Why is Gojam Fano stronger than the Others?

Editor’s Note : Views in the article do not necessarily reflect the views of borkena.com  
The author is apparently using a pen name

By Zemene  Asres 

We have heard multiple times that Field Marshal Birhanu Jula has complained about the Gojam Fano. We have also seen how the Gojam Fano have defeated both the formal and informal mercenaries of Abiy. Why is the Gojam Fano, led by Zemene Kassie, such a major threat to Abiy and his regime? Below are some reasons that help explain this. These points can also serve as lessons for Fano groups in other regions, helping them build strongholds capable of dismantling Abiy’s rule in a short time. 

1.Gojam Fano has an effective leadership group

The Amhara Fano in Gojam has successfully organized itself, and thoughtful, capable leaders have emerged from within. A struggle without effective leadership cannot succeed, as leadership is the driving force that organizes, motivates, and directs military power toward victory. Without effective leadership, a movement lacks clear direction—leadership defines the mission, sets goals, and lays out a plan to achieve success. Poor leadership also results in low morale and weak motivation, as it is the leaders who inspire and maintain the spirit of the troops. In challenging conditions, soldiers must have confidence in their leaders to remain motivated and resilient. An army must function as a cohesive unit, not as a collection of scattered individuals. Leadership ensures coordination of movements, the maintenance of supply chains, and the synchronization of operations. Without it, decision-making becomes slow or flawed. Warfare demands quick, informed decisions—good leaders assess risks, make strategic choices under pressure, and adapt to evolving situations. Leaders also enforce discipline and uphold standards. In their absence, soldiers may act recklessly, disobey orders, or even turn against each other, which undermines unity and effectiveness. Additionally, leadership ensures the efficient use of personnel, equipment, and time. Without it, resources are misused or wasted, and logistical systems break down—often leading to failure before a single battle is fought. In short, effective leadership is what transforms a group of armed individuals into a functional and victorious military force. Without it, even the strongest army can become disorganized, demoralized, and ultimately defeated.

Zemene Kassie and his comrades are providing that leadership. They are educated, thoughtful, and critical thinkers. They have built not only a capable army but also a sophisticated intelligence network. Most importantly, they are united under a strong, deeply rooted ideology aimed at protecting the Amhara people and Ethiopia as a whole. They have built a strong unity of purpose. They see the bigger picture and have begun their struggle from the right starting point. They remain focused and undistracted from their underlying cause. 

2. They use the support of the people constructively

Without the support of the local population, the guerrilla fighting strategy cannot function effectively. Guerrillas often rely on civilians for food, shelter, and information. This support network is crucial for helping them hide, gather intelligence, and maintain morale. This explains why groups that adopt guerrilla tactics can succeed against larger, more conventional forces. They use hit-and-run tactics, ambushes, and sabotage, striking unexpectedly and disappearing before the enemy can respond. These tactics make it extremely difficult for conventional armies to counter them effectively. In addition, the local population’s familiarity with the terrain gives guerrilla fighters a significant advantage. Guerrilla groups usually operate in environments they know well—such as forests, mountains, or urban areas—while the enemy often struggles in unfamiliar territory. For example, the Gojam Fano have understood the importance of avoiding open battles and instead adapting quickly to changing situations. This flexibility has allowed them to continue fighting even when outnumbered or outgunned. As a result, the Gojam Fano have managed to create fear and uncertainty, undermining the confidence of both enemy troops and their leadership. Of course, the other groups have understood this too but they are not utilizing it to the optimal like the Gojam Fano. For example, they can communicate to the people in Gojam to close or open roads and the people obey them. 

3. They have managed to avoid division

One of the strongest aspects of Gojam Fano is their ability to stay united in the face of a regime that uses division as its primary strategy to maintain power. Abiy has managed to deepen the divide among Ethiopians by exploiting the ethnic divisions originally created by the TPLF. He has succeeded in dividing the Oromo elites, fragmented the Amhara forces across the country, and is currently working to divide the forces in the Tigray region. However, Gojam Fano have recognized this divisive strategy and have remained united so far. Of course, Gojam Fano has the following advantages. 

1. They do not have the Welkait problem. Welkait is part of Gondar. Those who prioritize the Welkait issue are currently aligned with the government. If they fail to maintain this alignment, the government may assist the TPLF in reclaiming Welkait. As a result, they are playing a ‘smart’ game by siding with Abiy for now. Some are even working to divide the Fano movement in Gondar.
2. They do not have the “son-in-law” problem. Although Zinash, Abiy’s wife, is from that area—not necessarily her relatives—some people believe that their “son-in-law,” Abiy Ahmed, needs their support. As a result, divisions have been created within the Fano movement in Gondar by infiltrating it from within. It is believed that Abiy has individuals from Gondar who regularly visit 4 Kilo and carry out these responsibilities directly on his behalf.
3. They do not have fake Fano force.  Abiy has developed several formal and informal forces over the past two years. He has transformed the country’s former national army into his own loyal military structure. In addition, he has built a network of hidden mercenary groups across the country. In Oromia, he operates through a group known as Shene, often referred to as “Government Shene” due to its close alignment with the regime. He has also created his own version of Fano in regions such as Wellega, Shewa, Gondar, and others. Recently, he has begun forming a new version of the Tigray Defense Forces (TDF), which is now operating in parts of South Tigray and the Afar region. Gojam Fano has understood this and has drawn a red line for anyone in the region who attempts to organize in support of Abiy.

