligned media outlets this week reported that over 500 members of the Fano militia had surrendered their arms in Northern Shewa’s Merhabete district. The area is known as one of the main operational zones for the Amhara Fano People’s Organization (AFPO), a prominent faction within the broader Fano movement.
According to the pro-government reports, the surrender was part of a larger disarmament push aimed at restoring security in the region. However, Fano-aligned sources have dismissed the claims, labeling them as baseless propaganda designed to weaken morale among supporters and present a false image of government progress. They argue that armed resistance remains active in the district and beyond.
The contrasting narratives reflect the deep mistrust and entrenched positions on both sides of the conflict. With communities in Amhara continuing to face violence, displacement, and economic disruption, calls are growing for a genuine political resolution. Analysts and civil society voices stress that peace in the region will require more than disarmament campaigns — it will require inclusive dialogue, mutual concessions, and a departure from the cycle of armed confrontation.
