The Amhara Fano National Movement (AFNM) denies responsibility for a deadly assault in the Gurage Zone while asserting that its units operate beyond the Amhara Region
By Staff Writer
(Nairobi, Kenya) — The Amhara Fano National Movement (AFNM) denied responsibility for a recent deadly assault in Abeshige Woreda of the Gurage Zone, Central Ethiopia Region, while maintaining that the broader Fano movement operates beyond the borders of the Amhara Region.
Local residents and Temesgen Kassa, Head of the Central Ethiopia Region Peace and Security Bureau, confirmed that armed assailants launched an attack in Walga town, Abeshige Woreda, on September 14, 2026 (Meskerem 4, 2019 E.C.). Community sources reported that the raid resulted in 15 fatalities and the abduction of up to 20 civilians, forcing local families to flee their homes. Regional security officials established an investigative team to assess the total casualties and structural damage, though a final report remains pending.
Responding to statements from local residents and regional authorities identifying the perpetrators as Fano fighters, AFNM spokesperson Asres Mare Damte stated that the organization holds no operational connection to the Abeshige incident.
Spokesperson Asres clarified that while armed youth across various districts organize self-defense units under the Fano banner, the combatants accused of carrying out the Abeshige attack do not operate within AFNM’s formal chain of command. He emphasized that the movement rejects responsibility for assaults targeting non-combatants and civilian infrastructure.
Elaborating on the movement’s operational reach, Asres stated that AFNM command structures extend outside the Amhara Region, citing active units operating in the Wollega zones of the Oromia Region. He asserted that those units maintain direct contact with central leadership and engage exclusively against federal defense forces, Geda Commando units, and state security detachments.
While regional authorities continue investigating the Abeshige attack, AFNM leadership reiterated that unrecognized local groups acting outside established command channels do not represent the organization’s official military or political objectives.
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