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The first unprovoked invasion of Afar region by TPLF began in mid-July 2021 occupying the central Afar zone (Zone 4) leaving hundreds of thousands displaced, infrastructures destroyed, domestic animals were raided and mass-killed by heavy artilleries, schools and health facilities are looted and burned down to the ground . Civilian causalities in this attack are much underreported given the majority of the victims are pastoralists without civil registration system.
However, the heinous bloodbath occurred on 5 August 2021 in Gaalikooma kebele of Gulina district in Zone 4, where more than 280 displaced families temporarily sheltered-in health and a school facilities bombarded by heavy artilleries of Tigary forces. The victims of this barbaric act were children, women and elderly IDPs. This act of terror was reported by the press statement of UNICEF.
In September 2021, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights reported about the prevailing atmosphere of fear, and deterioration of living conditions and gross violations of human rights that resulted in the forced displacement and suffering of the civilian population.
The second aggression of TPLF on Afar started on 24 Jan 2022; one month just after the TPLF announced its troops withdrawal from both the Afar and Amhara regions. Since then residents of Aba’ala, Magale, Erebti, Barahle and Konnaba are enduring the harshest period. This second unprovoked and systematic offensive has created a wave of civilian displacement and a mass exodus of population exposing them to hunger and thirst in desert landscape.
Moreover, a systematic destruction of health facilities, looting and burning of food stores and warehouses for essential medicines, confiscations of domestic animals and plundering of small business has disrupted the livelihood of Afar people. Hence, the entire region is facing famine like situation. Similarly there is a growing challenge with regard to deteriorating health conditions of IDPs (Internally Displaced People) where essential medicines are inaccessible.
The magnitude of infrastructure destruction and human suffering as well as crime against humanity in Afar region is unfolding in daily bases. Afar people are now a nation going through a trauma, while both the Federal Government of Ethiopia and the International Community stays silent to what is happening.
It is important to recall that the Afar People’s Party (APP) has decided not to Participate in the process of National Dialogue and Reconciliation Commission; due to it’s exclusiveness , lack of transparency and huge and direct influence and involvement of Federal Government.
We reject any exclusive,non-pariticipatory bilateral deals or negotiations of both TPLF and GoE while A deadly war is still taking place in Afar and the northern part of Afar region is under the occupation of TPLF.
APP demands a total withdrawal of TPLF forces from the Afar region and stops any conflict in order to initiate a genuine dialogue and lasting peace. APP calls up on the Federal Government of Ethiopia to ensure the inclusiveness of the dialogue by inviting all stakeholders including the opposition political parties.
Afar People’s Party is a legally registered political party that has been chairing the Ethiopian Political Parities Joint Council and participated in national election 2021.
Afar People’s Party calls up on:
1. The International Community to address the humanitarian crisis taking place in Northern part of Afar Region with urgent humanitarian assistance;
2. International community to pressure TPLF to withdraw immediately and unconditionally from Afar Regional State and respect the constitutional sovereignty of Afar Regional State;
3. The Federal Government of Ethiopia to ensure the protection and safety of its citizens, by showing a clear and open terms and conditions of ceasefire, humanitarian access to all those in need and withdrawal of occupying forces;
4. The Federal Government of Ethiopia to revisit the National Dialogue and Reconciliation Commission; it’s independence , it’s all inclusivity and transparency of it’s process, due to the fact that we believe the process is as equally important as the anticipated outcome;
5. The Afar Regional Government to clearly follow up and update both media and the general public on current crisis in the region;
6. Human Rights bodies to investigate the war crimes committed by TPLF during its occupation in Afar regional State ;
7. The International Community to support the devastated social and economic infrastructures as well as the livelihood of pastoralists deliberately destroyed by the invading Tigray forces.
Afar People’s Party
Samara, February 27, 2022

Just as the third day of invasion of Ukraine is ending. It is nightfall and darkness over the Republic. The reports from Europe and Ukraine is clear. There isn’t only symbolic support on the horizon for the Ukrainian government. The European nations, European Union and Northern Atlantic Treaty Organization is starting to aide the Ukrainian army in need.
The Ukrainian army is already standing strong against a superior enemy, which has both a massive amount of soldier, tanks and mechanical divisions. The Russian army should be far superior by any stretch of the imagination. Still, the Ukrainian forces and resistance has kept the Russian at bay. Yes, they have lost territory and had to give up some. However, in comparison to how the Russian was supposed to outflank and overcome them. The Ukrainian troops and people have shown resilience and resistance of epic proportion. However, it will only become more important in the days ahead. Since this is the beginning of the war and Russia wants a total victory.
Still, in these grim times. There is now proof that European nations and leaders are not only sanctioning Russian businesses, oligarchs and high ranking officials. They seem to take the hard sanctions and the ones that can hurt money-transactions and banking operations directly. Meaning, the only thing missing is rating agencies and other making government into junk-status and unworthy of trading. Nevertheless, there is some more actions than “our thoughts and prayers”.
