Ten Amhara women held by armed groups in Ethiopia’s Benishangul-Gumuz region for up to four years have been released, following negotiations led by the Chairman of Amhara Fano National Movement (AFNM) with the Gumuz armed group.

Zemene Kasse, chairman of AFNM, personally oversaw the women’s return after several days of discussions with the armed groups.

Zemene Kasse emphasized that the movement’s struggle targets political injustice and anti-Amhara ideology, not individual ethnic communities.

He said “we remain committed to fostering reconciliation with neighboring groups, including the Gumuz and Shinasha peoples”.

He added that the AFNN will continue building alliances with local forces, guided by unity, peace, and the protection of Amhara communities across Ethiopia.

The women were captured amid repeated clashes in the Metekel Zone, where fighting between local Gumuz militias and state forces has displaced communities and targeted Amhara civilians.

The region has experienced prolonged instability initiated by the regime, with cycles of violence affecting mainly ethnic Amharas.

Analysts describe the release of the Amhara women as a major diplomatic victory for AFNM and a turning point for the formation of anti-regime alliances in Ethiopia.