Fano rebels intensify fight against Ethiopian military in Amhara region

Ethiopia has seen a significant escalation in conflict involving the Fano and government forces within the Amhara region. The Fano, comprising a loose collection of rebel groups, has heavily engaged in battles against the federal military, claiming to control over 80% of Amhara, which houses more than 22 million residents. Since mid-March, fighting has intensified, with recorded incidents increasing, including over 270 battles between the two factions from October 2023 to January 2024. The government's inability to maintain control has fueled unrest, with towns experiencing violence and families fleeing for safety. Human Rights Watch documented numerous attacks on civilians, with a particularly brutal episode reported in February 2024, when Ethiopian troops executed civilians in Merawi. The federal government has countered these allegations, insisting that civilians are never targeted. This conflict draws on longstanding ethnic tensions in Ethiopia, where the federal administration struggles to hold together diverse ethnic groups with competing interests. Despite ongoing negotiations, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed cited the challenge posed by the Fano's diffuse structure as a hurdle in reaching a coherent agreement. This situation exemplifies Ethiopia's ongoing struggle to achieve peace and stability amidst regional and ethnic tensions.