Borkena Staff
BORKENA, Nairobi — The Amhara Regional State Administration Council has authorized 2,167 government employees to return to their posts. The administration stated that these individuals were unable to perform their duties due to the armed conflict that began in 2015 E.C. (2022/23 G.C.).
The decision was finalized during the 11th regular session of the regional council.
In a statement released by the region’s communication bureau, the council acknowledged the “severe” damage incurred across the region. While avoiding explicit mention of the Fano militia, the statement referred to “destructive forces,” claiming that individuals previously affiliated with such groups are now returning to peaceful life.
The council cited a commitment to fostering peace as the basis for the decision, which covers three categories of staff: those who had joined Fano, those who left their positions due to security concerns, and those “dismissed because of their identity” during the conflict in Chilga and surrounding areas that began five years ago.
The statement lacked a detailed breakdown of how many returning individuals were former combatants versus those who were simply displaced by insecurity. Furthermore, it did not outline the specific administrative measures intended to facilitate the return of staff or provide clarity on the claim regarding identity-based dismissals.
Conflict in the Chilga area, which involves government security forces and Qemant militants in the Central Gondar Zone, began in 2012 E.C. (2019/20 G.C.) over the re-demarcation of three kebeles, resulting in significant civilian and security casualties.
Of the total returning, 115 are specifically identified by the regional government as having been “dismissed due to their identity.” The cohort also includes 738 teachers. The administration stated that these employees will receive pay starting from the date they are reassigned to their posts.
The Amhara region has remained in a state of unresolved conflict since July 2023, when Fano forces moved to control major urban centers. Although the initial term of the state of emergency has expired, its provisions remain in effect. Contrary to the government’s claims of “stable peace,” residents report that conditions remain volatile, with severe restrictions on freedom of movement and daily life.
While the regional government recently asserted that over 33 Fano fighters have “accepted the peace option” and disarmed, Fano forces continue to release names and images of government soldiers they claim to have captured or who have defected.
In November, the government announced a peace agreement with a faction of Fano forces led by Masresha Sete, purportedly facilitated by international mediators. Despite claims that the deal would “ensure peace,” no information regarding its implementation has been released six months later. Fano leadership has rejected the accord, maintaining that it was signed by isolated figures and holds no authority over the broader movement.
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Come on now!!! You’re messing up my arithmetic. I was tallying up the scores by the 3 pageant contestants and almost wrapping it up when this one showed up. The spread is now far and wide with 2,157 to 423.