What we are also seeing is that Belgium, Netherlands, Slovakia, Germany and plenty of other European allies of Ukraine is sending military equipment, technical equipment, ammunition and weapons to the Ukrainian army. This is the boosting it needs, as the NATO allies and EU are not sending soldiers to participate in the war. Which means this is the most vital contribution it can. Where the European allies are securing and adding weaponry to the defending nation, which faces an invasion. That’s the good news here.
Kyiv did seem alone, as NATO and United States was only boosting the neighbourhood and allies with borders to Russia. Now many of them is sending and trading weaponry with Ukraine. This gives them a needed boost and additional fire-power. Which is so vital. The Ukrainian is already using urban guerrilla warfare tactics and resistance, which will be the most important weapon it has. As they are defending the Republic on their own soil and homestead. Therefore, the Russians shouldn’t underestimate the sentiment of the Ukrainians and their love for their fatherland.
At least there are positive news, as well, as big package of military assistance from the Untied States on the way to Ukraine. All of these weapons, ammunition, heavy weaponry and others will help in the continues battle towards Russia. It shows that there isn’t just flattering calls with superpowers and allies, but actual substantial support. There is a need of this and it’s evident. As the air-raids and other actions are done by the Russian army on the front-lines.
We can finally say that Europe haven’t abandoned Ukraine and only sent them “good thoughts”. There haven’t only been condemnations and some symbolic sanctions or not allowing Russia to participate in Eurovision. However, there are now some signs of real genuine support of the war-effort. This has to prolonged and not only a one-time drop of assistance. There is a need of a systemic support and in a manner of which strengthen the Ukrainian army.
Still, we should be happy to see some sincere movements and acts, which gives the proper support the Ukrainians need. Now there will also be a serious need of humanitarian assistance and shelters for internally displaced persons. There will be a severe crisis, which will be worse by every single day. It will need vast support and logistics to get working. Therefore, we need to see more European solidarity towards everyone in need. Peace.

“According to an emergency food security assessment conducted during the main harvest in November 2021, the levels of food security in Tigray have dropped, particularly in North-Western, Eastern, and Central zones. Food assistance will be required throughout 2022 across northern Ethiopia. More than 9 million people need food assistance in northern Ethiopia” (OCHA, 24.02.2022).
The war and conflict in Northern Ethiopia that started in November 2020. It is still having ripple effect and not only in the Tigray Region, but also now in Afar and Amhara regions. This shows how the warfare is affected civilians across the regions. Even as the humanitarian assistance blockade, which is last for months upon months on end.
The UN Organization, which has revised and constantly addressed the situation in Northern Ethiopia isn’t showing any positive signs of late. Neither is there any proof that the bureaucratic or closure of the hurdles, which has been inflicted on the humanitarian organizations who tries to help the civilians in need. Therefore, the Federal Government of Ethiopia haven’t acted righteous or in good faith. As this is a constant and people are starving, dying and it’s done by a man-made famine. Which the state could have stopped and this is deliberate to starve a region and now the border regions are hit with it as well. Showing the state has no issues to use the civilians as shields in their war in Ethiopia.
Just read this:
“The situation in northern Ethiopia remains fragile and unpredictable. Although the overall situation in Tigray and Amhara regions continue to be relatively calm as lines of contacts remained static, armed clashes, with reported use of heavy weapons and airstrikes, continued to be reported in multiple locations in Afar Region mainly in Berhale, Erebti, Koneba, and Abala woredas, all in Kilbeti zone (Zone 2). Insecurity in Afar and earlier administrative measures, with no relief convoys reaching Tigray since mid-December, continue to affect civilian lives, their safety, restrict access to livelihoods. This situation further increases humanitarian needs notably with a continuing and growing number of displaced people and hinders humanitarian access and delivery of aid to affected areas in northern Ethiopia” (OCHA, 24.02.2022).
“The current blockage of the Semera-Abala-Mekelle route has further exacerbated the flow of humanitarian supplies into Tigray, combined with the limited supplies allowed in before mid-December, mainly due to earlier administrative measures, which was already far below what is needed. Since 12 July, only 8 per cent of the 16,000 trucks with the needed humanitarian supplies entered Tigray. As a result, humanitarian operations have been further impacted and humanitarian partners continue to reduce their operations. Two out of three partners halted their school feeding program this week due to lack of supplies and cash. The third partner limited the distribution of high energy biscuits to only early childhood care and development classes in Shire area of operations in North-West Zone while sharing one pack among two or three children to adjust with the limited supplies. One partner ceased distribution of scholastic materials in Tselmati woreda in North-West Zone due to lack of fuel. Food partners reported that as of 22 February, only around 800 metric tons (MT) of food commodities remain within Tigray” (OCHA, 24.02.2022).
