Ethiopia: The Heralds Editorial against the new UN investigation in Northern Ethiopia is an epic failure…

Since November 2020 we have seen what the Federal Government of Ethiopia has been willing to do. They first saying “Eritrean forces” wasn’t there and later they confirmed it. Later they said “terrorists” had fled to Sudan, but that was only civilians fleeing the war-zone in the Tigray region. The government said they didn’t target civilians or civilian targets, which it did. It did bomb and shell cities, burn villages, target farmers, religious buildings and destruction of industry. Therefore, this government have lied about everything and the proof of the continuation of this is in the editorial of the Ethiopian Herald today.

No one should be shocked by this. The newspaper is always following government propaganda and defence of the state. They are willing to bend words and rhetoric to defend the indefensible. These folks will defend poisoning innocent civilians and say they ate stale bread or out-of-date drinks. That is the sort of means it will do and this is how it operate. So, now that you know this. You will not be shocked what you are about to read.

First paragraphs from the editorial:

Regarding the alleged human rights violation in Tigray State, an investigation more of acceptable by both the United Nations and the Ethiopian government was conducted by joint investigation teams of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHCR) and Office of the United Nations Higher Commission for Human Rights (OHCHR). Contradicting the findings of the investigation, the UN human rights body decided to establish an international commission of human rights experts to conduct what it said “a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegation of violations and abuses committed in Ethiopia since 3 November 2020 by all parties to the conflict.”” (The Ethiopian Herald – ‘Disobedience to principles opens door to prejudice, failure’ 19.03.2022).

They are going back to the Investigation, which blocked and made it impossible for the joint team to properly investigate the human rights violations, massacres and possible war-crimes within Tigray region. The “Operation Law Enforcement” which turned into the “Survival Campaign” only shows what the state is willing to do. We know the state has put up bureaucratic hurdles and issues, which is the reason for 500 days of humanitarian assistance blockade. That is resulting in malnutrition and starvation. It is also resulting in man-made famine and deaths, which is happening at levels we cannot comprehend. That’s all for the will and orders of the Addis Ababa government. They are pinning the “enemy” in Mekelle, but this shows how sinister their acts are. It is also evident that they don’t want independent investigation of it.

The editorial continues:

The UN biased decision came on the heels of the release of the joint probe that the government of Ethiopia had announced that the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Taskforce to oversee redress and take accountability measures in response to human rights violations committed in the context of the conflict in the northern Ethiopia. In addition, though the terrorist TPLF has been doing its level best to block all the ways, the government has vigorously worked to address those in need of humanitarian aid in Tigray region. This is the reality on the ground. Negating this genuine fact, decision to establish an extra team to conduct investigation of the same case, in the same place and of the same time makes the UN nothing but a blind horse of few powers and individuals” (The Ethiopian Herald – ‘Disobedience to principles opens door to prejudice, failure’ 19.03.2022).

As it shows and typical mannerism of anyone who defends the state at this point. They just point at TPLF and says they influenced international people or organizations. Because, international agencies or people don’t have an agency of their own or can access some reporting, which isn’t reflecting of what the Federal Government of Ethiopia wants to share. That’s why the FDRE and Prosperity Party is working on overtime to address things, but pinning blame on Tigray. Even when they are to blame and some of their allies, which is either Eritrean Defence Forces, Regional Special Forces or the Amhara Para-Military Militia “Fano” that has all committed hideous war-crimes since the start of the war in November 2020. So, the independent investigation might uncover even more sinister acts and devious means of yet to be discovered. That’s why the Federal Government have blocked access to the previous ones and done whatever it can keep the world in the dark of their operation in the Tigray Region.

Last paragraph of the editorial that matters:

This twisted trajectory of the United Nations bears witness that it has gained no lesson from its predecessor, the League of Nations, that gave deaf ears to Ethiopia’s call to condemn the then Italia’s invasion aiming to colonize the country. It is playing the same old game regarding the current situation in Ethiopia” (The Ethiopian Herald – ‘Disobedience to principles opens door to prejudice, failure’ 19.03.2022).

Indeed, here the Editorial and I might slightly agree on something. As the United Nations and League of Nations are both International Organizations, which lacks certain platitudes and organizational mechanisms to secure humanity. Also, it has certain protocols and pre-fixed power structures, which limps it works. Just like League of Nations betrayed Ethiopia in the eyes of invasion from Italy. The UN and UNSC has betrayed the people of Tigray and whole of Ethiopia, by not getting a stronger mandate or even have the powers to fully commit to the Conventions or Charter of the UN. Therefore, the Editoral is wrong about the trajectory, but instead not looking at the grand scheme of things. Yes, we are agreeing on small points, but the objectively view of it, we are not agreeing.

