Ethiopia: The PP is lying about the fuel crisis in the Tigray region…

During last week alone 3 fuel tankers carrying 137,913 litres have arrived in Mekelle, cumulatively reaching 920,309 liters of fuel sent to the region. The myth of fuel shortage is a TPLF hidden agenda to enhance mobility of its army in preparation for another round of conflict” (FDRE Government Communication Service, 23.06.2022).

Just as the Prosperity Party of the FDRE Government Communication Service was willing to lie about the closure of Mekelle Airport in the Tigray region. They are willing to lie about the fuel crisis and lack thereof in the Tigray Region. The lack of fuel and not enough of it. Is a reason for why the humanitarian assistance isn’t able to reach across the Tigray region. The vehicles cannot drive across the terrain or the roads to distribute the humanitarian assistance there.

It is really telling that the FDRE Government Communication Service did this today. That is just a sign of escalation and plans for future endeavours. This they have done before and the regime of Addis Ababa has no scruples or concerns about the consequences. As long as their detail and their message is spread across. Because, this is vilifying the victims and that what they pursuit.

Similarly in Tigray, extreme food insecurity is leading some IDPs to resort to eating wild plants to survive. While the arrival of additional humanitarian supplies into Tigray is expected to address some of these gaps, the scale of response is challenged by the lack of fuel to transport the supplies from Mekelle to different parts of the region. At least more than 334,000 liters of fuel (around 7 to 8 fuel tankers) are needed to distribute more than 42,000 MT of relief supplies within the region. Overall, since road convoys movement resumed on 1 April, about 2,500 trucks carrying over 101,000 MT of cargo, of which 86 per cent of the supplies are food and nutrition, have reached Tigray, including 21 fuel tankers. This includes 532 trucks, including 3 fuel tankers, arrived in Tigray during the reporting period” (OCHA, 16.06.2022).

I don’t the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs or OCHA would have any interests about lying or making fuel a myth in Tigray. To the contrary they need to be straight and honest for their donor and the international community, which funds the operations of the UN organizations and the humanitarian assistance to the Tigray region. The OCHA has no interests or needs to exaggerate or even make things worse. They are just in the business of addressing the needs and the hurt of the region.

That’s why I have little faith in a government, which has inflicted harm, punished a region collectively and persistent in vilifying the leadership of region. While never acting accountable or being transparent about own actions, which has created and ensured the humanitarian catastrophe of man-made famine and starvations of the Tigray region. That blockade for months on end has created it and they cannot switch the narratives now. Especially, when the OCHA reports, which is the newest one says it so vividly.

FDRE Government Communication Service needs a better writer and narrator. Heck, they need someone who can speak and say the truth. This is government propaganda in the purest form. It is not a myth that the Humanitarian assistance needs more fuel, but a fact, which is as a result of the federal government sponsored blockade. A blockade that has been successful in such a way, that we don’t know how many lives, how many millions who will be touched by it or is barely surviving. Because, we have bare estimations of 9 millions, but that is maybe only on the surface and who knows how bad it really is. Peace.

Ethiopia: The PP is willing to lie about the closure of Mekelle Airport…

TPLF terrorist group blocked aid flights to Mekelle airport.

The government of Ethiopia in collaboration with the international community has been facilitating daily air transportation to Tigray for the delivery of pharmaceuticals, medical equipment and nutritional supplements. By expanding humanitarian assistance, from June 11th, 2022 to June 17th, 2022, the federal government facilitated the transportation of 22,250 metric tons of food items to the Tigray region by 363 trucks. Despite the encumbrance of the TPLF terrorist group, Ethiopia’s federal government demonstrated its unwavering commitment to addressing the region’s humanitarian need. But since yesterday, the terrorist group has blocked aid flights to Mekelle airport. The group using the people of Tigray as a weapon of propaganda, once again shows its priority is disseminating false information instead of providing aid to the people. The federal government calls on the international community to condemn the recent blockade of flights by the terrorist group and to further investigate the reasons behind it” (FDRE Government Communication Sevice, 23.06.2022).

