By Abebe Tibebu
No one doubts Eskinder Nega’s patriotic stance on his country, Ethiopia, in the current political struggle. Even his opponents, from the ruling party to those in the opposition, know that Eskinder fights for Ethiopia and all Ethiopians. That is the political DNA of Eskinder Nega. He has tried to set up several organizations, although he was not successful in leading them. The most recent one, called the Balderas Party, was founded in September 2019 in Addis Ababa, but he left it on August 11, 2022, citing government repression. Later, he joined the Fano movement in the Amhara region, a movement that started years ago in sporadic resistance to the TPLF-EPRDF government.
For many who admire Eskinder and those who work with him, either on the ground or mostly those in the diaspora, he is the epitome of resistance and steadfastness. He represents their struggle for their beloved home country to restore its dignity. They advocate for his fight for freedom and democracy, as well as leadership in the new organization that he leads called Amhara Fano People’s Force – AFPF (የአማራ ፋኖ ህዝባዊ ድርጅት – አፋህድ). Eskinder leads AFPF (አፋህድ) with the motto, “The beginning of our struggle is Amhara, and the destination is Ethiopia” (“መነሻችን የአማራ ህልውና፡መዳረሻችን የኢትዮጵያ አንድነት),” which aligns with Eskinder’s fundamental political DNA. AFPF (አፋህድ) includes some of the Fano forces in the four former administrative regions: Shewa, Wello, Gojam, and Gondar. However, AFPF (አፋህድ) has failed unite all the Fano forces under one command. Some have questioned Eskinder’s ability to lead the current people-based Fano movement. This article highlights this paradox with the intention of contributing a way out from the current status quo using different perspectives.
The Ethiopianst Perespective
Eskindir is from Addis Ababa. He represents the center of politics in the country. He is known for his passion for freedom and democracy. He is against extreme ethnic politics. Those who are from Addis Ababa and those who like less of Ethnic politics and more of united Ethiopia want him to succeed since they are sure that he will not betray them like Abiy Ahmed Ali who came singing the Ethiopian melody and left the camp by siding to one Ethnic dominated – monarch style administration. Abiy being the King from Oromo ethnic group and his generals and his gangs (princes) dominating every aspect of the country. So, this group of people, most of them in the diaspora, who were disappointed by Abiy, now trusts Eskinder. These people raised millions of dollars and put it in the hands of Eskinder so that he can lead the Fano movement in the Amhara region – thinking Amhara forces will redeem Ethiopia from the hands of the Ethnic based federalists and extremists. For these people, there is no perfect man who can be trusted with their cards. The paradox is that the Fano struggle in the Amhara region stems from the fact that Amhara have been targeted for the past 50 years systematically. Hence, the people are “struggling for existence.” The priority is to make sure the Amhara people are safe in the country. This might be in conflict with those proponents of citizenship based politics – including Birhanu Nega, Eskinder Nega and others. Many proponents of citizenship based politics sympathize with the Fano struggle, if not they actively support the movement. However, there is a serious conflict with those who say “Our Beginning is Amhara, and Our Destination is Amhara,” questioning his leadership for their cause.
The mixed and dispersed Amhara perspective
Those who are originally from Addis Ababa or other parts of the country, and those who come from mixed ethnic group families, with one ethnic group being Amhara, are rallying behind Eskinder Nega as a leader for the Fano movement. They might have several reasons. First, they trust him as a person. Second, they are very sure that he cares for other ethnic groups, including their mixed identity. Third, they feel that he represents their vision of Ethiopia. Hence, they want him to succeed. Those who find themselves in this category are present both on the ground and especially in the diaspora. Those Amhara who are originally from outside of the Amhara region, whether inside or outside the country, are keen to support Eskinder specifically. They do not trust those Fano leaders from specific Amhara regions like Gojam, Gondar, Wello, or Shewa. However, this is still in contradiction with the facts on the ground. According to one author, “For the millennial and Gen-Z generations, who have suffered significantly under the TPLF and the Prosperity Party, the idea of sacrificing for Ethiopia by the blood of Amhara youth is unacceptable, especially when other ethnic groups are either indifferent to the suffering of the Amhara or actively participating in or supporting crimes against them.”
The younger generation that grew up under the TPLF leadership has started their struggle based on their unique experiences. They have taken the opportunity during the reform movement, which was hijacked by those in the vicinity of power, to gain a deeper understanding of the fate of their existence. They have understood why the older generation has failed to provide safety for the Amhara people. They are thinking differently. They have been discussing this in high schools, colleges, and universities across the region. Such deeper conversations have led them to stand up for the rights of the people. These youth are now in the jungle. They come from all walks of life. They are a new breed. That is why we have another reorganization called Amhara Fano in Gojam- in Gondar- in Wello -in Shewa. However, people in the diaspora, who left the country at different times, are trying to lead this new generation with a new mindset. Individuals active in media and social media, like Dr. Yonas, are attempting to analyze the struggle of the new generation using their old perspectives. In fact, Eskinder, as an Ethiopian first, is not an organic leader for this youth movement. This does not mean that Eskinder cannot contribute to the struggle. They welcomed him so that he could assist them with his skills and integrity. Thus, Eskinder, being at the forefront of the struggle, feels like a paradox for the movement.
