Ethiopia: An escalating conflict crafted over little to nothing

The information coming out from Ethiopia is concerning. The Federal Government are targeting all Tigrayan people. There is a direct purge on all of this ethnicity. The ones fleeing from the Republic right now is of this ethnic background. As civil servants, officers and others are suspended from their jobs. This is all a deliberate attack on everyone associated with the Tigray.

The Prosperity Party have issued harsh orders. They are calling it a Law Enforcement Operation. However, we all know that this is warfare and not just a cause to catch some random criminals. The state has issued orders or war and doing military operation within the regional state of Tigray. They are targeting the elected regional government of Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). The local government and former governing party who has defied the Prime Minister.

This is the revenge of Prime Minister Ahmed Ali Abiy. That is the tragic reality. Because, of a man who doesn’t want to listen and have dialogue. A man who doesn’t want to negotiate, but consolidate all power. This is why his attacking TPLF and the Tigray region. It is to boost his ego and get of his last big enemy. An enemy, which he wasn’t able to play or make belief to become a subject under him.

The PM has been able to let other parties in, write deals and agreements, but later arrest and criminalize their efforts at a later moment. This is what he has done to his opposition in Oromia. Where the Oromia leadership and party leaders are behind bars. Where activists are lingering in jail too. Where the state have brutalized protests and done what it could to silence dissent.

Now, the PM is focused on destroying and silencing the Tigray leadership. He has ordered soldiers, airstrikes over cities and moves in a pincer way to block all movement of Tigray soldiers. They are even in Sudan and gotten safety there. The Federal Government soldiers are able to cross into Sudan to be safe. While the Tigray will be extradited like the ones who fled to exile in Djibouti. The PP is able by friendships abroad to ensure a helping hand for everyone who flees the conflict.

There are reports of possible 500 soldiers who has fallen. These numbers are hard to verify. As there are no internet, telephones and such. There is blockage of all food and supplies to the region. The Regional Government is using donkeys to get supplies in. Fuel is blocked as well. The Federal Government is ensuring that all things are stopping.

This will ensure that all citizens and everyone who happens to live in the region will be hit by this. There is no one who is not touched. The TPLF and PP is punishing everyone. While Amhara government and the PP is attacking the TPLF. The TPLF who represents the Tigray Regional Government. A government the House of Federation has dismissed and said is unconstitutional.

The PP is quick to use the Constitution against the TPLF. However, they are using it quickly against others, but not following it themselves. As they can easily pull the trigger, cause violence and suspend elections. That is what they have done. While misusing power and not having a official mandate themselves.

The Prime Minister have ordered and issuing warfare in the region. They are taking border towns, but with casualties. This is an act of revenge. An act of a coward who didn’t want to talk and listen, but choose instead to pull the trigger. That is why the PM has said no to Special Envoy Kalonzo Musyoka from Kenya and also interference from IGAD. Therefore, the PM is entrenched on his own agenda. Hoping he can blow and bully the TPLF away.

This here will not be a quick fix. The ramifications will linger on for years. The damage done now will be impossible to recover quick and find solutions too. The PM is creating more problems for himself and he cannot save face.

The PM is a Lord of War now. The ballad of bullets and the songs of death will be his songs. Civilians will either get caught in cross-fire or starve, as the big-men is causing this devilish havoc on them.

The Federal Government is using the rule of law and the Constitution as a shield, but that will not save it. Because, the effects and the aftermath of the war will haunt it. The deceased and the bloodshed made by it. Will be the legacy the state remains. The Prime Minister will be remembered for sending soldiers into a constitutional dispute in the midst of a global pandemic. The Prime Minister will be remembered for issuing this war and working hard to defend it. However, pointless that is, because there is no way he can make some reasonable sense of it.

It is total devastation and the costs of lives shouldn’t be this cheap. Nevertheless, the value of lives is only for the elites, while the peasants can be sacrificed on their alter of wealth. Since that is how it seems. This is why the PP and Abiy can forge stories and destroy lives to stay in power. While citizens are struggling in the midst of all of this.

The TPLF is the former oppressor and has blood on their hands. They should answer for their sins as well. However, that should be answered in Courts of Law and not on a battlefield. The TPLF isn’t saints, but this is a illegitimate war towards them. The PP knows this, the PM knows and everyone with some sense see that.

The PM want credibility and legitimacy for doing this. He wants international community to believe it, but its all game of power. This is to bury the ones who defied him. The ones who didn’t follow him and didn’t act accordingly. That is why he waged war. A constitutional dispute turned into civil war.

Where the big-men will most likely survive, but innocent civilians will die. Where soldiers ordered will go into combat and die too. On orders of the same big-men who will not be in the field, but look at stats in secure buildings. They will drink coffee and eat good, while the public will starve. There is no victor here. Only the ones who lose the least. There is nothing positive coming out of this. Only more people in the trenches and more people dying.

