By Abebe Gellaw
Canadian Journalist, writer, and historian Jeff Peace
In a recent interview conducted by Canadian writer and journalist Jeff Pearce and published on his Medium blog, “Jeff Propulsion,” Eskinder Nega, an award-winning journalist, discussed the resistance against injustice, atrocities, and the “ongoing genocide” of the Amhara people under the Fano movement. He emphasized the historic necessity of this resistance for the cause of justice and the nation.
Asked about the common portrayal of Fano and the Amhara People’s Front (APF) as ethnic extremists or militants in online and news reports, Esknder provided insights into the nature of Fano. He described Fano as a grassroots movement that has historical roots in the quest for justice and the defense of the country. Eskinder pointed out that Fano’s association with the Amhara region is due to the unique challenges faced by the Amhara people, particularly the challenge of genocide, rather than being solely about ethnicity.
Eskinder drew a parallel between Fano and partisans from the Second World War, highlighting the decentralized nature of Fano groups, typically consisting of 10 to 30 individuals who know each other. He commended Fano’s responsible approach in recent events, where most of the Amhara region was captured by Fano groups without reports of arbitrary killings, robberies, or damage to property. However, he acknowledged reports of human rights violations by Fano groups, emphasizing the need for thorough independent investigations and accountability for those responsible. Nega made it clear that while Fano is dedicated to justice and the country, extremism and human rights violations in pursuit of these goals are unacceptable.
Eskinder also addressed concerns about APF’s name, which includes “Amhara,” and how it differentiates itself from other ethnic organizations. He explained that APF’s ethnic identity is a byproduct of the ongoing state-sponsored persecution, categorization, demonization, mass displacement, and killing of Amhara people, all indicative of genocide. APF’s primary mission and vision revolve around preventing genocide, and to achieve this noble goal, they recognize the importance of de-emphasizing identity politics.
Eskinder’s background includes his involvement in journalism and activism in Ethiopia, marked by periods of imprisonment and release. He founded several newspapers, including Ethiopis, Askual, Satenaw, and Menelik, and has been a vocal advocate for freedom of expression. Nega’s resilience in the face of adversity and his commitment to justice and human rights have made him a prominent figure in Ethiopia’s political landscape.
Eskinder also played a significant role in Ethiopian politics. He was arrested on multiple occasions, facing charges related to terrorism and political dissent. Despite these challenges, Nega continued to advocate for democracy and human rights in Ethiopia.
In recent years, Eskinder Nega has been involved in the founding of Balderas for True Democracy Party and the Amhara Popular Front (APF), which was formed in mid-2023 to launch an armed struggle against the Ethiopian regime. His experiences and unwavering commitment to his beliefs have shaped his role in Ethiopian politics and activism.
Eskinder Nega’s journey reflects the complexities and challenges of political activism and journalism in Ethiopia, where individuals like him continue to push for change and justice in the face of adversity.
—
Jeff Pearce’s interview
