Amhara Fano Forces executed an operation in Addis Ababa, targeting Government Security Forces within Addis Ababa, the Fano forces involved in the operation are suspected to have connections to the broader Amhara Fano forces. This specific group has been in conflict with the government led by Abiy Ahmed, whom they claim is responsible for carrying out genocide against the Amhara people.
Three people died in a clash between Fano militias and policemen in the capital of Ethiopia. This event is a rare event where several regional conflicts in the country have entered the city. The clash took place in the Millennium Hall area of downtown Addis Ababa when law enforcers tried to arrest three individuals linked to a militia group called Fano. the police made a move to arrest the “terrorists before they carry out their terrorist activity on April 12 in near Millennium Hall.” Police went on to say that the “extremists” refused to surrender and opened fire using a Suzuki Vehicle with plate number 2C 14373 Addis Ababa.
A statement released later in the afternoon, this time from the Joint Task Force for Security and Intelligence, said Nahusenay Andarge and Abenezer Gashaw whom it called “members of the extremist group leadership and member” were killed in an exchange of fire. Another member whom it identified as Habtamu Andarge Tesema is in custody.
The government has remained largely silent on the matter, but unofficial statements from security officials suggest that the arrests are part of efforts to “maintain law and order” and prevent further violence following the Bole incident. They claim that those arrested have links to “illegal armed groups” or are suspected of supporting Fano.
But, there is a different account of the incident. Nahusenay took his own life rather than surrender after fighting security forces to the end. Andthat at least four Federal Police Commanders were killed during the operation. And two others were wounded.
Following the Bole clashes, police and security forces began conducting house-to-house searches, stopping people on the streets, and setting up checkpoints in neighborhoods known to have significant Amhara populations. Those detained were taken without formal charges or explanation. Many families have reported losing contact with loved ones, who were taken to unknown locations.
Targeting an entire community based on ethnicity is a dangerous and unacceptable escalation. These actions risk deepening divisions and worsening the already fragile state of the country.
For now, the streets of Addis Ababa remain uneasy. For the Amhara community, the fear of being arbitrarily detained looms large. Families of those arrested are desperate for answers, but authorities remain tight-lipped. Journalists and activists trying to report on the situation face threats and intimidation, with many forced into silence or exile.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the city’s fragile peace has been deeply shaken, and the scars of these actions will linger long after the arrests have stopped.
