By The Habesha News Desk
July 27, 2025
A Sacred Life Taken in Broad Daylight
In a chilling and deeply unsettling act, the father of Fano fighter Abebe Fantaw—a respected 75-year-old elder—was gunned down in broad daylight while attending an Orthodox Church service. The brutal killing, reportedly ordered or sanctioned by forces aligned with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration, has ignited nationwide outrage and rekindled urgent conversations around state violence, justice, and the sanctity of civilian life in Ethiopia.
Eyewitnesses describe a horrifying scene: the elder, known in the community for his devotion to the church and humble spirit, was shot multiple times in front of worshippers during a peaceful religious service. The attackers fled the scene immediately, leaving behind panic, disbelief, and overwhelming grief.
Who Was the Victim?
The victim, a quiet and deeply religious man, was not a fighter, not a politician, and not a threat to anyone. He was the father of Abebe Fantaw, a prominent figure in the Fano resistance movement, which opposes what it perceives as state aggression and marginalization of the Amhara people.
By all accounts, the elder Fantaw led a peaceful life, detached from political activities. Community members describe him as “humble,” “kind-hearted,” and “respected by all.” His only connection to the conflict was by blood — being the father of someone the government considers an adversary.
A Political Assassination Disguised as Security?
Human rights observers and political analysts are calling this a political assassination — a calculated move to intimidate and punish families of Fano fighters, a tactic increasingly used in the deteriorating security landscape of Ethiopia.
According to local reports and diaspora sources, the killing of Abebe Fantaw’s father was not an isolated act, but part of a broader pattern of targeted violence orchestrated against individuals linked to the growing resistance in the Amhara region. While the federal government has not officially commented, many point the finger directly at Abiy Ahmed’s administration, alleging a deliberate campaign of terror against families of resistance fighters.
A Violation of Sacred Space
What has shocked Ethiopians the most is not just the murder, but where it happened—inside a church compound during a service. The Ethiopian Orthodox Church is a sacred institution, historically a sanctuary even in times of war and national crisis.
“This is not just a murder. This is a desecration,” said a local priest. “A holy space has been defiled. An innocent man has been slain not just before his God, but in His house.”
Church leaders across the country have condemned the act, calling for justice and demanding that places of worship be respected as neutral zones.
Public Outrage Across Ethiopia and the Diaspora
News of the killing spread rapidly, sparking grief, fury, and widespread condemnation both inside Ethiopia and among its global diaspora. Social media erupted with hashtags like #JusticeForFantaw and #AbiyMurdersElders, with users demanding accountability for what many are calling a war crime.
“You’ve lost all moral ground when you start killing our fathers in church,” wrote one activist.
“This is not leadership. This is desperation.”
Large segments of the Amhara community are now warning that targeting family members of Fano fighters will only deepen resistance and widen the chasm of national division.
A Nation in Moral Crisis
The murder of Abebe Fantaw’s father is more than a personal tragedy — it is a national crisis of conscience. It reveals a government that appears willing to violate all boundaries: legal, ethical, spiritual, and human.
“This is what it looks like when wars are waged without moral restraint,” said a political analyst.
“They stop being about winning. They become about destroying.”
This murder has drawn comparisons to some of the darkest chapters in Ethiopia’s history, where political violence spilled into family homes, churches, and sacred institutions. For many, this signals that Ethiopia is entering a dangerous new phase, where even the elderly are no longer safe.
Conclusion: A Dark and Painful Moment for Ethiopia
The killing of Abebe Fantaw’s father marks a dark and painful moment in Ethiopia’s modern history. It symbolizes the erosion of humanity, the breakdown of rule of law, and the increasing weaponization of fear.
This moment demands national introspection. If justice is not served—if civilian life is not protected—Ethiopia risks losing its soul, not just its stability.
It is no longer just about political factions or ethnic alliances. It is about the very meaning of justice, dignity, and nationhood in the land that once birthed African unity.
Millions of Ethiopians express their profound sorrow and outrage regarding the reported assassination of Fano Abebe Fentaw’s father. The allegations that he was murdered by gunfire under the orders of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed are deeply disturbing. This tragic event, cannot be viewed in isolation. It is part of a wider pattern of violence resulting in the reported deaths of thousands of innocent civilians, suffering brutal indiscriminate killings inflicted by drones and heavy weaponry. Such actions constitute grave violations of human rights and international humanitarian law. The gravity of these accusations underscores the urgent need for demanding accountability by the international community. It is imperative that all those responsible for these atrocities, regardless of their position or affiliation, are brought to justice. Impunity for such acts only emboldens further violence and undermines the pursuit of peace and justice. Justice delayed is justice denied, and the pursuit of truth and reconciliation is paramount for the healing of the nation. We must collectively strive to prevent further violence and promote a just and equitable future for all.