We know the vilification of the Tigray People Liberation Front (TPLF) and the Regional Government of Tigray is on system overload. Because, they need excuses and vilify the victims. At such a rate it doesn’t make sense. The TPLF and the regional government of Tigray haven’t blocked entry of humanitarian assistance or airlifting of such. Why would they?

It is saving lives, as millions are facing a man-made famine, starvation and an epic humanitarian crisis. Which is created by the long blockade and lack of assistance over a very long time. This wasn’t a problem created yesterday, but has been long overdue. The Addis Ababa regime and all their bureaucrats has stifled, stopped and ensured a tragedy could occur in Tigray. The mere percentages of what is needed is still the case. There is 9 millions who needs food aid, which OCHA reported on the recent update.

So, when the regional government has allowed airlifting supplies for the current reporting time. Why should they suddenly stop? That isn’t making sense. Especially, when the region is facing starvation, famine and a crisis, which has been reported and warned about for months on end. The regional government would earn currency blocking it. That is only valuable to Addis Ababa who has done this deliberately. Therefore, I don’t trust the FDRE Government Communication Service, which has lied about the conflict before.

OCHA Ethiopia prepares this report with the support of Cluster Coordinators. The data/information collected covers the period from 7 to 13 June 2022” (…) “From 7 to 13 June, 532 trucks (including 3 fuel tankers) arrived in Tigray. Since convoys resumed on 1 April 2022, a total of 2,499 trucks (over 101,100 MT of cargo) have transited to Tigray, including 21 fuel tankers. The cluster facilitated the airlift of some 10.9 MT of health, nutrition and agriculture cargo from Addis Ababa to Mekelle during the reporting period” (OCHA – Northern Ethiopia – Humanitarian Update – Situation Report, 16.06.2022).

So, when OCHA reports about airlifting in that period of time and with the knowledge of the needs of the region. I doubt the TPLF and the Tigray Region Government would sudden block entry now. Which it is in dire need of. If anything it’s excuses of the Federal or Central Government of Addis Ababa to further their blockade of humanitarian assistance, which they have become infamous for. The Prosperity Party has to answer for that, because I don’t believe them. These folks has lied about everything possible and blamed the mothers too. Therefore, they should carry themselves with some humility and knowledge of the pain they have suffered to the region.

However, I wouldn’t count on it. When vengeance and blood-thirsty goons are running the show. War-lords with no hearts and no conscience of their actions. That’s why people can die, so they can prosper. Peace.

Ethiopia: Government of Tigray – External Affairs Office – Statement on the Addis Authorities’ False Claims Regarding the Closure of Mekelle Airport (23.06.2022)

Ethiopia: Abiy we don’t believe you…

Attacks on innocent civilians & destruction of livelihoods by illegal and irregular forces is unacceptable. There is zero tolerance for horrific acts claiming lives recently in both Beninshangul & Oromia regions by elements whose main objective is to terrorize communities. Restoring peace and security in affected communities remains our key priority” (Abiy Ahmed Ali, 20.06.2022).

The head of state, the men of honour and of executive privilege is speaking. This being Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. Who is responding to a public outcry after yet another massacre is going public. Alas, we don’t believe him, because this is to common and practice of the security apparatus of the state. While blaming either the victims or the regional militias, which is doing more to defend civilians, than the security organization of the Federal State.

The ones coming with orders from the federal state can be vicious, sinister and destroy neighbourhoods. The state can with the iron fist and with the orders to quell any dissidents by any means. That means arresting the activists, the youths and whoever else who is vocal. While killing senselessly anyone who steps up and who is of the wrong ethnicity at the time. This being the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF), Regional Special Forces who are deployed in other regions than their own or just straight up regional militia trained by government entities like the “Fano”. Therefore, the bloodshed isn’t anything new.

