Why an Ethiopian Rebel Leader In Amhara Sees Trump’s Win as Relevant for Ethiopia and the Region

Donald Trump regrets the political process that led Abiy Ahmed to power, the rebel leader suggests

Borkena

Toronto – Asres Mare, head of the political division of Fano forces in Gojjam, is one of the leading figures in the Amhara Fano movement.

In a recent interview with Anchor Media, Asres spoke about the potential impact of Donald Trump’s presidency on Ethiopia and the broader Horn of Africa, suggesting a shift in U.S. policy could influence regional stability.

“I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Donald Trump, who has been elected president of the United States of America,” Asres said during the interview.

The leader underscored the significance of the U.S. election on a global scale, noting that American foreign policy decisions often shape dynamics far beyond U.S. borders.

“The U.S. election captures worldwide attention—not without reason. Given its vast military, economic, and diplomatic influence, decisions and policy shifts in the U.S. can have effects on societies across the globe. Ethiopia is not free from these influences,” he stated to Anchor Media.

Asres remarked that U.S. involvement—both directly and indirectly—has impacted political developments in Ethiopia during transitions, and he suggested that rebel groups are closely watching for anticipated policy shifts in Washington.

“When the TPLF [Tigray People’s Liberation Front] withdrew from the central government, initiating what many call the ‘change’ that led to Abiy Ahmed’s rise to power in 2018, the U.S. played a constructive role,” he explained. “But I believe Donald Trump regrets the process that eventually enabled Abiy Ahmed to take office.”

Asres and others critical of the current administration often attribute Ethiopia’s multi-dimensional crises to Abiy Ahmed’s leadership. The Fano leader argues that the current instability in Ethiopia ultimately hinders the United States from securing its strategic interests in the region.

Asres issued a warning that any future U.S. policy that “ignore”  the Fano forces, as well as the ongoing Amhara struggle will not be productive. 

In August 2023, Abiy Ahmed’s administration declared a state of emergency in the Amhara region, vowing to “disarm Fano forces” within weeks. Yet, over a year later, the conflict continues unabated, with the Fano forces gaining both strength and broad-based support across the region.

Despite deploying mechanized, infantry, and air forces, the government has struggled to contain the Fano movement. The group is now estimated to command over half a million well-armed fighters, controlling much of the rural Amhara region and operating within a range of 100 kilometers of Addis Ababa.

The escalating conflict has rendered parts of the Amhara region ungovernable. Tens of thousands of government troops have reportedly been killed, with additional thousands captured by Fano forces.

Zemene Kassie, another prominent Fano leader, explained that the group employs tactics that draw government forces into rural and remote areas, where they are weakened through ambushes and strategic battles.

The Ethiopian government, however, denies such losses and maintains claims that the Fano forces are weakening. Yet, in recent months, drone strikes have mostly targeted civilian areas, with one recent attack in Gojjam striking a health center and killing six pregnant women receiving maternity care.

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