This just shows the dire needs in Northern Ethiopia. These are innocent civilians that is caught between the Federal Government, Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and all other stakeholders in this conflict. It is all done deliberately and the people are wounded because of this. It is tragic and sinister, that this is happening for so long.
What is striking that this could have been avoided, but they are choosing to do this. This should be seen as a war-crime, as civilians and citizens are not getting their basic needs met, because the state decided to block that from happening. 9 million people needs help and they need it now. Peace.


Defence Minister Kabanda promised that within one month, more Congolese troops will be deployed to the villages where the IDPs had fled.
NEW YORK, United States of America, February 24, 2022 – The United Nations will work together with the authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as well as other partners, in ensuring security in the eastern part of the country, said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN’s top peacekeeping official.
He was speaking in Goma, the capital of North Kivu province, on the first day of his visit to the country, representing the Secretary-General, António Guterres.
Mr. Lacroix held different discussions with provincial authorities of Ituri and North Kivu and reiterated the need for the international community and other regional partners to support the DRC in providing security for the displaced people, including in Ituri province where recurring attacks from the CODECO militias in Djugu territory have left hundreds of people dead and thousands internally displaced.
Local security is a top priority
Mr. Lacroix visited a UN site in Djugu territory of Ituri that is hosting 74,000 internally displaced people (IDPs) and listened to representatives of communities living on the site, who appealed for various things from the UN – and the Government – as the DRC’s Minister for Defense, Gilbert Kabanda, was accompanying the UN peacekeeping chief.
Defence Minister Kabanda promised that within one month, more Congolese troops will be deployed to the villages where the IDPs had fled, so that security can be fully restored and infrastructure, such as schools and health facilities, could be built.
One of the representatives of the people, Pilo Mulindro Willy, who is Chief of Bulkwa, raised the issue of security as a top priority, both at the site in the town of Roe as well as in the villages. “I asked the Government to disarm these armed groups as they are disturbing our people. Villagers want to return home so that they could continue with farming,” he stressed.
“We want the Government to send more troops to protect our villages.,” he said, adding that the promised one month is too long to wait for troops to come and secure the area.
The Minister acknowledged that the site at Roe was not safe as there are not enough troops from the Congolese military to protect civilians.
Women ask for special protection
Among the women representatives that Mr. Lacroix met was Beatrice Manyotsi who told UN News in an interview after the meeting that they need lasting solutions to the problems of insecurity.
“We appreciate the encounter we had with the United Nations today as it is a long time that we had such an opportunity. We truly appreciate it because such a meeting could bring about lasting solutions to problems that we are facing in DRC in general and Ituri in particular,” said Ms. Manyotsi.
She went on to highlight specific challenges women face, including of violence and death. “We Congolese women are living in difficult conditions, women are being killed, mutilated, we are like objects that have no value to anyone. No education for our children. We want our United Nations to assist us in this area because our children are the Congolese of tomorrow. They are the ones who will take charge. If they are living in pathetic conditions in the IDP’s site, for example, the future of our country will be in jeopardy.”
Ms. Manyotsi supported the appeal from the Chief of Bulkwa that security must be given priority, “We can neither go farming nor looking for firewood and drinking water as we are being threatened by the armed groups.”
According to UN officials, the wave of violent attacks in the Ituri area since November 2021 has resulted an increase in the number of IDPs at the site of Roe, leading to the rapid saturation of the facilities there.
Humanitarian needs are high
There is a dire lack of infrastructure and basic services for the displaced persons, leading many to settle in public spaces, with others hosted in precarious conditions by host families. Currently, displaced people do not have access to shelter, food, healthcare, and psychosocial assistance. Newly displaced people lack basic shelter and basic items, putting additional pressure on IDPs that were on-site before the last six months.
Sanitation and hygiene are critical due to the lack of WASH facilities, increasing the risk of a surge in deadly epidemics.
We are in solidarity with the Congolese people
After a 15-minute flight from the Roe site to Bunia, Mr. Lacroix traveled to Goma, the capital of North Kivu Province, where he held discussions with the military Governor, Lieutenant General Ndima Constant.
The UN peacekeeping chief reiterated United Nations’ solidarity with the Congolese people.
“The Secretary-General is sending his message about our determination to work tirelessly with national, local, military, police authorities and civil as well as our common determination to see the local population benefits from our humanitarian plea and security efforts,” said Mr. Lacroix, adding that his visit has showcased the cordial relations between the United Nations and provincial authorities.
On the protection of civilians in Goma, Mr. Lacroix cited a great collaboration that has been established between the Congolese armed forces, FARDC, and one of DR Congo’s neighbors, saying, “I think such determined efforts bear fruits, but we all understand it takes time, that’s why we United Nations have to repeat every time our calls and engage. You might be determined and at the same time understand that it is not a problem that could be resolved in certain weeks or months.”
