Ethiopia’s Fano armed groups, a collection of nationalist militiamen, are preparing to announce a merger in the Amhara region.
This development comes as the groups have launched a major offensive against the army in Amhara, despite being divided into multiple factions.
The Fano militiamen have been involved in a long-standing conflict with the Ethiopian government, with the latest escalation sparking concerns of a worsening security situation in the region.
The conflict has already resulted in significant humanitarian challenges, including reports of abductions and arbitrary detentions.
The Ethiopian military has responded to the Fano groups’ offensive by launching a major operation against them.
The military has accused the Fano groups of failing to respond to the federal government’s peace initiative.
The situation in Amhara remains volatile, with the international community calling for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The United Nations has warned of a potential resurgence of ethnic conflict in the region, citing recent clashes and a rise in hate speech.