This letter is penned by concerned members of the Amhara diaspora to address the imminent dangers and challenges confronting the Amhara/Fano Movement. Specifically, risks and obstacles that have arisen from efforts to form a unified front failing to materialize, with “Fano support group” organizers in the diaspora contributing to this breakdown. The Fano movement, a beacon of hope for the People of Amhara and beyond , has achieved significant progress through substantial sacrifices – a journey marked by sweat, blood, and tears. Over the past years, the Fano movement’s organic origins have been instrumental in fostering widespread support, resistance and nurturing leaders across the Amhara region. The decentralized approach, thus far advantageous in impeding the regime’s efforts to control the region by eliminating key resistance figures, now prompts a crucial juncture assessment. With the OPP regime weakened, many have rightly advocated for a transition toward a consolidated political and military coalition. This unified front not only ensures effective regional leadership but also establishes a diplomatic point of contact. Additionally, it positions the movement to bear the responsibility of a transitional government in the event of the regime’s fall.
Continuing with the current decentralized structure poses the risk of internal power struggles, potentially undermining the hard-won gains and inadvertently assisting the regime in sowing division and recovering from setbacks endured over the past year. It appears that Fano leaders have reached a similar conclusion, as evidenced by their ongoing efforts to form unified fronts on various occasions. These discussions, spanning several months, initially showed promising progress. However, it is now apparent that this momentum is waning. We empathize with Fano leaders who have sacrificed their livelihoods, which span the gamut of Amhara society from farmers to university lecturers, all driven by a sincere desire to make the movement succeed. It’s evident that there are minimal, if any, ideological differences in their shared aspirations for the Amhara people. So, why have these discussions on forming a united front lost momentum?
This is the point where the diaspora, particularly the so-called “Fano Support group” organizers and their inner circle, has played a detrimental role. Over the past year, so-called “representatives” of Fano groups in the diaspora, notably Shaleka Dawit Weldegiorgis of APF (Amhara Popular Front) and Mr. Getachew Beyene of IFCC[International Fano Coordinating Committee], have emerged as key figures. In recent months, a well-known issue has come to our attention: the intense animosity between these two individuals. Numerous warnings about their personal conflicts and ego brawls potentially causing rifts on the ground between Fano groups have materialized.
These two individuals have exploited the names of Fano leaders to collect funds, asserting that their initiatives directly represent the sentiments on the ground. Regrettably, they have used the collected funds not to facilitate constructive discussions but rather to assert their own influence and coerce Fano groups into conforming to their personal whims. Instead of working towards an inclusive united front, coalition, or council based on mutual interests, they are trying to consolidate power at the expense of the broader movement.
Even so, to avoid further divisions, numerous Amhara intellectuals and diaspora institutions have made concerted efforts to reconcile these factions. These initiatives have included various attempts, from Shimgelina, by engaging these individuals one on one, to inviting their inner circles in more inclusive discussions. Regrettably, all these efforts have faltered due to their persistent refusal to set aside their egos for the greater good of the Amhara people. Instead, they have escalated tensions by disseminating baseless and erroneous accusations within their respective – “groups on the ground” including some Fano leaders. This escalation is fostering rifts that, if not addressed promptly, have the potential to evolve into an insurmountable chasm. The current weakened OPP regime understands that a united Amhara front poses a significant threat to its existence. Indulging in ego-driven conflicts only grants the regime more time to inflict further harm on our people than it has in the past five years. These individuals must acknowledge that this is a struggle for survival, and time is not on our side. Every minute wasted in internal strife translates to another Amhara life lost and provides our adversaries with an opportunity to sow division among us, prolonging the suffering of our people.
Regrettably, we find it necessary to publicly address these two individuals in particular due to their administrative style characterized by ego-centric decisions, which has impeded the formation of a cohesive front. In these challenging times, a united front is indispensable for effectively addressing the needs and concerns of our people. We firmly believe that leaders fostering collaboration and teamwork are vital for the success of this movement.
Therefore, we respectfully request, with the utmost consideration for their dedication and service, that these two individuals, Shaleka Dawit and Mr. Getachew, apologize to the Amhara people and resign from their respective positions as support group directors. We are convinced that a change in management has the potential to pave the way for a more harmonious and cooperative environment, ultimately benefiting the Fano groups and, by extension, our Amhara community.
We appreciate your understanding and sincerely hope that you will prioritize the greater good in your decision-making process.
Furthermore, we, the diaspora community, should strive to advocate for and promote the establishment of support groups that can unite all stakeholders involved rather than taking sides and exacerbating divisions. This is the least we can do to honor the sacrifices of our martyr brothers and sisters.
Concerned members of the Amhara Diaspora
