Ethiopia: Afar People’s Party – The Afar People’s Party Statement on the truce deal between FDRE and TPLF (26.03.2022)

The Afar People’s Party (APP) understand the Intentional humanitarian law, also know as the law of war and or law of armed conflict and how it guarantee the rights of Civilians in it’s four of Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocol I and II.

Therefore, APP adheres to The Humanitarian law as it intended principally for the parties to the conflict and protects every individual or category of individuals not or no longer actively involved in the conflict.

The APP is Committed to the fundamental purpose of international humanitarian law to end the suffering caused by war by protecting and assisting its victims as

far as possible.

The Afar People’s Party also understands the recent statements from federal government and Tigray regional government positively. as the first step of both sides to halt the war and it might be even clear the path to possibilities of further arrest the war permanently if handled carefully.

The Afar People’s Party is however, sceptical about the fact that both sides are not trustworthy enough. They are trying to use all their maximum capacity to isolate and neglect the main stakeholder of this agreement, the Afar People by ignoring the reality on the ground.

It’s crystal clear from federal and Tigray region’s statements, that they want to avoid the Afar People’s interest, ignoring the fact that they want to use Afar corridor as a major route to deliver humanitarian assistance to Tigray, neglecting the truth about encroachment and occupation of Afar Land by TPLF and downplaying the atrocities, violations of basic human rights and acute humanitarian crisis in Afar.

The Afar People’s Party is willing to play a positive role in the making of peace and stability in Ethiopia. Ending these reckless battles and hostilities and stop human suffering immediately and permanently while prioritizing the Afar People’s interest and collective well being of Ethiopians is our main objective.

Therefore, the Afar People’s Party calls upon:

1.The International community to understand the critical importance and role of the Afar People. The Dire humanitarian situation should be taken into account. APP requests from the international community and government to give equal & fair attention for nearly 700,000 Afar IDPs mainly women, children, & elderly people in all humaniterian aspects evicted from their homes by the terrorist TPLF forces.

2. To cooperate and deliver the badly needed humanitarian assistance smoothly, and more importantly to build more trust for further collaborations, The TPLF aggressors must ceasefire and must withdraw from Afar immediately and unconditionally . If they have real security concerns, they can deal with the federal government about it.

3.The federal and regional governments must contain the horror of this conflict through the deployment of ENDF, the hundreds of thousands of IDPs should return to their homes with peace guaranteed and life saving as well as rehabilitation programs must begin immediately.

4.The intentional community to understand that our main concern this time, is another round of conflict between Afars and federal government, if they continue the way they are handling the issue, and their systemic betrayal of Afaris self defense. We are carefully following the very smart way of the federal government trying to scape responsibility and portray the Afar people as a trouble maker and obstacle in the process of dealing with TPLF.

Afar will defend itself from any Illegal activities and will maintain its interest whilst working very genuinely and honestly to achieve mutual benefit of all parties.

Ethiopia: Tigray External Affairs Office – Update on the “Humanitarian Truce” (26.03.2022)

South Sudan: Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan condemns attacks on UN humanitarian convoy (25.03.2022)

Three people on the convoy were killed, and one person was wounded.

JUBA, South Sudan, March 25, 2022 – The Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan, Ms. Sara Beysolow Nyanti and the Humanitarian Coordinator ad interim (a.i.), Mr. Arafat Jamal condemn the targeted attack on a convoy carrying humanitarian commodities. They call on the perpetrators to respect international law and humanitarian staff and assets, and demand that authorities make every effort to protect communities, humanitarian personnel and assets across the country.

On 24 March 2022, a convoy of commercial trucks carrying vital life-saving food commodities from the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) was attacked between Gadiang and Yuai in Jonglei state. Three people on the convoy were killed, and one person was wounded.

“This attack is completely unacceptable. This is not the first of these incidents in this area. Criminals who choose to use violence to serve themselves ensure vulnerable people suffer more. If humanitarians and humanitarian assets are not protected, humanitarian assistance to that area will have to stop,” said Ms Nyanti.

On behalf of the humanitarian community, Mr Jamal extended his sincerest condolences to the family and loved ones of the colleagues who were killed and injured. “I have unfailing admiration for everyone who helps and supports people in need. It is devastating to realize that people undertaking vital work can be executed so heartlessly. The crime is compounded when these attacks go unpunished. These killers must not be allowed to roam free. I call on the Government to immediately implement its commitments to ensure civilians, including humanitarians, are safe,” said Mr. Jamal.

