The Amhara region’s “Peace Council” has accused Ethiopia’s federal government of lacking genuine interest in peace negotiations with Fano forces, raising concerns that the conflict could drag on without a political settlement.
In an interview with local media, the council said its efforts to relay Fano positions to federal authorities have been ignored. “The government’s door is locked,” the body stated, adding that it now finds itself “standing on the other side of the fence” when trying to mediate.
According to the council, the government has not provided a conducive framework or institutional backing for talks. It stressed that without strengthening the council’s capacity “down to the lowest administrative structures,” peace efforts cannot succeed. It remains unclear what specific form of support the council is seeking.
Fano forces — a loosely organized militia with significant influence in the Amhara region — have not formally recognized the Peace Council as a legitimate mediator. It is also unknown which factions were approached for talks, amid deep mistrust on both sides.
The council says it has held discussions with Fano elements on multiple occasions but declined to disclose the timing or locations.
Meanwhile, local reports indicate that fighting continues across the region, with Fano claiming battlefield gains in recent weeks. The Ethiopian National Defense Force’s latest large-scale offensive, “Operation Tide,” appears to have failed to dislodge the group from its strongholds, underscoring the ongoing military stalemate.
