By Dawan Africa - Reporter
Ethiopia, 5 December 2025 – The Federal Government of Ethiopia and the Fano Movement (FANO-AFPO) have signed a peace agreement, marking a crucial step towards restoring peace after years of insurgency and conflict in northern Ethiopia.
The two sides agreed on key points, including reconciliation, resolving disputes, security and stability, and national cohesion.
The signing ceremony took place yesterday in the regional capital Bahir Dar, with the presence of the African Union Commission Deputy Chairperson Salma Malika Haddadi, Deputy Executive Secretary of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Mohamed Abdi Ware, and Amhara Regional President Arega Kebede.
Haddadi praised both parties for their commitment to the agreement, highlighting that this deal represents a significant milestone not only for Ethiopia but also for the entire African continent.
“Every peace agreement is another step towards our goal of ending conflict in Africa,” she said.
Haddadi reiterated the African Union’s full support for the implementation of the agreement and strengthening Ethiopia's ongoing peacebuilding efforts.
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Amhara Regional President Arega Kebede described the agreement as a key test of the federal government's new strategy of seeking peace with the insurgents active in the Amhara and Oromia regions.
“This agreement marks a critical moment for the future of the region,” said President Kebede.
“It will test the effectiveness of the federal government's strategy to negotiate with different factions of the insurgency,” he added.
The Fano movement, which lacks a unified central command, emerged from the Amhara community after 2018. Initially an informal armed group advocating for the protection of Amhara people's rights and interests, Fano played a significant role in the Tigray war, supporting Ethiopian government forces before relations soured following the federal government's attempts to disarm the group. This led to protests and clashes in the Amhara region in 2023.
Last month, parts of the Fano movement shifted towards political dialogue, paving the way for the current peace agreement, which is expected to open a new chapter of stability for the Amhara region.
