Fighting broke out Friday between Ethiopian government forces and members of the Fano militia in Bahir Dar — the capital of the Amhara region — according to residents and the regional administration. It added that the Fano militia retreated and wasn’t able to "resist the combined strength of the security forces." The Fano militia, without a formal structure, could not be contacted for comment. According to the Rift Valley Institute, a nonprofit research organization, there are various Fano groups in the region, each without formal leadership structures. Another reason for recent tensions is the Ethiopian government's attempts to disband Fano insurgent groups after realizing they were gaining power and momentum.

Source: Ethiopian News March 01, 2024 19:49 UTC