Ideology of Amhara Supremacy: Critics and rival ethno-nationalist factions (such as the TPLF and OLA) accuse Fano of harboring a supremacist ideology that seeks to return the country to a system of centralized Amhara cultural and political dominance. Groups that suffered under historical imperial policies view Fano's hardline nationalism as an existential threat to their own regional autonomy.
Ethnic Violence and Atrocities: Human rights organizations have extensively documented instances of violence and civilian casualties tied to Fano militias. Groups like the Oromo allege that Fano targets civilians, committing abuses that include targeted killings, kidnappings, and mutilation.
Territorial Disputes: Fano demands Amhara control over disputed territories, such as the Welkait area. These territorial claims have caused severe friction and violent conflicts with neighboring ethnic groups like the Tigrayans and Oromo, complicating efforts to resolve post-civil war border disagreements.
Destabilization of the Federal State: Fano evolved from a localized defense force into an armed insurgency that actively fights the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF). Other Ethiopians fear that these military campaigns—such as the offensives to seize cities in the Amhara region—risk destabilizing the entire country and potentially fracturing the Ethiopian state.