At least five civilians were killed and 18 homes were set ablaze in Agona town, located in Este Woreda of Ethiopia’s South Gondar Zone, following a reported clash between Fano militants and federal government forces, eyewitnesses and family members of the victims told BBC Amharic. The incident, which occurred on April 15, reportedly began when the two groups unexpectedly confronted one another on a rural road, sparking an exchange of gunfire. Residents say that after suffering casualties during the skirmish, government troops launched retaliatory attacks on civilians, accusing them of harboring or supporting Fano fighters.
Multiple eyewitnesses recounted that soldiers stormed homes and public spaces, opening fire indiscriminately. One local described how several young men were killed inside a billiards hall, where they had sought refuge. A religious leader, mourning the loss of his 22-year-old brother, said his sibling had no affiliation with Fano and was simply a student and part-time farmer. Among those reportedly killed was also a young child who had gone out to fetch water. All five victims were buried the next day at Agona Mariam Church.
Survivors said the attackers were clearly identifiable as members of the national defense forces by their uniforms and military vehicles. According to one witness, soldiers shouted, “If you didn’t exist, Fano wouldn’t exist,” as they assaulted civilians. Later that same day, the troops allegedly returned to Agona from the direction of Gayint and torched at least 18 houses. Videos showing the aftermath of the destruction circulated online, though the BBC noted that it could not independently verify the footage.
Attempts to reach officials from the South Gondar Zone and regional command for comment were unsuccessful. The violence in Agona reflects a broader and worsening conflict between the Ethiopian federal government and the Fano militia, an armed Amhara group that had previously supported government forces during the Tigray war. Tensions rose sharply in 2023 after the government launched efforts to disband regional paramilitary forces, prompting backlash across Amhara and sparking widespread resistance. Despite a state of emergency declared in August 2023, the situation on the ground remains volatile, with repeated outbreaks of violence, military operations, and rising civilian casualties.
