Zemene Kassie

Zemene Kassie (Amharic: ዘመነ ካሴ; born 14 March 1985) is an Ethiopian politician who is the chairman of the Amhara Fano National Movement (AFNM) since 2026. He was the former leader of the Amhara Fano militia, Gojjam command. He is widely regarded as one of the prominent figures of the new Amhara nationalism.

Born in Merawi, near Bahir Dar, Ethiopia, Zemene previously worked in various government positions in the early-2010s. Following disagreements with EPRDF's regional leaders in Amhara, he was forced into exile to Eritrea and joined the Ginbot 7 opposition group in order to counter EPRDF government persecution. He then returned to Ethiopia in 2018 after premiership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, and worked in organizing Amhara youth for political actions in Ethiopia.

Zemene organized a Fano faction under the banner of Amhara Popular Force during the Tigray War when Tigrayan rebel forces invaded the Amhara region in mid-2021. It was during the Tigray War that he rose to prominence as a leading figure in the Fano militia.

Early life and education Zemene was born on 14 March 1985 and raised in Merawi, near Bahir Dar in the North Gojjam Zone of Ethiopia. In addition to his academic achievements, Zemene was also recognized for his literary talents, particularly as a poet for Merewa Band, a prominent music and art club in the Amhara region. He earned his Bachelor's degree from Haramaya University, graduating as the valedictorian and gold medalist of the class of 2007. In 2011, he completed his MSc in Urban Planning and Development at the Ethiopian Civil Service University. Zemene pictured during MSc graduation from Ethiopian Civil Service University. Zemene pictured as the valedictorian and gold medalist of Bachelors programs, class of 2007, Haramaya University.

Political career

Right after completing his studies at Haramaya, he joined the then-ruling party, EPRDF, and held various government positions both as a professional and a leader. His sensational oratory skills and academic achievements quickly set him apart, which led the party to name him as President of Amhara Region Youth League. Citing the injustices faced by the Amhara people under the authoritarian rule of the EPRDF government, Zemene moved to Eritrea in 2013 to join the Ginbot 7 party. There, he became one of the main coordinators of the armed struggle against the EPRDF regime, alongside Andargachew Tsege and Berhanu Nega. Zemene is pictured while leading the now defunct Patriotic Ginbot 7 in Eritrea.

After Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed came to power in 2018, Zemene returned to Ethiopia and was offered a cabinet position by the Amhara Region administration. He declined the offer, stating that he would not be able to make a meaningful impact from within the government. Instead, he focused on mobilizing Amhara youth through popular, fiery and often critical speeches that emphasized Amhara nationalism. As chairman of the Amhara Youth Association, he worked to unite the youth under a single organization, a move that was met with resistance from Abiy Ahmed and Oromo factions within the ruling Prosperity Party. Despite this opposition, Zemene continued to serve as an informal advisor to the Amhara Region Peace and Security Bureau under Brigadier General Asaminew Tsige, focusing on regional youth and security matters. In addition to Abiy Ahmed's alleged conspiracy and willful negligence in stopping Amhara massacre in Oromia, Asaminew Tsige's resistance to arresting Zemene and other Amhara nationalist allies became one of the key points of contention between Asaminew and Abiy Ahmed, which ultimately culminated in the Amhara Region alleged "coup attempt" and the assassination of Amhara president Ambachew Mekonnen, Brigadier General Asaminew Tsige, General Seare Mekonnen, and other prominent political and military leaders on June 22, 2019. Zemene went into hiding following the Amhara region alleged "coup" attempt.

On May 9th, 2025, several Fano groups established the Amhara Fano National Force (AFNF) with Zemene being one of the 13 central command members of this organization. Afterwards, the AFNF divided its units into regional commands and renamed them, such as the Tewodros Command in Western Amhara, which comprised Fano units that were active in Gojjam under Zemene’s command.

Leadership of the Amhara Fano National Movement On 17 January 2026, Fano factions announced the establishment of the Amhara Fano National Movement (AFNM). Zemene was named chairman of the organization, with Meketaw Mamo as deputy chairman. The organization's founding statement also identified Zemene as its chairperson.

In February 2026, the AFNM issued an open letter to the African Union, signed by Zemene as chairman, calling for international attention to the conflict and humanitarian situation in the Amhara region.

In March 2026, the AFNM announced the graduation of approximately 2,000 commando forces as part of its military organization.

In August 2026, Zemene said that Fano groups had been able to establish a united command while some armed groups had been able to form a coalition. This was in his description of a process through which Fano movement is being coordinated to seek political transformation in Ethiopia.

In an interview published in August 2026, Zemene discussed the creation of a unified Fano command and alliances with other political and armed organizations, including organizations associated with Tigray.