The Government Forces As Terrorist And The Fano Rebels As Legitimate And Responsible Force
By Bealem Jegina
Since the outbreak of conflict in the Amhara region — widely seen as having been triggered by the federal government — the actions of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) and top political leaders, including the Prime Minister, have increasingly resembled those of a repressive or even terroristic force. In stark contrast, Fano forces have often conducted themselves as if they are the more legitimate and disciplined actors in the region. Events over the past two to three weeks have vividly illustrated this paradox.
The image above presents two powerful and contrasting scenes. On the left, government forces are alleged to have mutilated the body of a fallen Fano fighter, reportedly cutting off her breast — an act many consider a war crime. On the right, Fano forces are shown inviting the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to provide medical care to wounded government soldiers after dismantling four mechanized ENDF units (known as “Kifletors”) in the Wello area. These opposing actions highlight the moral and humanitarian complexities of the conflict and challenge the official narrative of who is truly upholding ethical standards on the ground.
The Government forces as Terrorists
Due to a lack of competence to govern a nation of over 130 million people, the current Oromo Prosperity Party (OPP)-led government is struggling to effectively administer more than 70% of Ethiopia’s territory. As many observers note, one of the most basic responsibilities of any government is to provide peace, security, and justice to its citizens.
Since coming to power, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, with fake PhD—whose academic credentials have been questioned and who reportedly lacks formal education beyond grade 7—has surrounded himself with handpicked officials viewed by critics as lacking the qualifications or capacity to govern. These individuals are often seen as loyal to him personally, but ineffective in their roles. Under this leadership, Ethiopia has faced growing instability: a breakdown in peace and security, a deepening justice crisis, an economic downturn that has left 43% of the population living in poverty (according to a World Bank report), deteriorating diplomatic relations, and increasing fears of national fragmentation.
One of the defining characteristics of Abiy Ahmed and his inner circle is their glaring lack of competence. They rose to power largely by chance, not through merit or proven leadership. Whenever the Prime Minister speaks, his incoherent and often contradictory statements reveal a troubling lack of understanding and depth.
Abiy has been accused of deception on multiple fronts—even allegedly manipulating his way to winning the Nobel Peace Prize. If that award had been truly earned, it should have positioned him as a global figure for peace and leadership. Instead, many now see it as a symbol of misplaced hope. The international community has come to recognize the extent of his failure and the fraudulent nature of his leadership.
Today, this deeply unpopular and ineffective leader is clinging to power. He has openly stated his intention to recruit one million young people each year into the military, reportedly as part of his plan to hold on to power for the next two decades. This militarized approach to governance has already had devastating consequences. During the Tigray war, drone strikes and military campaigns led to the deaths of what many estimate to be over half a million young people—a staggering and tragic loss.
Each year, Abiy Ahmed and his colleagues have increasingly behaved like organized crime syndicates rather than a legitimate government. They orchestrate various operations that terrorize the civilian population, contributing to widespread fear and instability. Dr. Mikesha, a former minister and senior member of the Oromo Prosperity Party (OPP), who fled the country fearing for his life, has detailed several incidents in which Abiy’s handpicked allies allegedly carried out acts of terrorism across Ethiopia. Despite this, Abiy continues to present himself as a peaceful, development-oriented leader—a clear case of deception at its finest.
Fano Forces as a Legitimate force to keep the country safe
Article 13 of the Third Geneva Convention, is an essential article for the protection of Prisoners of war (POWs). It states “Prisoners of war must at all times be humanely treated. Any unlawful act or omission by the Detaining Power causing death or seriously endangering the health of a prisoner of war in its custody is prohibited and will be regarded as a serious breach of the present Convention. In particular, no prisoner of war may be subjected to physical mutilation or to medical or scientific experiments of any kind which are not justified by the medical, dental or hospital treatment of the prisoner concerned and carried out in his interest.” Further, the article states, “prisoners of war must at all times be protected, particularly against acts of violence or intimidation and against insults and public curiosity.” Throughout the two-year-long struggle in the Amhara region, the Fano forces have generally conducted themselves with discipline and restraint. The exception has been mercenaries allegedly organized by the government, who disguised themselves as Fano fighters in an apparent attempt to tarnish the well-recognized reputation of the main Fano forces.
ENDF soldiers are increasingly surrendering to Fano forces, despite government attempts to brainwash them into believing that Fano would harm them if captured. Thanks to social media, the truth is becoming more visible: in many areas, government troops are fleeing to Fano without even engaging in combat. This trend demonstrates that the Fano forces are maintaining law and order, and for many, they represent a source of hope for saving the country from destruction.
To the International Community
A young female POW was mutilated by government forces in Gojam — a sign of how ruthless the regime has become in areas it cannot effectively control. Social media has exposed this atrocity, and if verified, it represents a clear violation of the Geneva Conventions and basic human decency. Three key points stand out:
- A wounded female POW was murdered — a direct breach of ICRC Article 13.
