Press Release from Federation of Amharas in North America (FANA)

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EMAIL: fanalightofamhara@gmail.com WEBSITE : FANAAMHARA.ORG

Ref # FANA_2026_ 00017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Federation of Amharas in North America (FANA)

April 26, 2026

Contact: fanalightofamhara@gmail.com

FANA URGENT ALERT: Abiy Ahmed Regime Escalates Cultural Repression and Identity-Based Violence

The Federation of Amharas in North America (FANA) issues an urgent appeal to the United Nations (UN), European Union (EU), African Union (AU) and the global community regarding an intensifying campaign of cultural repression and identitybased persecution in Ethiopia.

What should be a moment of national artistic celebration, the release of the groundbreaking new album Etorica by the legendary artist Teddy Afro on April 16, 2026—has instead been weaponized by the Abiy Ahmed led regime, Oromo Prosperity Party (OPP) to justify mass detentions and the suppression of Amhara cultural expression.

Tewodros Kassahun, known globally as Teddy Afro, is not merely a musician; he is widely regarded as the most influential Ethiopian artist of the 21st century. For over two decades, his music has served as a cultural anchor, blending reggae fusion with traditional Ethiopian sounds to advocate for national unity, historical pride, and social justice.

His popularity is unparalleled, with previous albums like Yasteseryal and Ethiopia topping global Billboard charts and becoming anthems for those seeking a unified, democratic Ethiopia. By using "Wax and Gold" (Sem-enna-Warq)—the traditional Ethiopian poetic form of hidden meanings—Teddy Afro has historically voiced the aspirations of the marginalized, making him a perennial target of state intimidation.

Despite its release just days ago, Etorica has already achieved record-breaking global popularity. The lead track, "Das Tal" (Put Up the Tent), has surpassed 15 million views, as it poignantly laments the "grief of a lost country."

In response to this message of mourning and unity, the OPP regime has initiated a coordinated campaign to criminalize the album’s consumption. Security forces under the Abiy Ahmed regime have raided professional studios, destroyed high-value equipment, and confiscated creative intellectual property. Most alarmingly, this crackdown has resulted in the arbitrary detention of youth, collaborators, and fans.

Production & Creative Teams: Mahlet Solomon, Dawit “Dani” Mulugeta, Mikiyas “Miki” Tesfaye, Yared “Yari” Tsegaye, Samuel “Sammy” Getachew, Biniam “Bini” Alemu.
Associates & Youth: Eden Tadesse, Nahom Fekadu, Henok “Henu” Mebratu.

Community networks report that over 200 additional youth are currently being held in undisclosed locations by OPP forces for the "offense" of listening to or sharing music.

The targeting of music fans is a symptom of a broader trend of ethnic profiling under the current administration. Amhara civilians, Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo faithful, and scholars are being subjected to:

Extrajudicial Raids: Forcible removal of citizens from their homes by the Abiy regime without due process.
Forced Displacement: Amhara residents in the peripheral zones of Addis Ababa face systemic harassment and loss of land rights.
Militia Violence: The continued abduction and targeted killing of Amhara civilians by non-state militias, occurring with zero intervention from the OPP regime.

FANA calls upon the international community to take the following decisive actions to hold the Abiy Ahmed regime accountable:

Demand Immediate Release: Pressure the Abiy Ahmed regime for the unconditional release of all artists, youth, and civilians detained in connection with the Etorica album release.
Independent Human Rights Monitoring: Deploy an international fact-finding mission to document identity-based arrests and the treatment of Amhara political prisoners.
Sanction Cultural Repression: Implement targeted diplomatic and financial consequences for OPP regime officials directly responsible for the destruction of creative industries.
Suspend Security Assistance: Freeze international funding for the Abiy Ahmed regime's security units documented in the participation of ethnic profiling and home raids.

Humanitarian Protection: Establish direct monitoring for displaced Amhara families and Orthodox Tewahedo Christian institutions currently under threat.

Federation of Amharas in North America - FANA