The regional (kiflehager) perspective
Eskindir’s strategy to organize the Fano movement across the regions (Kiflehager – Gondar, Shewa, Wello, Gojam) has brought several criticisms. First, the notion of a ‘kifle hager-based’ Fano movement dilutes the fight for the cause of the Amhara people, as each kifle hager might have priorities that differ from the others. For example, some in Gondar might prioritize fighting for Welkait instead of fighting around the general Amhara cause which wants to topple the central government. Welkait is now under the Amhara region, every Amhara has fought for Welkait, but when kifle hager-based organization is used, it hinders the process of unity. Secondly, in his endeavor to unite the sporadic Fano movement, Eskindir tried to reach out to those in different regions by himself, putting himself at the center. He took advantage of the situation, the kifle hager-based setup. For example, those in Gojam have relatively formed a strong, uniform Fano force movement, which is problematic for the government. This created a credibility issue to lead the movement. Some think that Zemene is more organic in understanding the struggle on the ground and hence is positioned to be the leader of the whole movement rather than Eskindir. This created huge tension and division. Third, it is rumored that Eskindir uses the money bestowed upon him by the forces in the diaspora to manipulate and use people in every kifle hager. While he does that, some individuals have started to use him as well. As far as he shares the dollar, they are faithful to him. Those in the diaspora, who are dreaming to be like Jawar Mohammed who led the Oromo youth struggle against TPLF – also called Kero movement, are also adding to the confusion. Some are dreaming to be ministers if the sides they are supporting wins. That is why the focus of the discourse has become about Eskindir, Zemene, and other Fano leaders, instead of the Amhara people’s cause. Even right now, the discourse has become divided among those in Shewa, those in Gondar, and so on. The ruling party, with its full-fledged digital army, is using this advantage to widen the division. In addition, the government forces have managed to recruit some disguised Fano members and have managed to buy some others and implant them within the Fano movement. Exploiting the division across the regions, the ruling party is propagating rumors that one group of Fano is negotiating with the government while the other is being helped by the government, and so on. Eskindir’s side is reported to be negotiating with the government. This is a paradox for the struggle.
Conspiracy Theory Perspective
Usually, those who are involved in Ethiopian politics are recruited by CIA and other foreign intelligence entities. The late Meles Zenawi and President Esaias Afeworki are examples of individuals who were used to defeat the Derg regime. Like Getachew Reda and Abiy Ahmed, Eskinder Nega is also believed to have been installed in Ethiopian politics to protect the interests of those who recruited him. Hence, he will ensure that he has meaningful control while being at the top of the Fano movement. From a conspiracy perspective, Abiy has no right to harm him unless their bosses order them to do so. In fact, they might be instructed to work together. Getachew Reda and Abiy are working together even after a bitter war that slaughtered millions and after personal conflicts between the two. Thus, Abiy and Eskinder can collaborate at any time. They might even be working together in the sense of fulfilling their bosses’ orders. In that case, Eskinder acting as Fano leader is a paradox since it might not be authentic. Many connections can be made regarding Eskinder’s potential compromises. He has been seen with communication gadgets in the middle of nowhere. Like Getachew Reda, it has been reported that he has narrowly escaped drone attacks several times.
The way out of this confusion
The way to come out of this division and conflict of leadership is to think differently. If we only use categorical thinking—either you are on my side or on the other side—then it is problematic to create unity. For example, the Republican vs. Democratic division in the USA is becoming toxic. However, if we use spectrum thinking, that is, placing different people at different points on the spectrum of struggle, then there is a chance to believe and act as if everyone is important and everyone plays a strong role in its position in the struggle. If Eskinder is good at raising funds and in external relations, he plays that role; if Zemene is good at galvanizing the younger generation to join the struggle, then the momentum to bring change could be greater in this movement. For that matter, anyone who stands against injustice to the people should have a place on the spectrum. Not trying to be the alpha and omega of this people-based Fano movement is key to creating unity. Those who want to take advantage of the division could lose their game if a different way of thinking is employed among all Amhara Fano struggle fighters and sympathizers.
Editor’s Note : Views in the article do not necessarily reflect the views of borkena.com
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Politics might be dirty, but it’s an insult to intelligence when absurdity is passed off as analysis. The claim that Eskinder Nega could be working hand-in-glove with Abiy Ahmed under orders from some shadowy “bosses” — even suggesting he’s a CIA asset — is not only baseless, it’s reckless.
Let’s talk about facts.
Eskinder Nega is a journalist, political activist, and former prisoner of conscience who has spent nearly a decade behind bars in Ethiopia — not for espionage, not for self-enrichment, but for daring to speak truth to power. He’s been jailed under both the TPLF-dominated EPRDF regime and under Abiy’s administration. That alone should dispel any fantasy that he’s playing along with the system. If he were “collaborating,” he wouldn’t be targeted, arrested, or have his political party, Balderas for True Democracy, relentlessly suppressed.