South Sudan continues to be one of the most dangerous places for aid workers, with 319 violent incidents reported in 2021 targeting humanitarian personnel and assets, including 5 aid workers killed. This is the fourth such incident targeting humanitarian commodities since 19 December 2021 in Jongeli. Attacks of this nature disrupt humanitarian operations and affect the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the most vulnerable people. The humanitarian community estimates that there are 1.7 million people in Jonglei in need.

Ms Nyanti is currently visiting donor capitals to raise the profile of the needs of people in South Sudan and advocating for support. “When humanitarian assistance is attacked, it is the people in need who suffer. Indeed, such incidents discourage those donor countries who would otherwise invest in South Sudan,” she lamented.

Ethiopia: The Humanitarian Truce of 2022 is declared like the Ceasefire in July 2021

This is really repetitive and not going anywhere. As yesterday’s late release of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia release of the “Humanitarian Truce” without seemingly have had any dialogue or contact with the stakeholders. This is making agreements and a truce without talking to the parties involved. Only having the state working on it’s own without recognizing the other party.

We know the bureaucracy of the FDRE has made it impossible together with allies on the border regions of Tigray. These has blocked, looted and ensured that no humanitarian aid has entered. If not just drops of the vast sea of needs, which is part of the war that Tripartite Alliance has prolonged against the Tigray.

For me this is reminding the time that FDRE said they announced a ceasefire in late July 2021 after continues war since November 2020. The regional government of Tigray asked for similar in the December 2021, but then the FDRE and it’s allies wouldn’t comply to it. Now in the end of March 2022 they are announcing a Humanitarian Truce. Which haven’t been made or with direct talks between Mekelle and Addis Ababa.

Prosperity Party have not reached out to the parties in Tigray Region, Amhara Region or in Afar Region for that matter. They have only decided to do this… because there is a law and possible sanctions on the horizon from the United States. The FDRE is trying to manufacture or ensure positive publicity.

While the state haven’t opened up the utilities like water, electricity or phone-lines. Neither is any of the other bureaucratic hurdles been opened up. Unless, they have suddenly ceased their mission of oversight and needed to sign of humanitarian convoys. Which has been an issue through the whole war.

On schedule the African Union statement said this: “The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, His Excellency, Moussa Faki Mahamat welcomes the Declaration of an indefinite Humanitarian Truce by the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in an effort to expedite the provision of much needed humanitarian aid to people in need in the Tigray region. The Chairperson further welcomes the announcement by the Regional Government of Tigray committing to observe the said humanitarian truce, and also welcomes its declaration of an immediate cessation of hostilities” (AU, 25.03.2022).

I am pretty sure something similar was written last year. The Tigray Regional Government had some stipulations, which time will tell if the FDRE will comply. Since they have worked with a mission of annihilation and total destruction of that region. That seems to be the goal of the “Operation Law Enforcement” and the “Survival Campaign”. However, they might say otherwise, but both statements and visions of high ranking official has said similar things.

That’s why the FDRE has to do more than statements and actually talk with the stakeholders. Which is something that will humiliate and also show grace. As that is the only way out… but we have seen how the Dialogue have been done and that isn’t promising. It is only a ploy and a nice title like the Ministry of Peace, which has only been used to boost the war-effort. Therefore, the FDRE and their ministries has a job to do. The stakeholders has to be connected and build trust.

If not… this truce is as worthless as the ceasefire of last year. Which was only made to re-group and try with new offensives against the Tigray. Peace.

Ethiopia: Tigray External Affairs Office – Statement by the Government of Tigray on Cessation of Hostilities (24.03.2022)

Ethiopa: Declaration of a Humanitarian Truce by the Government of Ethiopia (24.03.2022)

Ukraine: Civilian casualties as of 24.00 23 March 2022 (24.03.2022)

Ethiopia: Advocacy Organizations Urge the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to Pass the Ethiopia Peace and Democracy Promotion Act (23.03.2022)

Sudan: World Food Programme – Worsening Food Crisis Looming in Sudan Amid Economic Downturn, Displacement, and Ruined Crops (23.03.2022)

The situation looks grim for millions as the conflict in Ukraine is causing further spikes in food costs.

