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By Sisay Mulu (Amoraw)
The Amhara Fano movement, against all odds, continues to astound the global community with its tenacious commitment to confront and rout government forces. These forces are not just any ordinary army; they are equipped with drones, tanks, state-of-the-art jet fighters, and other heavy artillery. Meanwhile, the Fano rely on more basic armaments like AK-47s. This stark contrast highlights a profound truth: the sheer will to fight and sacrifice for one’s cause far outweighs the sophistication and quantity of weaponry. The spirit of the Fano is emblematic of their deep-rooted resolve to protect the existential rights of the Amhara people, showcasing that valor and determination can indeed challenge technological might.
However, the journey of the Amhara Fano is fraught with significant challenges, particularly in establishing a unified, centralized leadership structure that can coordinate efforts across Amhara territories. Before we hastily propose superficial remedies—such as excluding certain factions or pinning the blame on specific individuals—we must delve deeper into the root causes of these issues. A thorough understanding of these underlying problems is essential to devise appropriate and effective solutions.
The Central Challenges Facing the Amhara Fano Movement:
- Grassroots Beginnings and the Need for Structured Leadership: – Originating as a grassroots movement, the Fano’s rapid expansion from villages to regional prominence is both a strength and a vulnerability. Within a year, what began as local resistance against systemic persecution morphed into a formidable force capable of challenging well-equipped military units. However, the lack of a centralized command structure has led to scattered leadership across regions—two commands in Shoa, two in Gondar, one in Wollo, and others operating sporadically as Amhara popular forces. The movement is at a critical juncture, striving to establish a cohesive central command that could unite these disparate elements. The challenge lies in consolidating leadership that can command universal respect and allegiance, and in developing a clear roadmap for unified action against the enemies intent on exploiting any division.
- Absence of Intellectual and Elite Support: – The grassroots nature of the Fano struggle has unfortunately meant a dearth of strategic guidance from Amhara intellectuals and elites, who are conspicuously absent from the leadership of this movement. This absence is partly due to intense anti-elite propaganda promoted by the Abiy government, and partly due to pseudo-Amhara elements who, while professing to champion the Amhara cause, offer no substantive vision or strategy. The void left by these elites has been filled by self-proclaimed activists and social media militants, leading to a chaotic environment where louder, more aggressive voices prevail.
To navigate these tumultuous waters, the Amhara elites must rise above the fray. It is imperative that they not only reclaim their leadership role but also foster unity and articulate a clear, strategic roadmap for the cause. They must develop resilience against aggressive opposition, including from within their ranks, to steer the movement toward effective, organized resistance.
For the Fano to succeed, they must overcome internal disarray and external aggression through enhanced unity, strategic leadership, and a steadfast commitment to their cause. Only then can they hope to transform their raw courage and determination into a coherent force capable of achieving their profound goals.
Slogan or Substance? Debunking Perceived Ideological Rifts Within the Fano
Are there ideological rifts splitting the core of Fano? Let’s set the record straight once and for all. The Fano movement, united by the stark reality of existential threats against the Amharas, is fundamentally aligned in its mission to combat the despotic rule of Abiy Ahmed. The undeniable truth is that every Fano is driven by this recognition, and it’s this very truth that fuels their relentless battle against tyranny.
Yet, let’s be crystal clear: no Fano faction harbors any ill will towards the Ethiopian state, nor do they seek to dismantle it or force the Amhara will upon others. Moreover, no true Fano would dare sacrifice the political, economic, and cultural rights of Amharas just to preserve the status quo. These principles form the unspoken, yet ironclad manifesto that guides the Fano struggle.
However, confusion has arisen around the Amhara Popular Front—originally established by the revered patriot Eskinder Nega—with its provocative slogan, “መነሻችን አማራ መዳረሻችን ኢትዮጵያ”, loosely translated as “Our journey begins with Amhara and ends with Ethiopia.” This slogan has been misinterpreted and weaponized by detractors and the social media echo chamber for far too long. The failure of Eskinder Nega, the Amhara Popular Front, and even Amhara elites and intellectuals to clarify this motto has only fueled endless and futile debates.
This vagueness has given rise to another absurd slogan, “መነሻችን አማራ መዳረሻችን አማራ,” suggesting a journey that both starts and ends with Amhara, which only deepens the divisions. Critics quick to paint Eskinder Nega as prioritizing Ethiopia over the Amhara plight are nothing more than agitators, looking to oust a key figure from the Amhara struggle based on their skewed interpretations.
To allege fundamental ideological differences within Fano is to misunderstand the situation entirely. Those clinging to either slogan have not yet transformed these catchphrases into a viable political strategy. To frame these differences as ideological is misleading and unproductive. Claiming superior allegiance to Amhara or Ethiopia to wrest leadership or gain undue advantage is an affront to the unity and integrity of our cause. Let’s focus on the true enemy and the genuine threats we face, rather than getting entangled in divisive and misleading rhetoric.