4. They have resisted Abiy’s digital army propaganda 

Gojam Fano, like other Fano forces, has been the target of various forms of digital warfare orchestrated by Abiy Ahmed’s administration and its allies. It is well known that Abiy invests millions of dollars in digital operations. In the digital era, propaganda warfare offers a significant advantage, particularly over forces that lack the capacity to counter or dismantle such campaigns. At present, Abiy’s government is alleged to financially support a range of individuals and influencers to further its digital propaganda strategy. Among those frequently mentioned are Seyoum Teshome, Ermias Legesse, Sisay Agena, Tewodros, Professor Alemayehu, Zemedkun, Akila (associated with the “One Amhara” lobbying group, primarily active on TikTok and X), Habtamu and Agere (user names on X) and many others on X (Twitter), and Taye Bogale, among others. Some of these figures openly support the regime and are believed to be directly paid for their work. Others present themselves as critics of Abiy, while covertly infiltrating opposition groups. These influencers maintain a strong presence on platforms like YouTube, TikTok, X, and satellite TV. Regardless of the platform, their overarching role appears to be weakening the Fano movement across the four Amhara regions by sowing confusion and division.

However, the Gojam Fano have become increasingly adept at identifying and isolating these actors. They control their narratives.  They are taking deliberate steps to cut ties with individuals suspected of covert collaboration with the government. In some cases, the Gojam Fano even exploit the narratives and platforms of these government-aligned media figures to their own strategic advantage. They also have effective communicators. They effectively communicate the narrative others want them to believe about the Gojam Fano and its plans—both to supporters and to adversaries.

5. They have managed the bad influence from the Diaspora 

It is evident that the majority of the diaspora is deeply offended by Abiy. They view him as a deceiver disguised in the clothing of innocence. Many of Abiy’s ministers—such as Gedu, Taye, and Milkesa—have exposed his true nature and that of his comrades. Since the moment Abiy failed to support the #NoMore movement initiated by the diaspora, they have been mobilizing efforts against him. Many have even shown support for the Fano movement, with a significant number actively organizing and collecting resources to aid it. Over the past two years alone, several strong and formidable groups, associations, and organizations have been formed.

However, these efforts have often been disorganized and, at times, even counterproductive to the Fano movement. Following Abiy’s military operation in the Amhara region—an action widely seen as the result of ignorance and incompetence—Fano groups began to emerge across the region. In nearly every woreda, small town, and even the most remote rural areas, local Fano units were formed. Over time, these hundreds of separate groups started to merge into larger clusters. These new formations began receiving support from various diaspora communities around the world. Unfortunately, this influx of support also contributed to delays in the unification process and allowed Abiy and his allies to exploit emerging divisions within the movement. It now appears that nearly every small diaspora group has its own affiliated Fano unit on the ground. The egos, lack of coordination, and competing interests among many diaspora activists have fueled internal rifts—contributing to the disorganization and fragmentation of the broader Fano movement.

Gojam Fano has understood this very well. They have managed not to be controlled by diaspora groupings. They are open to receiving assistance, but they are not willing to be shaped or directed by individuals like Habtamu Ayalew of 360 Media, for example. Some members of the diaspora—especially those in America—as one writer put it, want to drive the Fano movement the same way they drive their Ubers. The fact that they made it in America by driving Uber does not give them the authority to control a grassroots movement that is costing many lives on a daily basis. In several parts of the Amhara region, Fano groups in Shewa and Gondar have been unknowingly infiltrated by agents of BEADEN and Abiy. For instance, the AndAmhara group in the diaspora supported Meketaw Mamo and his group from the very beginning. A small diaspora group is also providing support to Colonel Muhaba in Wello. All of these factions are now under a unified Fano organization led by Eskinder, a figure widely trusted by the diaspora—despite Habtamu of 360 Media accusing him of being infiltrated by Abiy’s network.

Learning from Gojam Fano

This piece is not intended to undermine the Fano movements in Wello, Shewa, or Gondar. Rather, it aims to highlight the importance of learning from the Gojam Fano, which is demonstrating powerful resistance against Abiy and his mercenaries. To shorten the suffering of the people in the region—and even across the entire country—Fano must emerge victorious. Any delays must be identified and addressed swiftly. A cohesive leadership group is essential. Stop the divisions; do not be divided, and do not become agents of division. Close the door of division that Abiy Ahmed Ali and his collaborators are trying to open. Galvanize public support and use it responsibly. Understand how Abiy has managed to infiltrate your gatherings, and take immediate steps to curb that infiltration. Tackle Abiy’s propaganda machine effectively and strategically. Most importantly, understand the broader context of the struggle. Set priorities that truly serve the people in the region. Use diaspora support constructively, while also ensuring that the influence of the diaspora over the Fano movement remains balanced and does not undermine the local struggle. 

Editor’s Note : Views in the article do not necessarily reflect the views of borkena.com      

  __

Support Borkena : https://borkena.com/subscribe-borkena/ 

Join our Telegram Channel : t.me/borkena

Like borkena on Facebook

Add your business to Ethiopian Business Listing / Ethiopian Business Directory  Business Listing Toronto

Join the conversation. Follow us on X (Formerly Twitter)  @zborkena to get the latest Ethiopian News updates regularly.  Subscribe to YouTube channel To share information or for submission, send e-mail to info@borkena.com