“Meeting of the ISSA in Dire Dawa, general Soubaglé, colonel Osman Doubad, colonel Abdourahman Cher, the son of Djama Ali Guelleh (director of the EDD), the ogas of the Issa, Ismael Tané, Saleh Omar Guelleh ,where they decided to attack from 7 places of the zone 3 of the Afar region. These attacks took place on April 14, 2024 as planned, in Hanruka, Galaqlu, Aadda Qaddoy, Sibaybi, Sarakkooma, Hargaggas, Garanik Hinnale ‘aadul. The general staff of the Djiboutian Army directed operations from the residence of the Ogas des Issa in Dire Dawa, which had a relay antenna for wireless communication, connected to the Djibouti internet” (Lettre Confidentielle de Djibouti, 16.04.2024).
This week again has been rocked by Issa-Somali militia attacking the Sitti Zone of the Afar region. That’s a conflict that has been lasting long and been used by proxies. Therefore the report of Djibouti involvement and sponsoring the Issa-Somali militia isn’t shocking.
The Issa-Somali militia which is based in the Ogaden (Somali Region) goes to attack the border regions to target civilians and cause instability. In such a manner that they can annex and gain lands. Some says because of drought and other to weaken the spirit of the Afari people. However, they are resilient and continues to fight back for the territories.
There been speculation that the TPLF is sponsoring the Issa-Somali militia, but everything goes back to Djibouti and not to Mekelle. The Tigray Defence Force (TDF) isn’t involved in this and neither is the Tigray Interim Regional Administration (TIRA). Therefore, the speculations of Tigray involvement here should be put to rest.
The Afar Regional State has stood tall in the past and will do again. They will fight for their own and most likely without much help from the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF). There reports that Oromo is part of the Issa-Somalia militia who is targeting the region. That’s because of the importance of the Ethiopian-Djibouti road, which is key for logistical purposes between Ethiopia and the port of Djibouti.
Some say it is Liyu Police Force that is attacking the Afar region. If so… then its the regional state own police of Ogaden (Somali region) that is attacking another one. That is an internal conflict created by state actors and representatives. This shows how the word of mouth is running…
However, the tragedy is the loss of lives. The insecurity and the possibility of external complication in internal affairs. It isn’t breaking news that Issa-Somali militia’s targets Afar region. That has happened before and could easily repeat itself. The Afar region deserves better and shouldn’t be a victim of power play by outsiders. That’s what is going on here… if its from the Ogaden or Djibouti. It is vicious and the region deserves so much better.
Addis Ababa should come to aide Semera. The Sitti Zone is under attack and this is causing harm, which we cannot phantom. Peace.
MinBane 