Clash of Titans: The Emerging Leadership Battle within Amhara Fano
If there are no clear ideological differences, then what indeed is the crux of the conflict? The recent developments within the Fano factions have thrown this question into sharp relief. For the past month, provincial Fano commands have been engrossed in discussions to forge a unified front—the Amhara Fano Popular Organization—with Eskinder Nega now at its helm. Yet, this significant stride toward consolidation was met not with universal acclaim but with palpable discord, particularly from the Gojam Fano and Wollo Fano leaders and their cohorts.
The immediate and vehement response from these factions, despite the absence of transparent information regarding the selection process or the specific grievances, unmistakably signals a deep-seated dissatisfaction. Zemene Kassie’s pointed message, disseminated through a handwritten note that virally spread across social media, seeks to frame the contention as ideologically driven—though failing to specify the nature of these ideological divides. However, the suggestion that this is merely an ideological rift does not hold water.
The reality, stripped of obfuscations, is that we are witnessing a stark power struggle, with Zemene and Eskinder at its core. This is not a debate over philosophy or strategy; it is an unabashed battle for leadership, cloaked in the guise of ideological disparity. The resolution of this conflict now rests squarely on the shoulders of these two titans. The future of the Fano’s collective endeavor hinges on their ability to navigate this turbulent power dynamic. The imperative for transparency, unity, and strategic coherence has never been more critical. The factions involved must prioritize the broader objectives of their movement over individual ambitions to steer their struggle toward a successful outcome.
The way out
The ongoing discord between Zemene Kassie and Eskinder Nega stands as a pivotal crossroad for the Amhara Fano movement. Let it be unequivocally stated: this is not merely a personal power tussle; this is about the very survival and effectiveness of a movement central to the Amhara cause. Both leaders, along with their supporters, must come to the stark realization that they either perish together in disunity or flourish together in solidarity. They are not adversaries but potential allies, each possessing unique strengths that, when harmonized, can become an indomitable force—a nightmare for their enemies and a beacon of hope for their cause.
However, while internal competition can be a catalyst for growth and innovation, there is a fine line between constructive disagreement and destructive conflict. The recent months have laid bare an undeniable truth: neither Zemene nor Eskinder can single-handedly claim the mantle of unchallenged leadership. Their attempts to outmaneuver each other have only led to a stalemate, proving that their fates are intertwined, their paths inextricably linked. They are destined not to outwit but to outshine their adversaries—together.
The echo chambers of social media, often polarized along provincial lines, have done more harm than good, amplifying divisions rather than fostering unity. It is imperative that these platforms, hijacked by enemy-sponsored activists and those with hidden agendas, be rigorously policed. Those who distort the dialogue to weaken the Amhara cause should be exposed and shamed. This isn’t just about restraining misinformation; it’s about protecting the integrity and sanity of the Amhara cause.
Moreover, the intellectual and elite members of our community must step up. They have a critical role in sculpting a narrative that champions unity over division, that advocates for a consolidated front rather than fragmented factions. It is high time for respected figures—businessmen, elders, and other unbiased leaders who command respect from both Zemene and Eskinder—to actively mediate and bridge the gaps that have surfaced.
In closing, let us not lose sight of the larger picture. The union of Zemene and Eskinder does not just spell success for their personal legacies; it ensures the advancement of the Amhara cause. A unified front under their joint leadership could be transformative, turning the tide in favor of justice and freedom for Amharas. Together, they can turn potential into victory, discord into harmony. This is the moment for bold leadership, for unwavering unity, and for the relentless pursuit of a future where the Amhara people not only survive but thrive. Let us forge ahead, not as fractured fragments, but as a formidable force united in purpose and resolve.
Editor’s note : Views in the article do not necessarily reflect the views of borkena.com
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“If there are no clear ideological differences, what, then, is the core of the conflict? ”
The answer is that it stems from individuals like you, who tirelessly conspire to manipulate Fano leadership into submission. This inevitably impacts the success of the struggle. Fano must eliminate such backdoor interference from the diaspora, which should instead concentrate on advocacy and diplomatic pressure, leaving the fight and unity to Fanos on the ground.
As the backward and underdeveloped communities the Amhara Fanos will not be able to form a viable central leadership. Instead splinter and infighting groups will dominate them. The Oromo elites who began their struggle 50 years ago have not achieved much because of their low level of community development and organizational strength. This is the main reason for the Tigray forces moving into and liberating Oromia. If left alone the Amhara Fano can run over Oromia and dismantle it in part of wholly. This scenario will force the regional power Tigray to intervene in Ethiopia.
Thank you for your unity message. That is what we need now.
One is a punk and the other one a tubby lard. There is another punk in the palace as a Prime Minister. These two are supposed to be leaders of my Amharas? You must be joking. That is why they are not welcome in my districts. We Menzes, Bulga, Tegulet, Merha Betes and Minjarares know better. They will never set their feet in my localities.