As the UN should do more and should have more access, but they are only allowed accordingly to the UN member state, which happens to Ethiopia itself. The UN and UN Organizations can imply or ask for observations or investigations. However, the Ethiopian state has to allow it. Therefore, parts of the blame of manner of which UN approaches things is on the basis of the states. That means it is up to the states and how they complies with the actions made by the UN. This is why the deadlocks and the stalemates are not only on the basis of how UN operates, but how the other parties are acting accordingly.

This just shows it all and this government friendly press by an outlet run by the state run Ethiopian Press Agency. Therefore, this one spread the message and the words of which is representative of the administration in Addis Ababa. With that in mind…. You know what sort of ideas and ideals, which are there.

The Ethiopian Herald has with time started to sound and act like Shabait of Eritrea. That is really evident and tragic. However, not shocking as these two nations are fighting the same war and wants to brutally end TPLF. This is why they do whatever they can to defend it and drops a dozens of lies to do it as well. Peace.

South Sudan: “Don’t abandon us”: An Open Letter to Permanent Representatives of Member and Observer States of the United Nations Human Rights Council (14.03.2022)

Ethiopia: Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Updates on Humanitarian Assistance to the Tigray Region (17.03.2022)

South Sudan: New UN Report states how the R-TGoNU have failed the R-ARCSS

The United Nations Human Rights Commission Report on South Sudan has been released. What it says is striking. I am only taking a few paragraphs from it. As it shows how the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) haven’t been implemented and what sort of affects it has on the Republic in general.

Not that it’s breaking news in March 2022 to say the R-ARCSS is working slow… that is being stated in the February 2022: “Report of the Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan”. What it says… is showing what sort of problems that is ahead and at this point in time. The international community shouldn’t push for elections, but pressure to actually fulfil R-ARCSS. Because, if they do that. It can create a timeline and possibilities for a roadmap and institutions of the state to actually govern. Instead of holding elections, which will be directed and controlled by the President by decree.

The Report starts with:

The Revitalized Agreement raised the hopes of the people of South Sudan for a long-delayed peace and the recovery and reconstruction of their country. However, further delays in establishing the Government and fierce political contestation between the signatories to the Agreement reflect the continuing failure of leaders to reach a position of political accommodation and manage diversity and are fuelling insurgencies and localized conflicts. Led by the President, Salva Kiir Mayardit, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Government (SPLM-IG) remains the dominant political force in South Sudan, through its effective control of the defence and security agencies and of resources, including oil revenues. Meanwhile, the National Salvation Front (NAS) and other armed groups outside of the Agreement have continued their insurgency” (A/HRC/49/78 – UN Report, February 2022).

Just reading this should make you worry. As it shows what is occurring and the insurgencies shouldn’t be an issue. Especially not at this scale… but the state and the government of Juba should find mechanisms and able to talk to stop the reoccurring communal violence. As that is causing more harm and insecurity, which was supposed to cease by signing the R-ARCSS.

It doesn’t get better:

The deeply disillusioned people of South Sudan lament the delays and failings of the key parties and the fragmentation of various armed forces, which remain under different, ethnically aligned, command structures.1 In December 2021, the interim Chair of the reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission, Charles Tai Gituai, warned of the growing frustrations of citizens, while the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan criticized the reduced momentum on implementing critical aspects of the Agreement” (A/HRC/49/78 – UN Report, February 2022).

The signatory parties of the R-ARCSS, all parties and involved should be worried about the statement by Chair of R-JMEC in December 2021. Because that sentiment is saying it all. They are disappointed by the slow and delayed movements of the current government. Therefore, the government should be concerned that they are betraying their role as a representatives and as a governing body. The citizens deserve peace and a proper government…

Brutal crackdown of civil society:

All these repressive measures, including the banking directive, appear to be arbitrary, be without any legal basis and lack a process for judicial or other review. The brutal State crackdown on the People’s Coalition for Civil Action implicates National Security Service, police, military and telecommunications officials, as well as the central bank, and suggests coordination and direction at the highest levels. The violations, emblematic of broader patterns documented by the Commission, severely undermine prospects for credible elections and for public participation in the transitional justice and constitution-making processes envisaged in the Revitalized Agreement” (A/HRC/49/78 – UN Report, February 2022).

