By The Habesha News Desk
September 7, 2025
Veteran journalist and analyst Martin Plaut, who closely follows developments in the Horn of Africa, has highlighted recent claims by Fano, the Amhara armed resistance group, regarding its organizational growth. According to Plaut, Fano insists that its chain of command is becoming increasingly centralised and sophisticated, enabling it to function more like a structured military force than a loose collection of fighters.
The group further asserts that its elite forces are rapidly expanding, with specialized units capable of conducting operations under diverse and complex circumstances. This shift, if accurate, marks a significant transformation from Fano’s earlier grassroots, decentralized model—suggesting a move toward a disciplined resistance movement with greater strategic capacity.
Plaut has long observed Ethiopian politics and conflict dynamics, frequently noting how shifts in rebel group organization can alter the balance of power within the country. Fano’s emphasis on centralization and capability may reflect both its resilience and its ambition to play a more decisive role in Ethiopia’s turbulent political and security landscape.
Analysts warn, however, that such developments could lead to intensified clashes with federal forces and raise the stakes for Ethiopia’s fragile stability. For many, the question remains whether Fano’s increasing militarization will push the conflict further away from dialogue and compromise.