KHARTOUM, Sudan, March 23, 2022 – The combined effects of conflict, economic crisis, and poor harvests are significantly affecting people’s access to food and will likely double the number of people facing acute hunger in Sudan to more than 18 million people by September 2022, warns the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Food Programme (WFP).

“There are already worrying signs that access, affordability, and the availability of food is shrinking for most people in Sudan, which is pushing more people deeper into poverty and hunger,” said Eddie Rowe, WFP Representative and Country Director in Sudan.

In recent months, there has been a surge in the numbers of people displaced due to conflict in parts of Darfur and the Kordofan region. This insecurity has eroded livelihoods, damaged farms, and triggered widespread unemployment.

The depreciation of the Sudanese Pound (SDG) in addition to rising food and transportation costs are making it harder for families to put food on the table. A lack of access to hard currencies is likely to result in the SDG further depreciating.

TheCrop and Food Security Assessment Mission (CFSAM) report by FAO and WFP indicates that the domestic cereal production from the 2021/22 agricultural season is expected to produce 5.1 million metric tons. This will only cover the needs of less than two thirds of the population, leaving many reliant on humanitarian food assistance and dependant on imports of essential grains at prices beyond the reach of most people.

“Rising food prices and scarcity of essential agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and seeds mean that farmers have no other option than to abandon food production if they do not receive immediate support. This will likely have grave consequences not only for their food security but also on food availability in Sudan and may ultimately lead to more conflict and displacement,” said Babagana Ahmadu, FAO Representative in Sudan.

The situation looks grim for millions as the conflict in Ukraine is causing further spikes in food costs, as Sudan is dependent on wheat imports from the Black Sea region. Interruption to the flow of grain into Sudan will increase prices and make it more difficult to import wheat. Currently, local prices of wheat are at over US$ 550 per ton – an increase of 180 percent compared to the same period in 2021.

“The ripple effects created by the bullets and bombs landing in Ukraine will be felt far and wide, including here in Sudan, as families are set to suffer even further with basic meals becoming a luxury for millions. But at the same time, WFP finds itself in the awful position of not having enough resources to meet the ever growing needs,” added Mr Rowe.

In 2021, WFP was a lifeline for nearly 9 million people in Sudan who suffered through the turmoil of political unrest and economic instability. On top of life-saving food assistance, cash and livelihood support for families helped them not only survive, but also thrive. But this year, WFP food stocks in Sudan are running dangerously low and without new funding they will begin running out by May. A funding crunch, led by a US$270 million shortfall, has already forced WFP to prioritize the most vulnerable of the vulnerable people, meaning others in need go without, and further cuts may be necessary if WFP does not receive new funds immediately.

In 2021, FAO reached nearly 1.5 million vulnerable people in Sudan with life-saving livelihoods assistance to enhance the resilience of their agriculture-based livelihoods. This year, FAO requires USD 51.4 million to support 2 million vulnerable farming and pastoral households to produce their own food, keep their livestock alive and productive, and strengthen their resilience. Urgent support is required to provide essential agriculture inputs to vulnerable farming households before the main agriculture season starts in June, so that they can produce enough food and become self-reliant.

Ethiopia: The humanitarian assistance blockade in the Tigray region is weaponizing starvation on a massive scale

What the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Republic of Eritrea have deliberately done since the start of the war in November 2020 is to make bureaucratic hurdles, block roads and all sorts of passing to ensure the catastrophe, which is appearing in front of our eyes.

We are now in the March 2022 and the collective retaliation against one region is severe. The possible man-made famine, starvation and usage of food to weaponize hunger is clear. There is no middle-ground or justification for this. It is just bluntly genocide, not by the usage of guns or ammunition. No, this is collective punishment of a region, because the leadership and the political parties didn’t’ comply with the will of one man in Addis Ababa. The party and leadership didn’t accept to be part of the newly minted Prosperity Party and ran on their own. This is why he has to punish and use punitive actions to get them under his “unifying” banner.

This is not only hurting rural farmers, which is not getting the seeds in time to plant. No, the whole blockade is ensure death is surrounding every corner. Medicines are not entering the region or in stock at the hospitals. The region haven’t had electricity or water for months on end.