Part II:

Arbitrary detentions, enforced disappearances, unlawful killings and threats to life have become commonplace in South Sudan. These acts are violations of the rights to life and liberty, which are protected under national law and applicable international human rights law and which typically also involve other human rights violations. The targeting of civil society actors for their membership of, or association with, civic organizations constricts the civic space and discourages public participation. This, in turn, prevents the emergence of a culture of accountability, transparency and respect for human rights” (A/HRC/49/78 – UN Report, February 2022).

When civil society is attacked this way and the brutal crackdown of it. It doesn’t make it possible to organize or even be a voice of reason for the ones who is left behind. The CSOs and NGOs can bring valuable context and spread the lights of various of issues in society. Especially, if the state and government are failing to oversee or make a difference for certain groups. It can also be mediator or a platform for entry of the state, if they have disfranchised itself from others as well. Therefore, brutally silencing them isn’t the way to build a greater society.

General overview of life:

The humanitarian situation in South Sudan has become a human rights crisis of epic proportions: more than 8.3 million people, amounting to 70 per cent of the population, required humanitarian assistance in 2021, with more than half of them children, of whom 1.4 million were malnourished.1 More than 7 million people (over 60 per cent of the population) experienced acute food insecurity2 and hunger-related deaths linked to the suspension by the World Food Programme of lifesaving assistance owing to global funding shortfalls were reported in several camps for internally displaced persons.3 This also affected South Sudanese refugees in Ethiopia and Uganda, whose situation became increasingly desperate” (A/HRC/49/78 – UN Report, February 2022).

The reading of this paragraph is just tragic and sad. That the extent of suffering, lack of food security and insecurity forces people in this manner. The government have clearly failed it’s mission, when the numbers and the amount of plight is at this stage. This shows what is needed right now, but there is a need to ensure this not continue. The food insecurity has to worked on, by not only World Food Programme (WFP) or others, but by the state itself. As they can ensure and find ways to produce and store food in the states.

The South Sudanese citizens should need to beg or get help from foreign donors. The state itself should be self sufficient and has vast earnings of petroleum sales. The leaders and the state could forge way of funding and getting the needs covered. However, the R-TGoNU haven’t prioritized this and it’s sad at this point. Yes, some of the lack of food or growing food insecurity comes after the floods and such in the recent year. However, the state hasn’t prepared or ensured the safety in the other states either. It isn’t just one place, but nationally. That’s why the leaders and signatories or the R-ARCSS has huge tasks ahead.

South Sudan deserves better… as we know that most likely the R-ARCSS will be further delayed and get prolonged. That is just what the current leadership does. While this isn’t making things better, but only extending the pain and not finding solutions that could be implemented on behalf of the people. Peace.

Somalia: International humanitarian donors – Humanitarian donors visit drought stricken regions of Somalia (16.03.2022)

Ethiopia: Ogaden region hit by severe draught and an additional fuel crisis…

Jigjiga without fuel and public transport stalled. Unprecedented Fuel Remains in Somali Region, Traffic Strikes Prime Minister Abi Ahmed has blamed the local government for the lack of fuel and corruption in the Somali region. Local fuel is sold to regional administrations in Somalia, with the involvement of a corrupt local administration” (Heego24 News, 14.03.2022).

The indication that a Federal Government and a Regional Government is clueless about what they are doing. Is easy to indicate when you read about what is currently happening and how things are handled. The Prosperity Party in Addis Ababa and the Regiona Government led by local puppet Mustafe Omer. Who is clearly not up for the levels of responsibility and neither able to coordinate the needs for the Ogaden (Somali Region).

That is very easy to assess after reading about the drivers, which are the ones who getting the fuel to the region. They experience and the reports from a Danish Aid Agency how things are looking in concern to the drought. Which most likely has been forewarned by FAO and other international agencies ahead of the happening. These mechanisms tends to possible navigate these things and give a set of options for the Federal Government and Regional Government. If they care about the consequence, if such happens. Alas, there been zero fucks given and that is evident. Which is why the Ogaden region is having a double crisis at ones.

Reported from Nuur Xaaji Faqid:

Complaints from Somali Regional Drivers.

