What You Need to Know
The Amhara regional government plans to sign a peace agreement with Fano fighters to end ongoing conflict in the region. This agreement, supported by representatives from the African Union and IGAD, aims to resolve disputes through dialogue rather than armed conflict. The government emphasizes a commitment to peaceful solutions for all rebel factions.
Africa. Sources indicate that the Amhara regional government will sign an agreement with factions of Fano fighters to end the fighting between the two sides in the region, with representatives from the African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) present.
A government official stated that the agreement aims to end armed rebellion with some groups through dialogue, emphasizing that the government is prepared for peace with all rebel factions, as no solution comes through war. The official stressed that the government’s final option is “peaceful means to resolve disputes and exclude the gun.”
The same source added that the agreement to be signed reinforces peaceful solutions to resolve conflicts, noting that peace options are strongly on the table today and that signing the agreement will pave the way for resolving disputes, whether at the internal or regional level.
This is expected to be the first agreement of its kind between the government and Fano militias in the Amhara region, which are active in the area or with some of their factions operating in four administrative zones within the region.
No Unified Leadership
There is no alliance or unified leadership among the different Fano factions. The oldest of these was established in the Gondar, Gojjam, and Shewa areas and played a significant role in the Tigray War, participating in the fighting.
The common factor among these factions is that they enhanced their military capabilities and expanded their networks during the war against the Tigray Front, increasing their influence as a body outside the official security framework.
After the war ended with the signing of a peace agreement between the federal government and the Tigray Front in November 2022, the Ethiopian government announced in April 2023 the dissolution and integration of all armed groups under the army’s leadership.
Fano groups unanimously rejected the government’s decision to implement this resolution before resolving outstanding issues, particularly regarding the future of disputed areas between the Amhara and Tigray regions, and ensuring the security and protection of the Amhara people residing in other regions from targeting and displacement.
The rebellion of Fano factions against the government’s decision has led to violent armed confrontations between the two sides, resulting in civilian casualties, waves of displacement, destruction of public and private property, and general disruption of daily life in some areas of the region, leading to the declaration of a state of emergency.
The Fano militia has been active in the Amhara region, particularly during the Tigray War, where they gained military strength and influence. Following the peace agreement between the Ethiopian federal government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front in November 2022, the Ethiopian government attempted to disband armed groups, including Fano. However, Fano’s rejection of this decision has led to violent confrontations and significant civilian casualties, prompting a state of emergency in the region.
