Tsedalu Dessie, a key figure in the Amhara Fano People’s Organization, surrendered with his men in South Gondar, marking what many see as a turning point in the region’s armed struggle. His decision comes amid growing infighting and internal divisions that have plagued the movement for months. Tsedalu Dessie, who had close ties with the late Kefyalew Dessie, lamented the loss of his “right-hand man” during the recent clashes. He pointed the finger at several loose Fano factions, holding them responsible for undermining the unity that had once set AFPO apart as the first truly organized and unified force among the Amhara Fano armed strugglers.
AFPO, which had long been regarded as the front-runner in mobilizing armed resistance among the Amhara, now appears to be losing its grip on the movement’s direction. Once celebrated for its discipline and cohesiveness, the organization is now facing severe challenges from internal dissent and emerging rival factions. In stark contrast, the newly formed Amhara Fano National Force is rapidly positioning itself as the new face of the movement—a development that has alarmed many AFPO loyalists who watched their once-dominant organization falter.
AFPO has officially called for a merger or unification with the emerging AFNF. The very next day of when AFNF was announced, suggesting that rival commanders and influential figures are already aligning behind this new structure. This rapid reorganization points to the urgency among movement leaders to consolidate power and streamline command in order to counteract the debilitating effects of factional infighting. The proposed merger represents a bid to salvage what remains of a unified armed resistance under the banner of a more centralized force.
As the dust settles over recent infighting that claimed the life of Kefyalew Dessie and prompted a cascade of defections, observers note that the internal fissures within the Amhara Fano movement are indicative of a broader power struggle. With AFPO’s credibility on the line, many supporters fear that the loss of its status as the primary organized force could weaken the overall resistance. In contrast, proponents of the AFNF see this as an opportunity to establish a more robust and disciplined military front—one that can potentially steer the movement through these turbulent times.
The days ahead will be critical as movement leaders work to reconcile their differences and reassign roles in a landscape that is rapidly shifting. Questions linger over whether the proposed merger will bridge the gap between long-standing factions or if the deep-seated rivalries will continue to splinter the resistance, ultimately diluting its effectiveness. For now, Tsedalu Dessie’s surrender is a stark reminder that even the most unified movements can be undone from within, and that the balance of power in the Amhara armed struggle may be on the verge of a profound transformation.
