SUMMARY

The conflict between AFNF and AFPO – two sub-groupings under the overall Fano banner – was played out in the context of the state-based conflict in Amhara region, pitting Fano against federal and regional forces. The Fano movement consisted of several geographically separate factions, each with its own leader, but with a shared overall goal. Over time these factions made numerous attempts to create a unified command structure and a single political wing, but faced large obstacles, such as strong local identities, leadership rivalries and a lack of a central command tradition.

AFPO was an attempt at establishing a political wing for Fano, as well as a coordination body of the armed factions. However, it failed to unify the movement as such, and large military factions remained outside of the umbrella. In May 2025, the main ones came together and created AFNF, a competing merger framework. The new unified structure attempted to get the AFPO factions to join it, but the latter refused. This caused the relationship between the two umbrellas to deteriorate, and in early June open hostilities erupted.

The fighting primarily took place in North Shewa, and reports from multiple sources indicated that clashes were heavy. Each side accused the other of collaborating with the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) and of undermining the overall Amhara war effort. Neither sides’ claim could be independently verified, however, and the general information environment was highly partisan.

By late 2025, relations began to thaw, and cooperation gradually resumed in some areas. There were rumored local agreements, coordination efforts, and limited joint operations between AFPO and AFNF units, although tensions remained and clashes still occurred elsewhere.