Amhara Fano: A Rising Terrorist Threat
Published Nov. 22, 2024, 8:55 p.m. by FNN
Finfinne, Oromia, Ethiopia – The Amhara Fano, an armed group originating from the Amhara region, has emerged as one of the most dangerous terrorist organizations in the world, comparable to Al Qaeda, ISIS, and Al Shabaab. Initially praised by the Ethiopian Prime Minister for their role against the Tigray people 1, the Fano militia has since fallen out of favor and turned their violence towards the Oromo population.
Over the years, Fano has evolved from a group of kidnappers demanding ransom to a politically motivated militia targeting Oromos in various regions, including Wallo, North Shewa, Western Shewa, East Shewa, Horo Guduru Wallagga, East Wallagga 2, 3. Their atrocities have left a trail of devastation and terror among the Oromo people.
In 2021, Fano militants intercepted ambulances carrying injured individuals in Shawa Robit, murdering the victims who were already suffering from injuries inflicted by Fano fighters 4. In 2022, Fano militants abducted over 75 Wallo Oromos, taking them to an undisclosed location where they were brutally massacred 5. In a shocking display of barbarism, Fano members beheaded an Oromo man, placing his head on a stick and dancing around it while recording the gruesome act 6. Another victim was skinned alive by the militia.
Recently, a video circulating on social media showed the brutal slaughter of a 15 year old Oromo boy in Dara district of North Shewa zone 7. Eyewitnesses report that Amhara residents in these Oromo zones are joining Fano and participating in the brutal killings of Oromo civilians. The militia uses the derogatory term "Gala" to refer to Oromos, expressing their deepseated hatred and belief that Oromos should not rule.
Fano's reign of terror includes raiding Oromo communities, burning homes, driving away cattle, and committing heinous murders. Their actions have instilled fear and suffering among the Oromo population, making them one of the few active terrorist groups in the world today.
Fano's Leaders
Fano is composed of several factions, each with its own leadership. Some of the prominent leaders include:
- Eskinder Nega: A journalist and opposition figure turned Fano leads the Amhara People’s Army faction Fano.
- Zemene Kassie: A prominent member of the terrorist group, previously part of the Eritrean-backed Ginbot 7 insurgency.
- Asres Mare: Deputy head of the Gojjam Fano faction.
- Baye Kengaw: Leads South Gondar Fano faction.
- Mihretu Wodajo: Leads the Wollo Fano faction.
- Meketaw Mamo: Leads the Shewa faction.
Fano’s Sources of Support
Fano receives support from various sources, including:
- Diaspora Groups: Numerous Fano support groups in the diaspora represent different factions and approach the international community with various requests for help.
- Local Communities: Some local Amhara communities support Fano, believing they are defending their homeland and rights.
Reports on Atrocities
There have been multiple reports documenting the atrocities committed by Fano:
Human Rights Watch: Reports on the execution of dozens of civilians by Ethiopian armed forces in the Amhara region amid fighting with Fano militia.
Amnesty International: Documents extrajudicial executions and other human rights abuses in the Amhara region.
The New Humanitarian: Provides detailed accounts of the conflict and the impact on civilians, including sexual violence and mass killings.
The Ethiopian government and the Oromia State government are responsible to protect the safety of the Oromo citizens in Oromia but they have miserably failed allowing the Amhara terrorist group to flourish in border areas of Oromia and to continuously commit barbaric inhumane acts of terrorism against the Oromo civilians.
The international community must recognize the threat posed by Amhara Fano terrorists and take decisive action to prevent further atrocities. Western nations should investigate the group’s diaspora support and eliminate the resources that embolden the terrorist group.
FNN will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as more information becomes available.
Similar posts:
Gen. Tasfaayee Ayyaaleewu eenyu?
Amhara Fano Terrorists Plan to Attack Civilians in Oromia in a Leaked Audio
Citizens pay the price as terror reigns in Oromia: Time for Western Foreign Policy on Ethiopia to change direction