Fighting for Freedom: The Amhara Fano’s Struggle Against Generations of Oppression

March 7, 2025

By: Habtemariam Habtegiorgis 

The Amhara Fano: A Generation-Long Struggle for Freedom

The Amhara people, a major ethnic group in Ethiopia, are currently engaged in a fight for their freedom that spans generations. For years, they have been marginalized, oppressed, and demonized by both external and internal forces. The ongoing struggle, led by the Fano militia, represents not only the fight for their own survival but also for the restoration of their historical rights, dignity, and freedom.

It is crucial that all freedom fighters, particularly those from the Amhara community, lend their support to this cause. The Amhara have been at the forefront of Ethiopia’s history, but despite their significant contributions, they have consistently been pushed to the margins. The Fano militia’s struggle for freedom should be supported by all Ethiopians and freedom fighters, as it is a fight for justice, equality, and the protection of fundamental human rights.

The Historical Significance of the Amhara People

The Amhara people are one of Ethiopia’s largest and most influential ethnic groups. Throughout history, they have played a central role in shaping the political, economic, and cultural landscape of the country. Their influence is deeply woven into the fabric of Ethiopia’s history, with Amhara leaders having led the country through some of its most pivotal moments.

The Amhara were key in the formation and establishment of the Ethiopian empire, and they have historically dominated the country’s political leadership. From the fall of the royal system to the rise of the Derg regime and the subsequent TPLF-led government, the Amhara have been at the center of every major transition. Despite this, they have always been subjected to systemic marginalization, oppression, and exclusion from power, even though they have been integral to Ethiopia’s identity and progress.

Their impact extends beyond politics. The Amhara have contributed significantly to the development of Ethiopia’s legal, spiritual, and educational systems. They have been instrumental in shaping Ethiopia’s identity and cultural values, especially through the Ethiopian Orthodox Church, which has its roots in the Amhara region.

Marginalization and Oppression of the Amhara People

Despite their undeniable contributions, the Amhara have been marginalized and oppressed in Ethiopia for centuries. This oppression has been both direct and indirect, coming in the form of political exclusion, economic disadvantages, and targeted violence. For generations, the Amhara have been made to feel as though they do not belong in their own country, with their rights and dignity consistently undermined by those in power.

Over the years, the Amhara have been subjected to systemic demonization. Negative stereotypes, misinformation, and biased narratives have been perpetuated, painting them as oppressors and outsiders. These narratives have been crafted and repeated, both within Ethiopia and internationally, to justify the exclusion of the Amhara from positions of power and influence.

The emergence of ethnic-based politics in the 1990s, under the TPLF-led government, worsened this marginalization. The TPLF, in particular, used ethnic politics as a tool to divide the Ethiopian population and consolidate its power. This approach led to the systematic suppression of the Amhara, while empowering other ethnic groups at their expense.

The Role of the Prosperity Party and Intensified Oppression

In recent years, the situation has only worsened under the leadership of the Prosperity Party (PP), which replaced the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF). Although the PP promised unity and inclusion, its policies have exacerbated the marginalization of the Amhara people. The PP has systematically targeted the Amhara through political exclusion, economic deprivation, and violence. This is especially evident in the recent wave of ethnic cleansing and genocidal acts perpetrated against the Amhara in several regions of Ethiopia.

Unlike the more covert tactics used by the TPLF and Derg regimes, the oppression under the PP has become more open and systematic. The government’s failure to address the violence against the Amhara and its involvement in the displacement and killing of innocent people has made it clear that the current regime is complicit in the ongoing suffering of the Amhara population.

The rise of ethnic-based politics, coupled with the rise of the Prosperity Party, has left the Amhara people vulnerable to violent attacks, displacement, and the erosion of their rights. The narrative of the Amhara as the “enemy” of other ethnic groups has been perpetuated by the government, the media, and certain political factions, further fueling their oppression.

The Emergence of the Fano Militia and the Struggle for Freedom

In response to the ongoing oppression, the Amhara people have formed the Fano militia, a grassroots organization dedicated to defending their rights, protecting their communities, and fighting for freedom. The Fano militia is composed of ordinary citizens, many of whom have been directly affected by the violence and displacement that have plagued the Amhara regions. The militia has become the symbol of resistance, a force dedicated to the survival of the Amhara people and the restoration of their dignity.

The Fano militia’s struggle is not just about defending territory or seeking power; it is about the fundamental right to live freely and without fear. The Fano is fighting a generation-long battle to free the Amhara people from the systemic oppression they have endured for centuries. This fight for freedom is not only crucial for the Amhara but for the entire Ethiopian population, as it represents a stand for justice, equality, and the protection of human rights.

Despite facing overwhelming odds, the Fano militia remains steadfast in its resolve. They have shown incredible courage in the face of adversity, and their commitment to the cause of freedom has earned them the support of many Ethiopians and freedom fighters from all walks of life.

The Call for Solidarity and Support

The struggle of the Amhara Fano is a fight for freedom, justice, and the protection of human dignity. It is a struggle that transcends ethnic boundaries and calls upon all Ethiopians to unite in the pursuit of a common goal: a free and democratic Ethiopia. The Fano militia’s fight for freedom is a fight for the soul of the nation, and it is essential that all freedom fighters, especially those from the Amhara community, lend their support to this cause.

The international community must also play a role in supporting the Amhara’s struggle for freedom. Governments, human rights organizations, and international bodies must speak out against the atrocities committed against the Amhara and hold the Ethiopian government accountable for its actions. The world must not remain silent in the face of genocide and ethnic cleansing.

At the heart of Amhara Fano’s struggle is a desire for justice and equality. They seek to be recognized as equal citizens in their own country, free from oppression and violence. The international community has a moral obligation to support the Amhara people in their fight for freedom and to ensure that their rights are protected.

Conclusion: A Call for Justice and Unity

The Amhara Fano’s struggle is emblematic of the broader fight for justice, freedom, and equality in Ethiopia. It is a struggle against centuries of marginalization, oppression, and violence. The Fano militia’s fight for freedom is a fight for the rights of all Ethiopians, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation.

Now, more than ever, it is crucial for all freedom fighters to support the Amhara Fano’s struggle for freedom. This is not only a fight for the Amhara people, but for the future of Ethiopia as a whole. It is a fight to ensure that every Ethiopian, regardless of their ethnic background, can live in a country that respects their rights and values their contributions.

The Amhara Fano’s struggle represents a critical moment in Ethiopia’s history, one that calls for unity, solidarity, and the unwavering commitment to the principles of freedom, justice, and equality. The time to support their cause is now.