The Amhara Fano National Movement has joined six other Ethiopian armed and political groups in announcing a new alliance aimed at removing Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s government and establishing an inclusive transitional administration.
The groups said they have formed the Ethiopian People’s Forces Cooperation for Survival, also known as Cooperation for Survival, following what they described as extensive efforts to coordinate their political and organisational activities.
The alliance brings together the Amhara Fano National Movement, Oromo Liberation Army, Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), Ogaden National Liberation Front, Afar Revolutionary Democratic Front, Benishangul Peoples’ Liberation Movement and Gumuz Peoples’ Democratic Movement.
In a statement issued on September 20, the groups accused the Prosperity Party-led government of authoritarian rule and blamed it for conflict, ethnic violence, displacement and economic hardship. These characterisations are claims made by the alliance.
The groups said their stated objective is to coordinate efforts to remove the current government and open a new transitional phase for Ethiopia.
According to the statement, the proposed transition would seek to end armed conflicts, restore peace and security, safeguard human and democratic rights, address social and economic challenges, improve relations with neighbouring countries and strengthen Ethiopia’s regional and international standing.
The alliance also called for an inclusive political and constitutional process, saying major national questions should be addressed through the direct participation of Ethiopia’s different communities.
The groups called on other Ethiopian political organisations, civic associations and armed movements that support their objectives to join the alliance.
They also appealed to members and commanders of Ethiopia’s security forces to abandon the government and join what they described as a struggle to protect the country and its peoples.
The alliance further called on neighbouring countries, African states and the international community to support what it described as the interests of the Ethiopian people, justice and democracy.
The formation of the alliance comes amid continuing armed conflicts and political tensions across Ethiopia, including the ongoing confrontation between Amhara Fano forces and federal government troops.
The statement did not provide details on the alliance’s command structure, operational arrangements or how the seven groups intend to coordinate their activities on the ground.
