Ethiopian Government Signals Readiness to Negotiate with Fano Militants Through European Mediators.

The Peace Council of the Amhara Region has announced that the government is prepared to engage in negotiations with Fano militants through European mediators who are deemed acceptable by the group operating in the region.

Mr. Yayehyrad Belete, the chairman of the council, stated in an interview with Deutsche Welle that the council is working to bring both sides—government representatives and Fano militants—to the negotiation table in an effort to peacefully resolve the nearly two-year-long conflict in the Amhara region.

He emphasized that both parties had expressed a willingness to engage in dialogue, noting, “The federal government has repeatedly conveyed its readiness to create a conducive environment for peace and negotiations. Our Fano have also told us they do not oppose negotiation and dialogue in principle.”

Mr. Yayehyrad highlighted the persistent lack of trust between the parties as a major hurdle to dialogue, adding that the government’s willingness to negotiate through European intermediaries—mediators acceptable to the Fano militants—was aimed at addressing this mistrust.

The chairman also disclosed that he has held discussions with the majority of Fano militants and is awaiting a formal response from their leaders regarding participation in the proposed negotiations.

It is worth recalling that the Peace Council of the Amhara Region was established on June 28, 2024, with the specific mandate of facilitating dialogue and negotiations to end the ongoing conflict between Fano militants and the government forces.