More than 85 percent of Amhara Fano armed groups in Ethiopia have announced the formation of a unified organisation, the Amhara Fano National Force (AFNF), intended to coordinate their ongoing “struggle for existence,” according to a statement dated 9 May 2025.
The new force was established following a “founding congress” held over several days in Qwara-Gonder by the senior leadership of Amhara Fano in Gojjam, Amhara Fano in Wollo (Bete-Amhara), Amhara Fano Unity in Gonder, and Amhara Fano in Shewa. The statement described its formation as “a matter longed for by the Amhara people.”
“We are in a period where the Amhara people’s struggle for existence has significantly intensified,” the AFNF statement read, adding that while the popular-based struggle had achieved “commendable results,” a unified leadership was a “pressing issue of our time” to maintain momentum and secure the freedom of the Amhara people.
The AFNF said it is “founded on the political ideology of Amhara nationalism” and its “primary mission will be to coordinate and integrate the ongoing struggle for existence and popular revolution.” The organisation affirmed an “unwavering stance on Ethiopian sovereignty and unity,” believing Amhara survival will be secured through a “joint struggle with other Ethiopian forces, by removing Abiy Ahmed’s terrorist regime and establishing a joint government through a transitional process.”
The group stated its commitment to “reclaim rights concerning borders, identity, and self-administration in all parts of our country, including Welkait, Tselemti, and Raya,” framing this as part of changing “challenging structures and narratives.”
The AFNF announced an organisational structure including a General Assembly, a Central Council, an Executive Committee, and a Council of Patriarchal Elders, to be led by Patriot Mesafint Tesfu.
A 13-member Central Command has been established to lead the organisation. Its members are listed as: Patriot Zemene Kasse, Patriot Habte Wolde, Patriot Mire Wedajo, Patriot Dessalegn Siasb Shewa, Patriot Asres Mare Damte, Patriot Henok Adisse, General Tefera Mamo, Patriot Zinabu Lingerew, Patriot Dirsan Birhane, Patriot Aschalew Belete, Patriot Samuel Baledel, Patriot Markew Mengiste, and Patriot Akber Smegnew.
The Central Command will temporarily assume the roles of the Politburo and Executive Committee, overseeing military, political, diplomatic, and administrative affairs until full leadership assignments are finalised.
Amhara Fano National Force statement issued several calls:
- To the Amhara people: To support the struggle led by the national force “in every possible way,” stating, “We have now reached a golden era where the military capacity, political experience, and comprehensive capabilities of the Amhara Fano struggle have converged…to crush the enemy.”
- To Amhara Fano forces: To maintain readiness to implement directives.
- To activists, journalists, and media: To ensure their work is “centred on winning the struggle for existence” and avoids “limitless interferences and skewed analyses.”
- To the Amhara Diaspora: Acknowledging their significant role, the AFNF called for unified organisation and support, announcing it would take responsibility in this regard.
- To Fano structures outside the National Force: An invitation to join, stating, “The Amhara people…desperately need our unity.”
- To regime cadres, military officers, and soldiers: An appeal to join the struggle, claiming, “By serving Abiy Ahmed’s regime, you are writing a dark history.”
- To all Ethiopians: A call to support the struggle, asserting it “does not challenge Ethiopia’s survival.”
- To Ethiopians in the anti-Prosperity Party struggle: A call for a “coordinated and synchronised multifaceted joint struggle” against a common enemy.
- To the International Community: The AFNF accused the Abiy Ahmed regime of “committing acts of terror against its own people” and “diverting aid…towards war efforts.” It specifically alleged that “Abiy Ahmed, with the coordination of the United Arab Emirates, is massacring the Amhara people with drones and jets.” The group urged the international community not to support the regime and to apply diplomatic pressure.