The 200 dead should make you numb and break you heart, but it’s so common. It is the law of the land and is ordered from the “high above”. The PM most likely knows about it. His informed by the regional governments and they know perfectly well what is going on. He is maybe able to fool someone, but not everyone all the time.

The leaks, the videos and the statement of others. Are just proving his involvement and that the state is behind it all. He tried to trick the world about the conflict in the North. Where he was even playing up to a certain point that the Eritrean Defence Force (EDF) wasn’t involved. Until he had to be upfront and say they would “investigate” the matter. However, nothing has ever come out of it. They just accepted the massacres in Tigray and moved on. Just like they created a man-made famine, a well prepared genocide and continued to bushwhack donors to feed the government foreign currency. Therefore, it is hard to believe a government doing that… will ever do something righteous.

Abiy and his allies have lived and thrived on bloodshed. If it was bloody skirmishes in the Ogaden region. The total destruction of Querro and dissidents in Oromia. The deaths and zones of destruction in Afar or parts of the Amhara for that matter now. There isn’t anywhere where the forces of the state is leaving behind peace, but instead leaving behind caskets and dead bodies. The remains of citizens caught in the cross-fire or becoming prey to vicious men in uniform. That is just the “nature” of things and the stores keep coming. There is no brief moment of silence, it is just continued violence.

That’s why statements like today’s from the PM is pointless. We know another massacre will happen in due time. The Regional Special Force, the army or anyone else associated with the state will be the burden behind it and the EHRC will call it out. However, nothing will ever happen and the victims will be pinned on opposition. Because, that is what Abiy does and continues to do. He thinks this trick works and can shield himself from all blame.

However, the gig is up. The bloodshed, the tyranny and the devastation is done in his name. It is on the “medemer” accords and the “fake” unity, which he proclaims on a regular. In the name of “rule of law” which is the weapon to take lives and never have to account for it. Because, the bullets are used, the lives taken and no one is ever responsible for it. These lives are just taken and never any consequences. Villages are destroyed, families are broken up and loved ones taken away prematurely. Just so one man can crown himself king.

This is the “medemer” terror and Abiy will be remembered for that. That is his legacy and the green-washing his name will not save him. The remains on the ground, the blood, the tears and the famines will be the detriment to his name. There will be no legacy of the going green, but bleeding red. Peace.

Karamoja: The NRM got money for the army, but not for the starving…

The recent surge in cattle theft and cross-border conflicts in Minister Kasiaja: Karamoja sub-region issues will continue to be addressed. In a recent supplementary budget, Government provided Shs.112.5 Billions to facilitate the UPDF to carry out operations” (91.2 Crooze FM, 14.06.2022).

More than half a million people are going hungry in Karamoja – Report” (…) “A new report indicates that the Karamoja region is undergoing a crisis of food insecurity and may slump into famine if there are no measures to reverse the situation immediately. The report on integrated food security phase classification also shows that Moroto and Kaabong districts are in a critical phase of acute malnutrition. While receiving the report, the government committed to implementing some of the short-term recommendations” (NTV Uganda, 14.06.2022).

We know that the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) launched Operation Usalama Kwa Wote in July 2021 and they have continued ever since. The UPDF and the authorities have burned villages and killed civilians in their manhunt for cattle-rustlers. However, there been no oversight or proof of their operation really stopping violence or the murders for cattle in the region.

The only thing that has been shown is that the government has killed around 700 civilians and there is no direct justification or proof of the need to do so. There is no direct proof of the use of firearm or report on the use of the weapon. People are just killed and dying because the UPDF said so.

In this regard… the budget priorities are very clear. As the Karamoja is getting funds for the operations of the UPDF in the region. However, there is nothing scheduled or funds to cover or help the people in need. Karamoja is possibly getting into famine and people are now going hungry. That is a sign that the government has failed this people. They are now in the hands of the government.

