Ethiopian Armed Groups Form Single Political Organisation in Amhara Region
Addis Ababa, 18 January 2026
Previously fragmented Fano militia forces across Ethiopia’s Amhara region have unified under the Amhara Fano National Movement, creating a single command structure that could reshape the ongoing conflict with federal authorities.
Unity Forged Through Extensive Political Negotiations
The formation of the Amhara Fano National Movement (AFNM) culminated on Sunday, 17 January 2026, following what sources describe as “intensive researches and political discussions” undertaken to unite the disparate Fano forces [1]. The unification process involved the signing of a covenant, with prominent Fano forces ratifying the agreement with unanimity [1]. This development represents the merger of the Amhara Fano National Force (AFNF) and the Amhara Fano People’s Organisation (AFPO), creating a new organisation with a 19-member central committee structure [7]. The organisational formation had been previously announced as completed on 16 April 2025, indicating a lengthy consolidation process that has now reached fruition [2].
Leadership Structure Reflects Regional Power Balance
The newly established movement has appointed Zemene Kassie, who previously led Fano forces in Gojjam, as chairperson of the AFNM [1]. Meketaw Mamo of Shewa has been named first vice-chairperson, whilst Habte Wolde of Gondar takes charge of military affairs with the vice-chairperson title [1]. Political affairs fall under the remit of Hamle Adane, who serves as another deputy chairperson [1]. The military command structure features Brigadier General Tefera Mamo as military commander, with Mere Wodajo serving as his deputy [1]. Administrative oversight is handled by Zenabu Lengerew of Gojjam, whilst Samuel Baleadera oversees military training [1]. Public relations operations are managed by Asrese Mare [1].
Implications for Ethiopia’s Security Landscape
The unification addresses longstanding fragmentation issues that have plagued the Fano movement, which analysts describe as “very decentralised and fragmented” with groups united primarily by “a broad goal of protecting Amhara interests and opposing the Addis Ababa government” [5]. Previous efforts to unify under umbrella groups had “not significantly improved cohesion or military effectiveness” according to Connor Trumpold, an East and Horn of Africa analyst at Control Risks [5]. The Fano forces emerged as a significant factor during the 2020-2022 northern Ethiopia conflict, when they fought alongside federal troops against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), gaining weapons and experience in the process [5]. However, this partnership dissolved after the November 2022 Pretoria peace agreement, leading to escalating clashes by mid-2023 that developed into a full-blown insurgency across Amhara due to federal disarmament efforts [5].
Regional Implications and Refugee Considerations
The establishment of the unified movement occurs against a backdrop of allegations from Ethiopian authorities claiming weapons are reaching Fano from across the northern border, specifically from Eritrea [5]. A recent security operation reportedly discovered Eritrean weapons intended for insurgents and seized 56,000 rounds of ammunition “originating from Eritrea” [5]. Eritrea has rejected these allegations as “baseless and politically motivated” [5]. The stated objectives of the AFNM include achieving “internal capacity building” within a “pan-Ethiopian Democratic Union” whilst ensuring the “existence” of the people and defending rights and privileges [1]. The movement aims for a democratic Ethiopia where “Ethiopian’s individual and group rights are observed” while building justice and peaceful coexistence [1]. For Ethiopian refugees considering return, the unification of previously fragmented forces could either stabilise the security situation through clearer command structures or intensify conflict if it enhances the movement’s operational capabilities against federal forces.