Drivers in the somali area upon their arrival at the fuel depot in Djibouti, departing upon arrival kabri-bayah, is added to the army and delivered to Ararso. It was taken from Ararso by another army and they also reached Dhagah-Buur. It is being carried out by another force and will also be deployed to Kabri-dahar. As the Drivers told us every troop that slipped away wanted money and if not given it would not pass the car so they had to pay and give the soldiers a ride. So is it possible to send a soldier and then go to ten districts one by one and give each one money?” (16.03.2022).

DERF with Alter Note:

OFROSOM has submitted an alert to DERF regarding worsening of the severe drought in Somali Region, Ethiopia. The areas affected are the Somali Region in Ethiopia and most parts of SNNP and Sidama, as well as across the lowlands of southern Oromia, particularly in Bale, East Bale, Borena, Guji and West Guji zones. West and Haro Guduru Wollega zones of Oromia Region. According to the Regional Drought Response Plan for the Horn of Africa of Jan 2022, Somali Region is the most drought affected part of Ethiopia and an estimated 3,7 million people of Somali Region will require relief, which corresponds to 59% of the Somali Region population. Overall, the impact of the drought on pastoralist and agro-pastoralist communities in eastern and southeastern Ethiopia continues to deepen. A recent needs assessment in East Hararge Zone (Oromia) indicates that some 627,000 people across 11 woredas require urgent water assistance” (DERF – ‘22-006-SP Alert Note Worsening Severe Drought in Somali Region, Ethiopia (Not Activated)’ 11.03.2022).

Things will only get worse before they get better. As the state is busy scheming their own deals, instead of actually delivering what the citizens needs. The Prosperity Party and the Federal Government is blaming the regional government. While none of them is finding solutions. Meanwhile the drivers in a horrible position. Where they have to bribe anyone to get things through all the districts to reach Ogaden. This is making things costly, as well, as the international costs are rising on fuel. Which is all ensuring the negative results when coming to Ogaden in the first place.

The region lacks not only rain and food. It lacks fuel to transport water for furthering production of possible food. That says something and shows that things are dire. There is a need and there is no signs of changes anytime soon. The Federal Government and Regional Government should cooperate on this and find a resolve. In such a fashion, that ensure the livelihoods and the possible food-safety of the Ogaden. Alas, that seems to be not important and a quest the leaders wants to dodge. Hoping the international community and the aid organizations can cover their behinds. Because, this is reckless and show that they are not valuing life. Since, life is so easily to throw away and not support in the hour of need. A drought can easily turn into a famine… especially, when everything surrounding it is utter silence and inaction.

That’s what the Prime Minister is giving and what the Regional President is serving the citizens of the Ogaden region. Peace.

Ethiopia: Tigray Human Rights Forum (THRF) – Statement on the horrific act of burning people alive to death by federal and regional security forces in Ethiopia (15.03.2022)

Tonga: Plan International supports children, young people and communities of Tonga volcanic erruption (15.03.2022)

Ukraine: Russia will target all convoys entering into Ukraine

Russia will target all convoys entering Ukraine loaded with arms. Proposals on security guarantees that Russia had sent to the US and NATO before Russian forces entered Ukraine last month were no longer valid as the situation had now changed completely”– Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Ryabkov (12.03.2022).

The Russian-Belorussian invasion of Ukraine, which is today on the 17th Day. The warfare is continuing and the plights of Ukraine is rising. The invader is blocking convoys and cease-fires to make it possible for internally displaced persons to move out of conflict zones. As the Russians and their allies are shelling, sending missiles and bombing urban areas.

What is striking is that the Deputy Foreign Minister Ryahkov clearly doesn’t care about the Geneva Convention or the articles the parties of war are supposed to adhere too. One of them is Article 55, which I will refer to underneath. As that sets the stage and what any party of a conflict is supposed to do. In the case of the Russian Federation… they plan not to follow that guideline.

Rule 55. The parties to the conflict must allow and facilitate rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian relief for civilians in need, which is impartial in character and conducted without any adverse distinction, subject to their right of control” (Geneva Convention – ‘Rule 55. Access for Humanitarian Relief to Civilians in Need).

It also states:

The Fourth Geneva Convention requires States to “allow the free passage of all consignments of medical and hospital stores” intended only for civilians and “the free passage of all consignments of essential foodstuffs, clothing and tonics intended for children under fifteen, expectant mothers and maternity cases”.[1] Additional Protocol I broadens this obligation to cover “rapid and unimpeded passage of all relief consignments, equipment and personnel”.[2] This broadening is generally accepted, including by States not, or not at the time, party to Additional Protocol I.[3]” (Geneva Convention – ‘Rule 55. Access for Humanitarian Relief to Civilians in Need).

