Welcome to the Conference

Dear Conference Attendees:

The Amhara Diaspora Global Forum has organized a conference where we come together to address one of the most pressing issues facing the Amhara people today: their fight for survival and the pivotal role of the Diaspora in shaping this struggle’s future. Please join us and engage in this vital conversation, which seeks to illuminate the challenges, strengths, and opportunities within the Amhara resistance and to explore how we, as a global community, can contribute to its success.

The conference will be featuring, among other things, three lively panel discussions by panelists with differing viewpoints on the survival struggle. Our purpose for the panel is multifaceted. First, we aim to establish a clear understanding of the role of Fano, the Amhara patriotic group that has emerged as a cornerstone of this struggle, and to contextualize the broader fight for Amhara survival amidst ongoing conflict and systemic marginalization. Fano, rooted in a historical tradition of volunteer fighters defending their homeland, has evolved into a symbol of resilience, representing the Amhara people’s determination to protect their identity, culture, and rights. Yet, their decentralized structure and complex dynamics raise questions about their impact and sustainability, which we wish to explore.

We also wish to test the impact of Fano and the Amhara fight for survival on both local and national levels. From controlling significant portions of the Amhara region to challenging the federal government’s authority, Fano’s actions have reshaped the region’s political and social landscape. However, this fight has come at a tremendous cost, with reports of over 15,000 casualties, including civilians, and widespread human rights abuses, such as drone strikes and mass detentions. Understanding the scope and consequences of this insurgency is essential to assessing its trajectory.

We hope that our discussions will also delve into the strengths and weaknesses of this movement. Fano’s deep local support, bolstered by cultural ties to Amhara nationalism and faith, is a powerful asset. Their ability to mobilize former soldiers and regional forces has enabled significant territorial gains. Yet, their lack of a centralized command and internal divisions pose challenges to their long-term effectiveness. We must examine these dynamics to identify the gaps between success and failure—gaps that could determine whether this movement achieves its objectives or falters under pressure.

Moreover, we wish to test reactions to recent developments, including Fano’s offensives in key areas like Gondar and Gojjam, their brief control of urban centers, and the Ethiopian government’s escalating military response. The appointment of leaders and the formation of a leadership council among some factions signal efforts toward unity, but divisions persist, particularly among the four main groups in Gojjam, Wollo, Shewa, and Gondar. How do these developments shape the movement’s future, and what do they mean for the Amhara people’s aspirations?

Finally, and perhaps most crucially, we turn to the role of the Amhara Diaspora. The Diaspora has shown remarkable potential in raising awareness, mobilizing resources, and advocating for justice on global platforms. From protests in Ottawa and London to advocacy in Washington, D.C., Diaspora efforts have amplified the Amhara cause. Yet, as we critically examine our efforts, we must confront a stark reality: fragmentation within the Diaspora has too often undermined this potential. Petty rivalries, conflicting agendas, and disorganized support have weakened the collective impact of our advocacy and resources. At the panel discussion, we wish to implore everyone to embrace a new reality—a united front that aligns with the sacrifices of Fano fighters on the ground. Unity is not merely a choice; it is a necessity for the survival of the Amhara people and the preservation of Ethiopia’s diverse fabric.

Our panelists bring diverse perspectives—activists, scholars, and community leaders—who we hope will share their insights on these objectives. We invite you to engage with their views, challenge assumptions, and contribute to a dialogue that bridges the gap between those fighting in Ethiopia and those supporting from afar. Together, let us forge a path toward justice, dignity, and a sustainable future for the Amhara people.

Thank you and see you all on August 16, 2025.

Second ADGF conference organizing committee