Amhara Fano National Movement
የአማራ ፋኖ ብሔራዊ ንቅናቄ | |
Official logo of the AFNM | |
| Abbreviation | AFNM |
|---|---|
| Formation | 17 January 2026 |
| Merger of | Amhara Fano National Force Amhara Fano People's Organization |
| Legal status | Active |
| Purpose | Amhara nationalism |
Area served | Amhara Region, Ethiopia |
Chairperson | Ras Arbegna Zemene Kassie |
The Amhara Fano National Movement (Amharic: የአማራ ፋኖ ብሔራዊ ንቅናቄ; AFNM) is an ethno-nationalist Amhara militia group fighting against the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) and its allies to overcome the threats to the Amhara people.[1] AFNM is a unified political and military organization officially established on 17 January 2026.[2] It was formed to merge various decentralized Fano factions—primarily the Amhara Fano National Force and the Amhara Fano Popular Organisation—under a single command structure and ideological framework.[3][4]
Leadership structure
The AFNM announced a comprehensive leadership team to ensure regional representation and operational efficiency:[5]
- Chairperson: Arbegna Zemene Kassie
- Deputy Chairperson: Arbegna Meketaw Mamo
- Military Commander: Brigadier General Tefera Mamo
- Deputy Military Commander: Arbegna Mire Wodajo
- Policy and Strategy: Arbegna Eskinder Nega
- Public Relations: Arbegna Asres Mare Damte
- Foreign Affairs: Arbegna Biruk Sileshi
Objectives and ideology
Ideology: The movement is guided by Amhara nationalism.
Primary goal: To reverse perceived "existential threats" to the Amhara people and ensure their survival, identity, and rights.
Political vision: Establishing a national democratic framework where the individual and collective rights of all Ethiopians are respected through justice and peaceful coexistence.
Military stance: Transitioning from "defensive resistance" to strategic action as a successor to the regional and national forces.
Context of formation
The AFNM's establishment follows years of decentralized insurgency in the Amhara region that began in April 2023. Previous attempts at unification—such as the formation of the Amhara Fano National Force (AFNF) in May 2025—faced challenges due to regional fragmentation and internal leadership rivalries. The January 2026 merger aims to correct these "weaknesses and gaps" by adopting a formal charter and a committee-based governance model.[6][7]
Current status
Control
Fano militias have claimed to control over 80% of the Amhara region, primarily rural areas, while the federal government retains control of major cities and highways.[8]
Conflict
Fighting between AFNM forces and the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) remains ongoing across multiple zones, including North Wollo and East Gojjam.
International appeal
The AFNM has called on the international community to cease support for the current federal administration and has urged humanitarian organizations to expand aid to affected populations.
References
- ^ Admin (2026-01-28). "Lessons Amhara Fano National Movement (AFNM) Can't Ignore". Borkena. Retrieved 2026-02-07.
- ^ "The Amhara Question: How Fano's Unification Exposes Ethiopia's Intellectual Dishonesty". Ethiopian Tribune. 2026-01-27. Retrieved 2026-02-07.
- ^ https://www.amharaamerica.org/post/statement-issued-regarding-the-establishment-of-the-amhara-fano-national-movement-afnm
- ^ "Breaking: Amhara Fano National Movement Announces New Leadership Structure". 2026-01-17. Retrieved 2026-02-07.
- ^ Admin (2026-01-18). "Breakthrough In Fano Forces Unity Gives Birth to Amhara Fano National Movement". Borkena. Retrieved 2026-02-07.
- ^ Plaut, Martin (2026-01-18). "Ethiopia: Fano Forces statement on their complete unification. Establishment of the Amhara Fano National Movement and leadership". Martin Plaut. Retrieved 2026-02-07.
- ^ Nova, Redazione Agenzia (2026-01-19). "Ethiopia: Amhara regional forces unite in single anti-federal movement". Agenzia Nova. Retrieved 2026-02-07.
- ^ "Who is Fano? Inside Ethiopia's Amhara rebellion". www.thenewhumanitarian.org. 2024-11-12. Retrieved 2026-02-07.