Recent reports have suggested ongoing negotiations between one faction of the Fano group and the Ethiopian government, though the exact identity of the faction remains unclear. One such report, published by Meseret Media, claimed that a wing of the Fano group had agreed to enter negotiations with the government, contingent on the talks being held either in North America or Europe. However, Eskinder Nega, leader of the Amhara Fano Popular Organization (AFPO), swiftly dismissed the reports as “fake news.”
In a revealing interview with Anchor Media, Fano Geta Asrade, the head of political affairs for the Amhara Fano Popular Front (AFPF), denied any negotiation with the government. He confirmed, however, that the group had been in contact with international organizations, specifically mentioning the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union (AU). Despite these interactions, Fano Geta did not confirm if the Ethiopian government facilitated access to regions under the control of the Amhara forces or their rebel counterparts. “I cannot comment on their [the government’s] arrangement with us,” Fano Geta said, adding that his organization had taken steps to ensure the safety of their representatives if they were to enter areas under Fano’s control.
When questioned about the nature of these engagements, Fano Geta emphasized that the discussions were not negotiations but rather diplomatic engagements aimed at explaining the Fano movement’s position. These discussions focused on the reasons behind the group’s armed struggle, the war crimes endured by the Amhara people, and the broader humanitarian concerns. “The AU and IGAD have expressed interest in evaluating and observing Fano’s struggle for over two months, particularly the Amhara Fano Popular Front,” Geta explained, highlighting the group’s significant organizational stature and influence in the region as the reasons for the focus.
Geta went on to clarify that Fano’s engagement with international organizations was meant to shed light on the reasons behind their fight, the rights abuses they had experienced, and the goals they aimed to achieve. “We have made it clear that our struggle is based on principles of discipline, humanity, and justice,” he stated.
When asked about the challenges of uniting with other Fano factions, Geta acknowledged the difficulties. “There are divergent entities within the Fano movement, each with its own interests,” he explained, underscoring the complex internal dynamics that have made unity difficult to achieve.
Fano Geta reiterated that the group’s interactions with international organizations should not be confused with negotiations. Instead, they were seen as an effort to raise awareness of the ongoing issues faced by the Amhara people and to seek international understanding and support for their cause.