If this isn’t telling and in comparison to what the Russian are willing to do. That shouldn’t shock us, as they target anything and blows it up in their way. It isn’t like they are using smart-bombs or only targeting the ones who is fighting them. The Russian armies haven’t only gone after military bases and front-lines of the Ukrainian forces. No, it has directly gone after civilian targets and areas, which makes non-combatants as targets in this war.

This is just furthering it and escalating it. They are now going after the ones who is coming with humanitarian aide and need. The Russians are willing to target the humanitarian assistance convoys, which is entering into Ukraine. If you thought the Russians came with good intentions in Ukraine. This proves there is nothing good in this war. Only death and destruction…

We are seeing and the Russians are proud to breach the Geneva Convention. They cannot even help the citizens in need and the ones who wants to help the suffering in Ukraine. That is tragic and insane. However, that is what Kremlin and Russia is willing to do. This will also hurt foreigners and nations, which isn’t directly involved in the conflict. The targeting of the convoys will possible involve other citizens of neutral nations. Therefore, this might trigger reactions from parties and nations that nothing to do with the war. Needing-less to say… this is horrific and shows how sinister the ideals of Moscow is at the moment. That they are willing to do this and warns that they will go through with it.

I will not be shocked to read that Humanitarian workers are found dead or killed by Russian soldiers now. Because of what the Deputy Minister said. I expect it and they will casualties of war. Just because they tried to feed, nurture and get vital basic necessities into a war-zone. Peace.

Somalia: UNHCR ramps up aid to thousands displaced by Somalia drought (11.03.2022)

This is a summary of what was said by UNHCR spokesperson Boris Cheshirkov – to whom quoted text may be attributed – at today’s press briefing at the Palais des Nations in Geneva.

GENEVA, Switzerland, March 11, 2022 – UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is scaling up assistance to thousands of people displaced by severe drought in Somalia following three consecutive failed rainy seasons that have decimated crops and livestock.

People’s coping mechanisms have been eroded, forcing thousands to flee their homes in search of humanitarian assistance including food, shelter, and safe drinking water.

In the first week of March alone, more than 17,000 people in the country’s southern Bay region were internally displaced by the drought, joining tens of thousands of people similarly displaced across the country between January and February this year.

If the current trend holds, UNHCR estimates that in 2022 alone half a million Somalis will likely be displaced before the end of March.

The majority are reported to be children, older people, and pregnant and lactating mothers. Families are arriving to urban centres or existing settlements for internally displaced people, where living conditions are often difficult and there are few resources to cover the additional needs of the new arrivals.

Many children have dropped out of school to help their families earn a daily income and search for water and pasture. This has made them particularly vulnerable to risks such as forced marriage, family separation, and sexual violence and abuse. Women and girls, who make up half of the displaced population, are at heightened risk.

UNHCR is working closely with humanitarian partners to deliver much-needed assistance. So far, shelter materials, hygiene items, and other necessities have been delivered to 36,000 drought-affected people in the country, including 24,000 people in Galmudug and Puntland regions where the situation is most dire. Separated and unaccompanied children are being provided with medical assistance, psychosocial support, and counselling as well as safe spaces to protect them against forced child recruitment.

Families at risk of being evicted from their homes due to loss of income are also receiving legal assistance. In the coming weeks, at least 200 entrepreneurs will receive grants to help revive their businesses.

Globally, the climate crisis is accelerating, and the consequences of inaction are mounting. Many ecosystems are at a tipping point, and we are already seeing devastating effects on human health and life. Vulnerable communities are being hit the hardest, among them refugees, displaced, and stateless people. Over 80 per cent of refugees and internally displaced people come from the most climate vulnerable countries worldwide.

A report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change last week highlighted the uneven impacts of the climate crisis on communities that have less capacity to adapt. Vulnerabilities are being amplified where people are already facing poverty, limited access to basic services and resources, conflict, and climate-dependent livelihoods.

Urgent investments are needed to build up strong adaptive capacities where they are most needed. Without them, we will witness greater suffering, loss of life, and increasing displacement.

In 2022, UNHCR requires US$157.5 million to deliver critical aid and protection to approximately 2.9 million internally displaced people in Somalia, 40,000 refugee returnees, some 31,000 refugees and asylum seekers, and up to 15,000 new arrivals from Ethiopia and other countries. As of 1 March 2022, only 5 per cent of that amount had been received.