For one simple reason: One man’s ego to have all power within his hands.

That’s it and that’s the tragedy here. That its one man who decided to do this and he will not be touched. However, his soldiers, his citizens and everyone in the nearby areas will be bystanders who suddenly hit by it.

The amount of casualties reported only shows the tragic effects of doing this. There isn’t good to take away from this. Civil War creates nothing good, a war only creates more hopelessness and destructive actions, which in the dissolve morality. This is why some will defend this and say its alright. If you do… then there is no difference between you or the former oppressor. The TPLF should answer for sins and now the PP needs to answer for theirs. As they are creating it today… and tomorrow.

On a battlefield made by one man’s ego and not a just war. A war created over little or practically nothing, but the lives it costs is priceless and cannot be returned. Peace.

Ethiopia: Ethiopians Citizens for Social Justice party (Ezema) – Let Us Fully Focus on Building a Democratic System after Swiftly Concluding the Measures that will Ensure National Peace and Unity! (05.11.2020)

Ethiopia: Abiy’s War Cabinet

This week Prime Minister Ahmed Ali Abiy announced the start of military escalation on the 3rd November. Since, then the state has gone into full gear, moving soldiers and using air-strikes in Mekelle, the capital of the Tigray state. This is all deliberate act by the Federal Government to show muscle and use force against Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) who have defied the Federal Government and even held an election in September.

The Prime Minister is now using more strength and power towards the TPLF. Even trying to muster international community to understand his reasoning for going to war. The man is using the army to silence the Tigrayan people and its leadership. The Prosperity Party is already arresting, sacking and going after the ethnic Tigrayan in civil service, army and in state owned enterprises. The PP is going on total warfare against them.

That is why the Prime Minister needs to ensure he has loyal allies who he can trust. As his battling wars on several of fronts. The PM is now ensuring he has persons he can trust in his cabinet. In the new changes,

Demeke Mekonnen will both be his deputy and the Foreign Minister.

General Birhanu Jula is appointed to the Chief of Staff of the Army.

Lieutenant General Abebaw Tadesse appointed as the Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army.

Gedu Andargachew appointed as the Advisor to National Security.

Temesgen Tiruneh appointed as the Head of the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS)

Demelash Gebremichael appointed as the Commissioner of the Federal Police.

These are all loyalists from either OPDO or ANDM who became the PP. He has done these changes to have a better control and consolidate power even more. To people who he trusts and knows will fight his cause.

They have created this war-cabinet and done this changes. To ensure the warfare goes as planned in Tigray. Also, most likely also have the efforts to stop possible demonstrations, protests and issues appearing in Oromia. As the state is already heavily armed, use of force and stifled dissidents in the region there as well. Even if they didn’t issue war like they have in Tigray.

Abiy is issuing war and military operations. This is why he has changed his cabinet to fit the program of war. To have his closest allies. So, that they will have his back in the middle of this. Because, the toxic behaviour will have costs and implications for the PM too. They are throwing blame and trying to forge a narrative, which isn’t true. They faked a war and now they have to live with the bloodshed. They got to live with the fleeing refugees to Sudan. There will be more effects as this prolongs. Not only losing a jet fighter, but loose life as well. There is reports of casualties on the border between Amhara and Tigray. Therefore, this is just the beginning and the first week of it.

The PM is feeling the pressure. The need to address it and the need to state his “truth” which is totally fabricated. The PP and the PM knows this, but they need to sell their story. TPLF has been wrong and been tyrants in the past. However, the tyranny right now is coming from the PP and the PM. Who is ordering air-strikes on civilians and creating a war to prove his arrogance.

The PM hope to get help to solve this and have the support system to continue this by appointing these people. So, that he has allies he can trust in the middle of warfare in Tigray. Because, that is what his doing currently. It is tragic, it is pointless and it is only done for him to prove a point. Not because its legitimate or sincere. None of this is. Only hubris and lack of integrity. Peace.

Ethiopia: Prime Minister Ahmed Ali Abiy – Putting an End to impunity: The Case for Enforcing Federal Laws in Tigray (08.11.2020)

Ethiopia: TPLF President Debretsion Gebremichael letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa (06.11.2020)

Ethiopia: The Emperor of War [who tricked the world to believe he came in peace]

Once upon a time there was a change of Prime Minister’s. As one was stepping down after humiliation and overpowering with use of force on protesters. The new man promised reforms and dialogue. The new Prime Minister wanted to talk to all opposition and shake the hands of the enemies of the state.

The Prime Minister made agreements, signed of deals with militias, rebels, political parties and everyone else who had been seen as enemies in the past. He sat down with them and he invited back leaders from exile. Freed political leaders and journalists from prison. He made peace and negotiations with neighbours. It seemed like he would bring peace and development.