The UPDF seems to be more important than the civilians it is defending. Since, it has funds and operational means, but the public don’t have what they need. Neither does the state has the mechanisms or the institutions to help them. That’s why they are starving and not getting help. This shortfall has to be covered by either a UN Organizations, CSOs or NGOs. Because, they have ability and funds to come to their aide. Since, the state don’t pay it no mind and would only care if it was profitable.

Karamoja have been targeted and the army has intervened as it has… because the minerals and mining operations needs land. The villages and the people have to flee lands and the use of former methods is to shield their operation. Now it is even more evident as Karamoja is getting money for the army, but not the people in need. This has been forecasted by FEWSNET and others. It isn’t like it happened without any forewarning.

Karamoja was in a danger-zone and the army operations there wouldn’t make it any better. No, the state has addressed its own needs, but the needs of the population. The region has burned because of the army and the soldiers haven’t helped the farmers or the cattle-keepers. Instead it has possibly worsened it and created more internally displaced people. Therefore, it is striking that the UPDF gets funds, as a reported half a million will live in food insecurity and live in hunger.

I don’t see the state doing much or taking action about it. This will most likely spiral into a famine. Because, the state doesn’t have mechanisms or the willpower to do what is necessary now. That’s because the ministries and the institutions haven’t been invested into and neither is there a working protocol for cases like these. That’s for the simple reason: The International Community and their aid organizations are the shortfall for the inept and corrupt elites of Kampala.

That’s why the Minister of Karamoja will do nothing and neither will anyone associated with it. They are awaiting orders from the Office of the Prime Minister and the State House. Which will wait and we shouldn’t expect any miracles. The army is stationed here and they will not bring hope to a troubled region. A region that has burned and now it’s soon starving too. It doesn’t get a minute of peace or hope. Peace.

Eritrea: Statement of the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights situaton in Eritrea, Mr Mohamed Abdelsalam Babiker – 50th Session of the Human Rights Council – Ineractive Dialogue on Eritrea – 13 June 2022 (13.06.2022)

Ethiopia: The FDRE wants to profit on the needs of fertilizer to the Tigray region…

 

The viciousness and the usage of conflict to earn profits or consolidate power has no ends in Addis Ababa. The Prosperity Party and their allies are using the conflict beyond shadow of a doubt. While the humanitarian truce is in effect and some convoys are reaching the Tigray region. There been reports of blocking seeds and such in Afar region, as it was about to on a later stage enter Tigray. Therefore, we know the total humanitarian assistance haven’t reached it’s destination.

That’s why reading this from FAO is really alarming, as the Federal Government has ensured the man-made famine and the starvation in the region as well. That has been done because of the besieged roads into it and the blockade, which is done with the “mercy” of the state. This is why so many people in the region is suffering and has a daily plight, which we cannot imagine. The OCHA reports of late has shown that. Even with the drip-drops of entering convoys. That is still not enough to patch the hurt or the damage created by all the months of non-entry of humanitarian assistance.

That’s why reading this… you know what sort of sinister game the Prosperity Party is playing with the international community and the donors of the humanitarian assistance to the Tigray region. Just read these lines here. As we are in the middle of planting season and without seeds or fertilizers the next harvest is doomed. So, the PP is really showing their “heart” on this one.

FAO Urgent Call:

Tigray’s Meher season is just weeks away (June/July 2022). With the rainfall outlook favourable (normal to above-normal), the season offers a critical and cost-effective opportunity to improve food availability across the region. However, limited access to agricultural inputs (particularly fertilizers, but also seeds) is a major threat to the season. The Government of Ethiopia has offered humanitarian agencies access to fertilizer through a government facility to support vulnerable households in the Tigray region. As the lead agency of the Agriculture Cluster, FAO is calling for urgent funding from resource partners to enable Cluster partners to immediately secure 60 000 tonnes of fertilizer from the government facility and ensure farmers have it in-hand before the start of the season. The existing humanitarian truce offers an important opportunity to deliver inputs to Tigray” (Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) – ‘Tigray: Urgent call for assistance’ 06.06.2022).

