Security

AFNM Denies Involvement in Abeshge Attack, Stating Operations Are Not Limited to Amhara Region

BBC · last week · Read the Full Story on BBC
AFNM Denies Involvement in Abeshge Attack, Stating Operations Are Not Limited to Amhara Region
AI SUMMARY

The Amhara Fano National Movement has denied involvement in a deadly attack in the Abeshge District of the Gurage Zone, while stating that its operations are not restricted to the Amhara region.

  • An attack in the Abeshge District of the Gurage Zone on Monday, September 14, 2025, left 15 people dead and around 20 abducted.
  • Residents of the Walga town in Abeshge were displaced from their homes due to the violence.
  • The Central Ethiopia Regional State Peace and Security Bureau stated that an investigative team has been dispatched to assess the damage.
  • Local residents and regional officials identified the armed perpetrators as individuals calling themselves Fano.
  • Asres Mare Damte, spokesperson for the Amhara Fano National Movement (AFNM), denied the organization's involvement in the Abeshge attack.
  • The spokesperson stated that AFNM operations are not limited only to the Amhara region.
  • AFNM acknowledged that self-defense youth groups calling themselves Fano exist in Abeshge and other areas, but stated those involved in the Abeshge attack are not under the organization's chain of command.
  • The organization cited its forces in the Wollega area as operating under its direct chain of command to protect civilians and fight regime forces.