Alas, it was all a mirage. A make belief, only to buy time and get the booster of his ego. The man wanted glory, he wants everyone to worship him. His the emperor and the lord of the manor. The Prime Minister is the big-man and the one everyone has to follow. You are supposed to praise him and look at his wonders.

However, the trick of peace gave him laurels, they even gave him a Nobel Peace Prize for making cease-fire and peace with Eritrea. The man looked like he could amend and ensure peace. He even made a Ministry of Peace and appointed a man to lead it.

Nevertheless, his scruples and his hunger for power has come to the surface. As he later betrayed the ideals of what gave him praise. He started to kill protesters, arrest the ones who dissent, journalist behind bars and making political prisoners. The Prime Minister made “fake coups” to install leaders friendly to him in Amhara. The PM used a fake assassination to crack-down on opposition as well. There been so many state sponsored violence towards civilians. That has been done all across the Republic. Massacres and extra judicial killings.

The only difference now. Is that it’s all deliberate action made by the Prime Minister to use air-strikes, call the opposition terrorist, take away their powers and have already ceased co-operation with them before that. The Federal Government had already cut of ties, ceased to send government funds and suspended aid to the region. Therefore, the PM had deliberately started the fight with bureaucracy against the Tigray.

Now, he has ordered the troops and the Federal Government have taken over with an interim government of the state too. Taking over everything and dismissing the regional election in September by force, which is a further escalation. As well, as the state is going after everyone with the Tigrayan people from all parts of society. If they are in the army, police or any state affiliated organization. They will be sacked and put on leave, if not arrested. The state has gone to total war.

This is why over 3500 Tigrayan refugees has fled to Sudan within this week. The armed forces attack on the region has caused this uproar so people flee their homes. This the sort of man came in peace, but is issuing war.

Prime Minister Ahmed Ali Abiy is a war-lord. Everything he does is a retaliation, because the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) wouldn’t follow his orders and his word. Instead, they wanted to reign on their own terms. That wasn’t acceptable. This is why he issues orders of arms, soldiers and tanks. His not seeking mediation and uses all pre-texts, even making up issues to send troops. That is the sort of man the Prime Minister is.

He prefers war, the man prefer conflict and destruction. He might build beautiful parks in Addis, but elsewhere is making schools into prisons and making fields into graveyards. With the blood of the civilians his supposed to represent. The people that he should trust and keep safe. The PM is supposed to be there for them, but instead he comes with force and take their freedoms away.

Before it was Oromia and the Oromo who was feeling the blunt force of the PM. They we’re not only getting their leaders behind bars and their activists dying in the streets. Now, the same PM is trying to bury the TPLF and the Tigrayan people.

The Emperor made it seem like he came in peace, but in reality he came in war. He wanted the idea of being a mediator, but in reality his just another war-lord. Peace.

Ethiopia: IGAD Is Concerned By Recent Development In Ethiopia (07.11.2020)

7 November 2020 (DJIBOUTI, Djibouti): The Intergovernmental Authority on Development IGAD expresses its concern on the recent development in Ethiopia, specifically the situation in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia which IGAD is following closely.

IGAD calls the Government of Ethiopia and concerned parties to show restraint, work on de-escalating the tensions and resolve their differences through dialogue and reconciliation.

IGAD and the world community are counting on the perspicacity and wisdom of the Government of Ethiopia and concerned parties to come together and make a final peaceful solution.

IGAD believes that Ethiopia has been a beacon of stability and economic development in the region and a pillar for peace and Security. Finally, IGAD is looking forward to a return of normalcy of the Country soon and will keep on following the development.

Sudan Situation Update #1: Refugee response in Sudan on alert following developments in Ethiopia (6 November 2020)

Ethiopia: Bachelet calls for de-escalation amid alarming developments in Tigray and Oromo regions (06.11.2020)

GENEVA – UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet on Friday called on all relevant actors to de-escalate the volatile situation in the Ethiopian region of Tigray and to engage in an inclusive dialogue aimed at resolving grievances without resorting to violence.

“Over the past week, we have seen alarming violence erupt in the Oromia region as well as in Tigray. I urge all sides to halt the violence, to avoid additional loss of life, mass displacement and further destabilization,” Bachelet said.

“I call on all actors to engage in a genuine, inclusive and credible dialogue to solve any differences through peaceful means.”

Heavy clashes reportedly broke out on Wednesday in the northern region of Tigray between federal and regional troops, and the Federal Council declared a six-month state of emergency. The Government announced that this was in response to an alleged attack by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front on a military base. This came after months of tensions between the federal Government and the Tigray Regional State’s authorities.

The High Commissioner expressed concern about the restrictions imposed on people of Tigray, including on the rights to freedom of movement and freedom of expression. Internet connections and telephone lines have been cut since 3 November, hampering the local population’s ability to communicate and receive vital information, including about the fast-unfolding situation in their region.