Just imagine the millions in needs and who has been blocked for months on ends. Bank-accounts frozen, no telephones, no electricity and no food security. The same folks are now awaiting the World Food Programme and other organizations to come in and fill the void. However, it isn’t enough to air-lift or purchase the needed seeds or fertilizer. No, that has to happen locally and the PP has ensure earning currencies on it. The same folks that has blocked and besieged the region. They are now planning to profit on the misery they have created since November 2020. The PP has the nerve and the guts to do so. Because, they know the UN and their agencies will not try to pull strings or find other avenues of getting it. Since, they are living on the mercy and begging to enter to begin with.

That’s why this sort of play… only shows how vicious and sinister the PP is. They have no concern of the plight, the famine or the starvation happening in Tigray. No, they don’t pay it no mind and only wants to earn fortunes on it. Now, they are ensuring all fertilizer are provided by the state and ensuring revenue this way. While they should be lucky to get it for free in the first place and it should been a donations to the ones in need. Instead, they have to beg for funds and ensure they can reach the season. This is the preparation time and soon it’s to late.

So, it is really saying something when the FAO has to do this in June, as the planting is starting in July. Therefore, the time table is short and the strings, which is put on them is a burden too. If it had been cheap and easy. The FAO wouldn’t have come with a plea for help or the urgency of funds. That just shows how the FDRE wants to profit on the misery of their own people. Peace.

Ethiopia: Genocide Prevention in Ethiopia (GPE) – State Organized Crimes such as Assassinations, Abductions, Kidnappings, and Torture have intensified in Ethiopia, the so-called Amhara region is under siege by the Oromo Special Command Force! (07.06.2022)

Ethiopia: Statement by the Government of Tigray on The New Humanitarian article, entitled “EXCLUSIVE: the Ethiopian border town is in ruins as a cessation of hostilities takes effect” (07.06.2022)

Ethiopia: The OPM is lying about the humanitarian assistance into Tigray

Today’s release of information from the Office of the Prime in Addis Ababa isn’t sincere about the realities on the ground. These sorts of statements make it believe that the war-torn region is getting relief and direct help that matters. It does, but to a such an extent of non-existence. That’s why the Federal Government is trying to jade the waters and make itself sound reasonable.

Even when everyone knows that the Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali has spoken ill of “wheat-aid” and has thought they had “other missions” with it too. The Prosperity Party and allies are thinking the aid agencies are helping directly the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and their Tigray Defence Force (TDF). That’s what we have heard in the past and been a “valid” reason for the blockade and blocking humanitarian assistance from entering the region.

Here is today’s statement. Then underneath the true reality of the matter.

Humanitarian Assistance in Northern Ethiopia:

As it pertains to humanitarian assistance in the N. Ethiopia, through the GoE’s declaration of an indefinite humanitarian truce, the supply of humanitarian assistance continues to show progress. As of June 3, 2022 data from NDRMC:

GoE has continued to expedite the supply of food & other humanitarian supplies to reach Tigray region. The misconception that the GoE obstructs humanitarian assistance continues unabated. In fact, the Gov’t has redoubled its efforts to expedite assistance to all in need. The international community is encouraged to intensify its effort to meet the humanitarian needs in Ethiopia, including for the Tigray Region. TPLF appears to prepare for another offence during the coming farming season. Food & non-food items are not reaching the needy. TPLF continues to forcefully conscript people into its forces. Its atrocities will disrupt agricultural activities & further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Tigray region. Any offence by the TPLF would undermine GoE’s effort to avoid another round of conflict” (Office of the Prime Minister, 06.06.2022).