On 17 February, the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the humanitarian community launched an $1.88 billion appeal to implement the 2022 Humanitarian Response Plan, aiming at providing aid to 8.8 million vulnerable people.
On Thursday, Mr Lacroix will be in the DR Congo capital, Kinshasa, to represent the UN Secretary-General at the Summit of the Regional Oversight Mechanism, (ROM) of the Addis Ababa Peace, Security, and Cooperation Framework for the DRC and the region.

“The humanitarian response operations in northern Ethiopia remain restricted by several factors, including insecurity and bureaucratic impediments such as the inability to bring sufficient supplies, fuel, and cash to Tigray on one hand, and on the other, the high number of people in need, limited access to people in hard-to-reach areas due to insecurity, and limited presence of partners on the ground in some areas” (OCHA, 17.02.2022).
The humanitarian assistance blockade to the Tigray region in Northern Ethiopia isn’t only in words or by description of International Aid agencies. No, it is a real deal and has consequences, as the man made famine and starvation is done in such a large scale.
Just read this one here:
“In Tigray, the most northern parts along the Eritrean border including some kebeles in Rama in Central Zone, Erob in Eastern Zone, and Zala Anbessa town in Eastern Zone are still inaccessible for partners with tens of thousands of people in those areas who have not received any assistance for the past few months. In Amhara, some areas bordering Tigray are still inaccessible including parts in North Gondar, Wag Hemera and North Wollo zones due to security concerns and a volatile situation depriving the population from humanitarian assistance, including from critical food distribution. Hostilities and insecurity continued to block the delivery of humanitarian supplies into Tigray by road, via Semera-Abala-Mekelle, which has not been accessible since 15 December. The current blockage of this route has further exacerbated the flow of humanitarian supplies into Tigray, as the level of the supplies that was allowed before mid-December has been far below what is needed mainly due to bureaucratic impediments.Overall, 1,339 trucks have entered the Tigray region from Semera since 12 July, which represents only 8 per cent of the required supplies needed to meet the vast scale of humanitarian needs in Tigray. An additional 17 trucks of supplies entered from Kombolcha, Amahara, to Tigray last November” (OCHA, 17.02.2022).
When you read stuff like this… it should be a worry and a concern as so many innocent lives are behind the besieged region, which the Federal Government have abandoned and left to die. That’s why all the roads are closed into the Tigray region. While the Federal Government and their allies are claiming it’s the Tigray Defence Force (TDF) who does this damage to the region. Like they haven’t been doing this since the start of the conflict in November 2020. Therefore, we know the drill and it continues.
There is now people in Amhara, Afar and 9 millions in the Tigray region who needs humanitarian assistance in regard to food and other basic necessities. That is something you need to remember. This conflict is only causing more victims and innocent civilians who are dying because of it. Plenty more who is not eating a balanced diet. Therefore, the Federal Government is just showing their sinister plans and how they want to suffocate the region.
One step at the time, one road-block and another bureaucratic hurdle to stop it from entering and getting to the ones in dire need of help. Peace.

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, February 18, 2022 – UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is working with the Ethiopian authorities and partners to provide emergency aid to thousands of Eritrean refugees who fled Barahle refugee camp and its environs in the Afar region after fighting engulfed the area.
Refugees who trekked the long distance to the regional capital in Semera told UNHCR staff that armed men entered the camp on 3 February, stole their belongings and occupied their homes. According to their testimonies, at least five refugees were killed and several women were kidnapped. Family members lost one another in the chaos of fleeing the camp.
So far, over 4,000 refugees are in Semera where UNHCR together with Ethiopia’s Government Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS) and other partners are providing immediate support with shelter, relief items, food as well as clean water. We have also set up protection desks where the most vulnerable among the refugees, including separated children and others with specific needs, are being identified and provided with support.
Around 10,000 refugees are also reported to be living in Afdera town, approximately 225 kilometers from Semera. Others are also believed to have fled towards the towns of Altefa and Dabure, further inland.
The government has identified a temporary site in Serdo town, 40 kilometers from Semera, where UNHCR, RRS and partners are making preparations in order to quickly relocate refugees.
With yet another refugee camp severely impacted, UNHCR remains extremely worried about the safety and wellbeing of thousands of Eritrean refugees caught up in the conflict.
We condemn the attack on the refugee camp and reiterate the call for cessation of hostilities to avoid further destruction and potential loss of life for refugees and Ethiopians alike, and so that much needed humanitarian assistance can reach them.
There are also large numbers of internally displaced Ethiopians in the Afar region, including some 300,000 uprooted by the recent fighting.
UNHCR will continue our efforts to support the Ethiopian government in its response to refugees and displaced populations affected by the conflict.






