Dejen Media (August 2) Ethiopia’s military engaged in clashes with fighters from the Fano militia in the Amhara region, leading to injuries, as reported by residents on Wednesday. The escalation marks a troubling turn in the relationship between the two former allies, who once collaborated during the civil war in the neighboring Tigray region.
Fano, a part-time militia without a formal command structure, previously supported federal troops during the two-year civil war in Tigray that concluded in November 2020. However, tensions have risen due to perceived disregard by the national government for Amhara’s security concerns.
The recent clashes occurred near Debre Tabor over two days, with a hospital doctor and a police officer reporting the incidents but requesting anonymity for security reasons. The hospital treated three individuals with severe injuries and ten with minor injuries, including gunshot and heavy weapon wounds.
The situation remains tense as fighting continued on the outskirts of Debre Tabor, with the road into the town closed. Additionally, fighting was reported outside the town of Kobo, but the situation calmed down on Wednesday, residents told Reuters.
A diplomatic source revealed that the clashes began several days ago when the military attempted to remove Fano fighters from Kobo and other areas. During the confrontation, Fano militiamen captured the holy town of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
In response to the escalating situation, the Spanish embassy in Ethiopia advised Spaniards in Lalibela to stay in their hotels or residences. Meanwhile, the Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation quoted ENDF spokesperson Colonel Getnet Adane as stating that the military would take action against Fano for disturbing the country’s peace.
The tension between Fano and the federal government has deep roots, as Fano fighters took part in violent protests across Amhara in April. The demonstrations were in response to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s order to integrate security forces from Ethiopia’s regions into the police or national army, which some protesters perceived as an attempt to weaken Amhara.
