Statement from Amhara Fano in Gojjam addressing recent allegations and calling for truth-seeking

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Press Statement from the Amhara Fano in Gojjam

July 29, 2024

Hamle 22, 2016 EC

Addressing recent allegations and call for truth-seeking

We, Amhara Fano in Gojjam write this statement to address recent unfound allegations against our forces by the Prosperity Party regime of Abiy Ahmed, the regime’s regional puppets and the cruel military leadership who have done everything in their power to prolong the suffering of ordinary men, women, children and elders. From unleashing deadly drone attacks, to brutal attacks on hospitals and medical centers, to destruction of homes and crop fields, their genocidal intent is clear, their desire to inflict collective punishment is clear and their disdain for peace is clear. Therefore it is not only necessary to address the false allegations against our forces but also to underscore the dangers of drawing false equivalence between the fascist regime and Amhara Fano freedom fighters fighting in self-defense.

Last Tuesday (July 23rd), the so-called Amhara Region Government issued a statement alleging that our forces were responsible for the execution, torture and inhumane treatment of persons affiliated to the regime’s “regional peace council”. We would like to take this opportunity to clarify that these allegations are categorically false and are the latest in a slew of desperate measures by the dying regime to compensate for losses on the battlefield through cheap propaganda. Since the onset of the regime’s genocidal war, our forces have fought with the utmost discipline, restraint, and adherence to international humanitarian law unlike the regime which has operated with impunity for civilians.

Over the past few years, our people have witnessed firsthand how the regime uses deception as a political tool tarnishing our traditions and customs. From exploiting traditional conflict resolution mechanisms to taking family members hostage, to destroying homes and personal property, all to force us into submission and ultimately eliminate us. We tolerated these countless deceptions in hope of achieving peace for the betterment of our people. However, the regime saw our tolerance as a sign of weakness and naivety, and we paid a heavy price losing all trust in the process. This is why we were forced to discontinue such disingenuous reconciliation efforts which we have made clear to the public. Regardless, the regime has gathered blood merchants and opportunists masquerading as religious leaders and arbitrators under the socalled regional peace council to continue its deceptive ploys. In response, we enforced regulations to preserve law and order, security of civilian communities and ensure violators are held accountable.

Last Monday (July 22nd), members of the regime’s regional peace council (regime agents) were dispatched from Mehal-Genet town in South Mecha and were en route to Merawi town in North Mecha before our forces apprehended the regime agents. The regime agents had attempted to coerce our forces to surrender and dissolve our liberated administration in violation of our laws and as such faced disciplinary measures in accordance with established communal guidelines. The discipline was non-violent in nature and involved a public atonement ceremony in which the violators kneeled (in repentance) before being released back to where they came from. Therefore the claim that these violators were executed is a bold-faced lie born out of the regime’s frustrations. The cruelty of the regime’s deception lies in the reality that it has been the regime’s forces which have carried out horrific massacres like the devastating Merawi massacre last January, which occurred in the town of Merawi where the agents were deployed.

It should be underscored that the Amhara resistance is first and foremost for survival to mitigate the genocidal threat posed against our people by the Abiy Ahmed regime and their affiliates. Our movement has progressed beyond civil demonstrations to armed conflict and now to self-administration in a transformational process that has brought liberty and dignity to our people. As Amhara Fano freedom fighters and proponents of freedom, equality and true democracy, we understand the meaning of sacrifice, the value of peace and the importance of protecting our ideals.

This is why we, as Amhara Fano in Gojjam, call upon friends of the Amhara people and international partners to stand with us and lend their support to help bring transformative change and facilitate a genuine transition process in pursuit of truth, reconciliation and justice with our fellow Amhara Fano brothers and sisters in arms and in cooperation with the greater Ethiopian people. Furthermore, we reiterate our willingness to cooperate with international partners to foster understanding, to facilitate impartial independent investigations into atrocities against our people and for the swift delivery of humanitarian assistance to those in need.