Instead, they focus on the immediate and pressing challenges they face, putting their lives on the line for the sake of their community. It is important to know the difference between the imaginary conflict of the diaspora and the real life and death struggle in Ethiopia. The diaspora’s self-defeating tendencies and internal conflicts weaken their collective influence and distract from important issues. Meanwhile, Amhara’s Fano perseveres, undeterred by external distractions and continues his mission with determination.
The rift between the two groups highlights a wider disconnect and conflicting priorities. When the diaspora is involved in intellectual and ideological debate, the Amhara Fano is forced to face an immediate danger that threatens its existence. This stark contrast points to the need for unity and support from the diaspora to strengthen the efforts of the parties on the ground rather than engaging in divisive and unhelpful infighting.
In conclusion, the Amhara Fano fighters fought against natural enemies with courage and determination and embodied true struggle and bravery. Their sacrifices and efforts deserve recognition and support. The diaspora must abandon its self-defeating tendencies and adapt its activities to the concrete needs and wants of those it claims to represent. With a clear focus on unity and common cause, meaningful progress can be made in times of crisis.
The diaspora has made positive contributions in the past; He is still doing it. Many members of the diaspora support the struggle, providing various support and wholeheartedly supporting the movement. However, among these optimists, a few loud voices work tirelessly to appoint an individual as leader.
The saddest thing is that these few individuals who create division in the fighting force live in countries where leaders are elected and approved through democratic elections. Surprisingly, these same individuals hold free democratic elections in their respective communities. However, they dictate a different approach to the people they claim to help by pushing for an individual to be called the “King of Kings.”
What these individuals do not realize is that the current Amhara youth has the ability to choose their own leader. Not only are these young men qualified and equipped to make informed decisions about their leadership with remarkable tenacity, intelligence and strategic intelligence, they also have a superior understanding of their adversaries and the challenges they face. The Amhara youths, represented by groups such as the Amhara Fano militants, have shown these characteristics and are admirable and encouraging their ongoing struggle.
The role of the diaspora should be one of support and solidarity rather than trying to impose leadership from afar. Acknowledging the autonomy and agency of Amhara youth in the diaspora and respecting their ability to determine their future is critical. The effort to crown a single crown is not only eroding the principles of democracy used by these members of the diaspora in their country, but also denigrating the capacity and needs of those on the ground.
In essence, while the diaspora has historically provided and continues to provide important support, its focus remains a matter of concern.
What should be done next?
Diaspora Ethiopians are known to contribute greatly to their homeland. Rich tradition and cultural heritage have demonstrated the potential of these communities to bring about change through organization and leadership. Historically, both during the Derg era and the subsequent TPLF/EHRD government, the diaspora has shown its influence by creating structured support systems.
But the current situation shows that it is a fragmented diaspora, with internal conflicts and negative attitudes preventing them from having a united and positive influence. This fragmentation does not contribute to fighting the oppressive regimes in the country.
In the current Ethiopian situation, it is important to know the reasons behind the Fano struggle. This movement is not to harm others, but to respond to the significant and ongoing threat to the Amhara people. Fano’s main objective is to defend against the forces trying to destabilize and oppress the Amhara people. The struggle is aimed at preventing the genocide that is being witnessed by the extremist elements in the Oromo community through forced displacement and destruction of livelihoods.
The current situation in Ethiopia has led to the emergence of the Fano movement aimed at solving the threats to the Amhara people. This movement aims to protect the Amhara people from actions that they believe threaten their existence and survival, not to harm them.
The Fano movement defends the people and wants to destabilize and oppress the Amhara people. The concern is about forced displacement and destruction of livelihoods, which appear to be part of wider campaigns of tribal violence. Historically, the tension has been caused by the political programs of organizations such as the People’s Liberation Front of Tigray (HWHAT) and the Oromo Freedom Front (OLF), some of which have alienated the Amhara people.
The debate among Fano’s supporters is that extremists in the Oromo community, including factions affiliated with the OLP and the Oromo Democratic Party (formerly the OHDP), have made clear their intentions to threaten the Amhara people. Statements about breaking the authority of some groups and the desire to establish an Oromo nation are considered as a demonstration of a broad agenda that can bring ethnic destruction.
Fano movement supporters believe that the current Ethiopian government led by Abiy Ahmed is complicit in this action, and wants to replace Ethiopia’s diverse heritage with a single Oromo. This perspective sees the Amhara Fano struggle not only as a defense of the Amhara people, but as a wider struggle to preserve the existence of Ethiopia’s various ethnic groups.
Considering these concerns, the Amhara Fano Movement considers itself a savior and offers hope not only to the Amhara people but to all Ethiopians who fear the consequences of unbridled extremism. The call to action is for all Ethiopians to defend and ensure the continuity of a united and diverse Ethiopia against what is perceived as a dangerous political agenda.
Moving forward, it is important for the diaspora to do the following.
Establishing a coordinated and united front to maximize their impact on Ethiopian affairs. This includes setting aside individual and collective conflicts and working towards a common goal.
Instead of struggling with internal conflicts, focus on positive initiatives that support the development of the country and fight against oppressive systems.
Acknowledging and supporting just movements that strive to protect communities like the Fanos and promote justice and equality in Ethiopia.
Establish an open and constructive dialogue with stakeholders in the Diaspora and Ethiopia to solve problems and find solutions collaboratively.
By following these strategies, the Ethiopian diaspora can use their collective power to bring about meaningful change and support their country in this challenging time.