It sounds rosy right? Sounds in some way legit? Well, it isn’t like this and they are blaming TPLF and pointing at them for possibly conscripting soldiers. When the “humanitarian truce” is reported to be a possible break or cease-fire to ensure the ENDF and allies are prepared for another offensive. Which has been the method of the regime in the past. So, maybe the PP and loyalist around Abiy should reconsider their approach. Open all doors and show compassion. However, that is to much to ask from warlords and people with vengeance in their hearts.

Just read here what is really going on!

At checkpoints in Afar, authorities turned back trucks containing high energy biscuits and teff seeds. Why are these not allowed to enter Tigray? Why are restrictions on humanitarian aid not acted upon? Why are crimes against humanity given impunity?” (Tim Vanden Bempt, 06.06.2022).

OCHA reported this:

The situation in northern Ethiopia remains calm but unpredictable. Several areas remain hard to reach to humanitarian partners including some areas in Wag Hamra and North Gonder zones in Amhara along the border with Tigray, some areas in Zone 2 in Afar, and the extreme northern parts of Tigray and Western Zone. Hostilities were reported in the northern parts of Tigray. During the reporting week, two convoys of 320 trucks carrying humanitarian essential supplies of food, nutrition, and non-food items arrived Tigray via the Semera-Abala-Mekelle road. In total, since the resumption of convoy movement on 1 April and following an interruption of more than three months, 1,176 trucks (45,152 MT) including 15 fuel tankers (644,483 liters) arrived in Mekelle through thirteen humanitarian convoys. In parallel, approximately 15.5 MT of supplies have been airlifted to Mekelle during the reporting period that included health supplies (9 MT), emergency shelter and non-food items (ES/NFIs) (6.5 MT). Since 15 December 2021, partners have airlifted 750.6 MT to Tigray, equivalent to 18 trucks. This included nutrition supplies (409.3MT) health supplies (211.1 MT) 106.4 MT ES/NFIs, and 23.8 MT of Agriculture and Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) items. Although humanitarian partners were able to bring some fuel for humanitarian operations to Tigray in the last two months, the amount brought is still insufficient and the fuel reserve is at low levels, severely hindering humanitarian operations. Nutrition partners, for instance, need about 24,000 liters of fuel to dispatch available nutrition supplies, including lifesaving therapeutic milk and ready to use therapeutic and supplementary foods, to about 240 health facilities across the region. Ayder hospital in Mekelle, the biggest referral hospital in the region, serving more than 300,000 patients, announced that it has stopped pediatric and intensive care unit services effective 29 May due to lack of fuel to run the generator. Seeds and fertilizers to farmers in Tigray are urgently needed as the Meher planting season (from May to early August) Seeds and fertilizers to farmers in Tigray are urgently needed as the Meher planting season (from May to early July) has already started. Crop production and livestock production in the region accounts for 70 percent and 30 percent (respectively) of the livelihood. Without both improved seeds and fertilizers, farmers will likely experience a considerable drop in production compared to last year, further exacerbating levels of food insecurity” (OCHA, 03.06.2022).

So, when the Prosperity Party and Office of the Prime Minister comes with such a brass statement of humanitarian assistance. The UN Organization of OCHA who has been following and gathering reports through the conflict isn’t mincing its words. They are showing the truth and the true reality. Which is grim. It is dark. A man-made famine, starvation and lack of basic necessities. That has been the goal and the targets are met for the rulers of Addis Ababa.

Abiy and his fellow leaders must be so proud that they are starving and slowly killing Tigray region. If they are not dying now of hunger. They might easily die of lack of food or nutrition after the next harvest season. Which is destroyed, because the lack of fuel and seeds… the lack of time to prepare the fields and ensure the farms of the region. That’s what the tyrant and the “Medemer Terror” has brought upon the Tigray region.

The Government of Ethiopia is only undermining and blocking any sort of meaningful help, which it has done for months upon months now. They are not willing or really wanting to help the Northern Ethiopia. No, they are collectively punishing everyone. Because, the Prime Minister didn’t get his will when he consolidated power. Peace.