Amhara Fano Group Signs Peace Agreement with Regional Government

The Amhara Fano People’s Organization, one of the armed Fano groups operating in the Amhara region, has signed a permanent peace agreement with the regional government. The African Union and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) were reported to have participated in facilitating the negotiations.

According to state media, the agreement was signed by the President of the Amhara Regional State, Ato Arega Kebede, and Captain Masresha Sete, representing the Amhara Fano People’s Organization.

During the signing ceremony, President Arega Kebede declared, “This is the day when the first major peace event took place for the people of our region.” Captain Masresha Sete added, “The end of any conflict is discussion and negotiation.”

Ambassador Selma Malika Adadi, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, also addressed the gathering, stating that the agreement would pave the way for the country’s future.

The development comes just five days after reports circulated on social media that two leaders of the Amhara Fano People’s Organization, along with several members, had surrendered to the government. Among those reported to have surrendered was Captain Masresha Sete, who has now formally signed the peace accord.

Unverified social media reports suggest that Ato Eskinder Nega, believed to be the leader of the Amhara Fano People’s Organization, recently held talks with representatives of the African Union, IGAD, the European Union, and the US Embassy in Ethiopia at a secret location in the region.