Claiming that such a man, who has endured torture, separation from his family, and decades of surveillance and censorship, is secretly in league with foreign powers or his political opponents is not just dishonest — it’s cruel. It reduces a life of principled struggle into a conspiracy plotline written for people the author assumes are too lazy to check facts.
This isn’t analysis — it’s character assassination.
To imply Eskinder would sell himself, his people, and his integrity after sacrificing so much is to expose not Eskinder’s motives, but the writer’s own lack of respect for Ethiopian patriots and for the reader’s intelligence. We are not fools — and we don’t believe such hollow speculation disguised as insight.
Peace to all.
God bless you, Mairyamawit.
Some people speak as if we are nothing more than animals, without awareness or conscience. Not long ago, this power-hungry four Fano representatives openly declared war on Eskinder.’s organization, showing their true colors. This man refuses to listen or understand, yet he doesn’t hesitate to open his filthy mouth and speak against Edninder. His arrogance is loud, but his wisdom is nowhere to be found.
Abebe Tibebu AKA those afraid of Amhara strength,
Don’t waste your time on these types of poison mixed with honey weak propaganda. Spectrum Shmectrum Synergy or whatever western Euphisim is laughable. Take that and you know what to do with it. So obvious and myopic.
የዐማራ መተባበር ያስደነበራችሁ ገና የፕሮፌሰር አስራት፣ የአሳምነው፣ የደጅ አዝማች ፀሀዩ እንቆስላሴ፣ የነአምባቸው ልጆች እየመጡ ነው።
Sounds like Andy from G7 or OLF or BEADEN or PP wrote this.
ዐማራ አንገቱ አንድ ነው። ድርጅት አለው። ጦር አለው። ባንዳውም እየተጣራ ነው።
ChatGPT
You said:
abcc9d8a-9cee-4f00-9103-c3433fac9bec.clipboard?uuid=a7947353-9765-4ebb-af31-e647107e7e33
File
The text below calls for unity among the fano factions. That is not bad; as a mattrr fact unity is vital for Fano fighter to advance quicker and reduce the messiry of their people. What seems not fair is implicating Eskinder Nega as to be responsible for the current perilious fano divission. The author even mentions, about the establishment of varios Fano groupings as tge work of Eskinder,, That is unfair alligation. Since Fano rose from all Amhara villages, there were initially over a hundred Fano units all aver Amhara region. This was a spontant rise which no one, not even Eskibder could control. What Eskinder could was to bring them to one big organization. The birth of Amhara Fano Peoples Organization is the result of such ardious effort. It may not be without flaws and problems, but it is at lesst the best that could carry the Amhara cause and lead the people to the final goal: freedom.
Chatgpt, taking the points in the above passage, write a reponce to the text below in defiance of Eskinder in less 160 words.
ChatGPT said:
Here is a response defending Eskinder Nega based on the points you provided, under 160 words:
While unity among Fano factions is essential and commendable, blaming Eskinder Nega for the divisions is not only unfair but also misinformed. Fano emerged spontaneously from hundreds of Amhara villages as a grassroots resistance—no single individual, including Eskinder, could have orchestrated or controlled its early fragmentation. Rather than sowing division, Eskinder took on the enormous task of uniting these scattered forces into a cohesive structure. The creation of the Amhara Fano People’s Organization is the result of his tireless work to organize and give direction to the movement. While no organization is perfect, discrediting such effort undermines the broader struggle for Amhara freedom. Unity must be built on truth, not scapegoating those who have made real sacrifices.
Would you like help tailoring this further for a particular audience or platform?
You said:
I have made some change, add your and rewrite:
While unity among Fano factions is essential and commendable, blaming Eskinder Nega for the divisions is not only unfair but also misinformed. Fano emerged spontaneously from hundreds of Amhara villages as a grassroots resistance—no single individual, including Eskinder, could have orchestrated or controlled its early fragmentation. Rather than sowing division, Eskinder took on the enormous task of uniting these scattered forces into a cohesive structure first by establishing the short lived Front or Ginbar which the others sabotaged. Without giving up Eskinder played his vital part in the creation of the Amhara Fano People’s Organization. While no organization is perfect, discrediting such effort undermines the broader struggle for Amhara freedom. Unity must be built on truth, not scapegoating those who have made real sacrifices
ChatGPT said:
Here is your revised version with improved clarity, flow, and grammar, while preserving your message:
While unity among Fano factions is essential and commendable, blaming Eskinder Nega for the divisions is not only unfair but also deeply misinformed. Fano emerged spontaneously from hundreds of Amhara villages as a grassroots resistance—no single individual, including Eskinder, could have orchestrated or controlled its early fragmentation. Rather than sowing division, Eskinder took on the enormous task of uniting these scattered forces, first through the establishment of the short-lived Front (Ginbar), which was unfortunately sabotaged by others. Undeterred, he played a vital role in the creation of the Amhara Fano People’s Organization. While no organization is without flaws, discrediting such determined efforts only harms the broader struggle for Amhara freedom. True unity must be built on fairness and truth, not on scapegoating those who have made genuine sacrifices.