- Her body’s private parts were mutilated — a degrading act against women.
- Her dead body was left exposed in the city for others to see — an act that degrades humanity itself.
What kind of legal or moral standing do people who commit such crimes have? This corrupt leader and his low-level gangs will do whatever it takes to stay in power. Can we continue to ignore this? When will we say “enough” to this dwarf statesman who has no grasp of leadership? He openly admits he’s living his dream while destroying millions of lives every day.
If this country of 130 million people fragments further, the fallout will hit the international community hard—especially Europe and neighboring African states. Why stay silent? Why not take him and his circle to the ICC? People are watching your silence and your act of looking the other way.
He claims that without him in power, the country will fall apart. Yet the nation has never been in such a dire position in the past 50 years. He is incapable of comprehending what it means to lead a large and complex country. Perhaps he could have been a decent mayor—if provided enough resources to make streets shine—but not a national leader.
There are capable forces across the country ready to lead a meaningful transition. Many others are able to guide the nation through these difficult times. Wake up and hold him accountable—unless you, too, wish to see the country collapse.
World Bank and IMF, stop destroying the nation by empowering a clown. You share responsibility for the suffering—just like this low-IQ, lawless, morally bankrupt man and his incompetent gang—before it’s too late.
Editor’s Note : Views in the article do not necessarily reflect the views of borkena.com
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1). ‘Murphy’s Law for Ethiopia’: “When all else fails, pit Amaras against Oromos [or vice-versa] & set Ethiopia ablaze!” Only Ethiopia’s Enemies [Egypt/EPLF|Eritrea/etc.] & their Proxies [TPLF/‘Fanno’/OLF-IFLO/etc.] mutilate Amaras/Oromos/etc.
(2). Amaras & Oromos: I am from Addis and I have never met any Oromo in Gojjam & Gonder [G&G] in my sojourns over many years. Yet, over 15 million Amaras [mostly from G&G] live in Oromo Zone [OZ]→[ youtu.be/IXBVqbOe9uY?t=2320 ]
(3). Amaras & Ethiopia: Let’s rig Ethiopia’s population in Amaras’ favor to 30 million. Addis is ≈70% Amara [≈5 million]. Ignore the Amaras in other Zones, too. So, ≈10 million Amaras live in the Amara Zone [AZ] itself →LESS than those in OZ!
(4). Σ: (i). Over 15 million Amaras reap OZ’s benefits: education/jobs/health care/etc. (ii). If Oromos were Amara-Killers as portrayed, need Oromos go to AZ to kill them? (iii). Oromos never invited Amaras to OZ or never prevented them from leaving OZ. (iv). Dr. Yilikal offered the Amaras displaced from Wollega by OLF-IFLO [fled to AZ] to resettle in AZ, but they refused: “We want to return to Wollega…”
5). Ethiopia | Democracy | Elections: The AU/UN/EU/US/etc. monitored the last election at All Polling Stations. The Amaras in AZ elected their Amara leaders [just as others]. Abiy’s Party won! He became PM & formed his government!
(i). Armed Insurrection against an elected government is Domestic Terrorism [DT] → No Sugar Coating!
(ii). Amaras in AZ went to the polls and elected their Amara Leaders →NOT the Self-Appointed ‘Amara Fanno’
(iii). Self-Appointed Proxies [Amara Fanno, OLF-IFLO, etc.] destabilizing Ethiopia from within are Domestic Terrorists [DTs]
(iv). The Amaras/Oromos/etc. who support ‘Fanno’/‘OLF-IFLO’/etc. didn’t know what they were doing when they went to the polls? Don’t they know that accomplices to DT are DTs, too!
6). Double Standard: When ‘Fannos’ kill Ethiopian soldiers, they are Amaras’ Heroes. When soldiers retaliate & kill the ‘Fannos’ & accomplices, it becomes ‘Amara Genocide, Human Rights Violation, etc.’ No Mercy & No Safe Haven for DTs.
7). The Part-Time Ethiopians →’Ethiopian Diaspora [ED]’: “ጅብ የማያውቁት ሐገር ኼዶ – ‘ቁርበት አንጥፉልኝ’ – አለ!” አሉ! 70% of ED were servants/beneficiaries of the former Self-Appointed Tyrant Regimes. Most are Amaras from G&G, too. Isn’t it their regimes’ Greed & Ineptitude that made Ethiopia “The World’s Poster Child of Poverty & Famine”?
8). Abiy’s Ethiopia: “The World’s Poster Child of Greenery & Prosperity”. Over 10 million students/kindergartners/nursery babies/etc. get at least 2 meals a day on site. Foreign aid is only ≈7% [Dr. Birhanu]. Go & See the various development projects! Cf.: The Monarchy watched ≈200K drought/famine-stricken Amaras starve than airdrop 100g [10¢] bread.