“Cutting off communication has severely hampered the ability to monitor the situation on the ground, particularly the impact of the clashes in the local population,” Bachelet said. “I call on the national authorities to re-establish all basic services, including Internet and telephone connections. The right of all people to be informed and to access information is particularly vital in a crisis situation.”

Bachelet also expressed concern at reports indicating that a group of armed assailants assaulted members of the Amhara ethnic group in Wollega zone, Oromia region, on Sunday, 1 November. According to the Government, the attack resulted in the killing of 32 people. Other sources have reported that the number of casualties could be much higher.

“Unaddressed, such violence only leaves desolation, feeds revenge and leads to further intercommunal clashes and to more casualties and displacement in the country,” she said.

“I call for prompt, thorough, independent and impartial investigations into all of these incidents and for the Government to ensure those responsible are held accountable. I also call on the federal and regional authorities to ensure protection of the population and to establish across the country the necessary social, economic, security and political measures to break the cycle of violence and foster trust among communities,” the UN High Commissioner said.

“I am confident that Ethiopians can succeed on the path to social inclusion and economic and social development with full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. They can count on the support of my Office.”

Opinion: Abiy! It’s not a “Law Enforcement Operation” it is a “War”

Prime Minister Ahmed Ali Abiy is trying to rewrite and subdue the International Community as he has ordered the National Airforce to have air raids over Mekelle in the Tigray state. As well, as have ordered soldiers from missions in Somalia and elsewhere to the skirmishes in Tigray region.

The PM is calling this a Law Enforcement Operation, alas making it sound like Police Officers is looking for thieves and hoodlums. Alas, that is not the case. The Prime Minister and the Federal Government have labelled the opposition “terrorists” and have claimed they are behind a massacre. As a final pretext to order war on them.

The PM is using the Constitution when it fits him, but his not abiding by it himself. Neither is any of his allies in the House of Federation or anyone else in the Prosperity Party. Therefore, it is blatant hypocrisy to use it against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). The TPLF have enough old sins to answer for and credible stories of crimes against humanity. That the PP wouldn’t need to misinform and use a lie to attack them by force.

The PM should know this, but his not that brilliant. He acts irrational, because he wants to be King. The man wants to be honoured and have everyone obeying him. Rather have that in fear, than by true compassion and cheering for works.

The TPLF is in the right to defend themselves, as the PM and the army is targeting them, because they didn’t automatically become a party of the consolidated party – the Prosperity Party. Which has made the friction go larger and larger.

Now, the PP is revenging that. They are sacking police officers, soldiers and army officers of Tigrayan nationality. There also reports of some Tigrayan Army Officers fleeing the Federal Republic to Djibouti, but was deported back to Ethiopia shortly after arriving. Therefore, the allies in the near area is serving the leadership of Addis Ababa.

There is also closing of the borders to Sudan is closed, because of the skirmishes from the government forces towards the TPLF. The Federal Government is using air-strikes and sending more troops to the Tigray region. Therefore, this will be prolonged. Not only the border to Amhara state, but also within Tigray from the base of the Northern Command. The curfews and the ‘State of Emergency’ will make things harder for the TPLF leadership to continue like normal. However, there is no normal now. When the state is coming with guns to get rid of them.

The Prime Minister and the Prosperity Party did issue the orders to attack Tigray. They decided to wage war and used all excuses to do so. The innocent civilians are the ones who will pay the price here. The soldiers and the armed forces will also pay the price for doing so. There will only be a bloodshed, because the PM ordered it. It is all happening on his watch.

He is trying to silence, stop information and also secure that he has “valid” reasons to do so. However, this is not a “Law Enforcement Operation”. It is WAR! It isn’t some police officers raiding a den of thieves. This is direct hostilities and with deadly intent.

The same PM who called the Tigray leadership “criminal elements” that without dropping any evidence or even petition cases towards the courts. If he was such a constitutional guy. The man should have at least done this through the courts and showed the world the crimes of the opponents. Alas, he rather wage war, then talk. He claims he has done talks, but only seen actions made to stop the relations between Mekelle and Addis. There have only been deliberate acts to humiliate and cease ordinary operations in Tigray. This because the TPLF decided to not join PP.

Now, he has ordered war and continues to do so. Sent more troops and moved brigades all the way from Somalia to join the forces in Tigray. The Federal Government are planning to directly attack and hunt the TPLF down. There is radio silence, media blackout and only controlled information. Civilians are dying in secret and no footage of the actions made. Therefore, the results might be more horrific then we can ever imagine.

The PM is in-charge and has to take all responsibility for this. The blood is on his hands. Just like it has been with all the assaults, assassinations and fake coups that has happen during his tenure. These are more murders in broad daylight done to favour the unelected King of Addis. Peace.