The overall situation in northern Ethiopia is still highly tense and unpredictable. In Amhara, sporadic clashes continue to be reported along areas bordering Tigray in North Gondar, North Wollo and Waghemra zones. Similarly, the situation in Afar Region continues to deteriorate, with armed clashes reported in Abala, Berahle and Koneba Woreda in Zone 2. Access beyond Afdera Woreda, Zone 2 is currently impossible due to the clashes, hindering humanitarian operators from accessing an estimated 200,000 displaced people located in the inaccessible area, according to authorities. In Tigray, heavy fighting was reported in the eastern parts of Atsbi Dera Woreda in Eastern Zone. Airstrikes were also reported in Alamata and in the outskirts of Shire Town on 10 and 11 March respectively. The reports are yet to be verified and confirmed” (…) “In Tigray, families are exhausting all remaining means to access food, with three quarters of the population reported to be using extreme coping strategies to survive. The level of food insecurity is expected to worsen in the coming months as remaining food stocks from the last harvest, which was half of normal year production, get depleted and humanitarian assistance is not delivered at scale and on time due to lack of road access into Tigray to bring in supplies. The 2022 Meher season is a month away and prospects are bleak unless immediate action is taken to avail seed and fertilizer to farmers in Tigray on time. The implication of a third consecutive poor agricultural season will be devastating on the lives and livelihoods of the conflict-affected population. There was no movement of emergency agricultural inputs (seed, fertilizer, and agro-chemicals) into Tigray Region since the beginning of July 2021. At present, only 4,000 tonnes of improved seed of a total of 49,000 tonnes required is available in the region. Arrangement is being finalized to transport seeds, fertilizers and animal feed from Addis Ababa through air cargo” (OCHA – ‘NORTHERN ETHIOPIA – HUMANITARIAN UPDATE -Situation Report’ 17.03.2022).

We know that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dropped a statement on the same day saying a convoy was on the way and to help the region. While it has been later reported that the Convoy came to the Zone 2 in Afar region where it was stopped, looted and destroyed before entering into the Tigray Region. This how the Humanitarian assistance is blocked and stopped before entering. There is only a little entering by plane or by air-dropping it over the region. Therefore, we know things are bad.

Just to put it perspective, here is how the OCHA described food security gaps on the 17th March:

As of 14 March, there was only around 800 MT of food commodities within Tigray. Out of the 800 MT, there is only enough stock (47 MT) for a balanced three-commodity basket. The rest of the 750 MT is mainly only pulses and oil, not able to form a balanced three-commodity basket. The closure of Semera-Abala-Mekelle route for the movement of humanitarian cargo to Tigray since mid-December 2021, while the food stocks available to humanitarian organizations for food distribution are almost depleted. The Western Zone in Tigray continues to be inaccessible for most partners, and information about the situation on the ground remains limited. In Amhara, Abergele woreda in Wag Hamra Zone is partially accessible due to insecurity thereby delaying food dispatches and distributions” (OCHA – ‘NORTHERN ETHIOPIA – HUMANITARIAN UPDATE -Situation Report’ 17.03.2022).

When you read this and see how the overview is stated. You know things are dark and grim. Especially, when the state and allies acts like everything is fixed for the latest convoy. While only days later there is reports of stopping and looting it. The other air-drops of humanitarian assistance is only given the region a fraction of what it needs. This has been described by the UN Organizations and Multi-National Aid Organizations, which did work in the Tigray region. We are seeing deliberate actions to block and stop the needs of others met.

This is the sort of weaponization of humanitarian assistance and food security. They are doing it and there is millions who are suffering because of it. The plights of Tigray Region cannot be overstated. The deaths and malnutrition is all on the hands of leadership of the Addis Ababa. The Federal Government haven’t done their duty and they are in-charge of the demise of these people. Therefore, they are vindictive and viciously taking lives by not allowing third parties to deliver or spread food to a part of the population. That is the sort of reasonable Prosperity Party, which is in power.

This is the sort of thing, a Peace Prize Winning Prime Minister is busy doing. The PM has to be held accountable… and his government is transparent about it. They have within his party and government officials spoken of wanting death and venom over anyone being ethnically Tigrayan. Therefore, the weaponization of food seems to work in this favour. It is tragic and a sinister, which leads to these atrocities.

At the very moment, there isn’t massacres made with weaponry, drones or machetes. No, it is done by the ill-will and deliberate act of starving a population. That is the sort of order and decree, which gives the Prosperity Party to hold parties and celebrate their existence in Addis Ababa. Peace.