Ethiopia: Global Society of Tigray Scholars and Professionals (GSTS) – Statement Ahead of the AU Meeting of the Parties to the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (30.11.2023)

Ethiopia: NAMa calls for a ceasefire to end the war in Amhara

War should be stopped, doors of peace talks and negotiations should be opened! As a country, we know the damage of war in practice; our wound is not yet healed; we are not recovered from our sickness; we are not saved from the huge social economic and political crisis caused by the war” (National Movement of Amhara, 26.11.2023).

Yesterday, the National Movement of Amhara (NAMa) published a statement called “War should be stopped, doors of peace talks and negotiations should be opened!”. The NAMa is now calling upon the government and authorities to have talks with the stakeholders in the conflict in the Amhara region. This is another voice than the same party who was war-mongering in Tigray.

NAMa is speaking with a difference voice and rhetoric now that the war has come home. NAMa was fine and dandy with the tactics, the means and strategy in the War of the North. They are now calling out the government for doing the same and similar acts in Amhara region.

So reading this in 2023 just shows how quickly things changes. Yes, the war in Amhara region is wrong, but so was it in Tigray. A war that NAMa was supporting and defending. They even called for prolonging it and annihilate the TPLF. Therefore, we should have in mind when reading their statement today.

Where they said this: “The fact that the Amhara people repeatedly raised their questions in a peaceful way is not getting the appropriate attention and response from the government, raising the questions peacefully is considered weakness has made our people vulnerable to war and lack of peace. The lack of stage when our people showed full support for peace after the war and invasion, the people in the streets who make it look like there is a change in the formation of power and break the line The lack of relations, the public speeches of some high government officials who lack principles and irresponsibility, and the peaceful atmosphere that our people hoped for has led to widespread suspicion and conspiracy analysis rather than becoming a reality. The fact that the victories gained by the unity and the struggle of our people are not properly counted has become a source of concern” (NAMa, 26.11.2023).

The Amhara region during the Prosperity Party era was thriving as a result of war. They were a vital part of the Tripartite Alliance and one trusted ally of the Prime Minister. There was a leadership in Bahir Dar and Gonder that was in coordination and a helping hand to the conflict elsewhere. The Regional Special Forces and the Amhara para-military group “FANO” was partaking and promoting the war in Tigray. This is why the speaking of “peace” and such isn’t all real.

We know the Amhara region and the leadership of war wasn’t uneasy when the PM planned to consolidate power further and take control of not only the Regional Special Forces or Fano for that matter. This is why the Amhara answered the Federal Government and the conflict began. The Amhara region didn’t want to lose their power or their control of arms. This is why they went to war and Amhara Popular Front (APF) has been thriving. Therefore, NAMa isn’t addressing it, but instead pinning it all on PP.

NAMa continues: “We call for the government to create a platform to give answers and explanations to the honest questions raised by our people and to open the doors for the armed forces and declare an immediate ceasefire” (NAMa, 26.11.2023).

This is the same party that had war-cries and wanted to continue another way in another region. Now, they calls for peace, because they are hurting themselves and the war turned on them instead. NAMa is right in it, but they should have come with a different manner of saying this. As they fought for “unity” in the North, but that’s what the PP claims they are doing in Amhara. So, they are seeing what the Tigrayan saw in previous years.

NAMa says this: “To all the fighting forces; to prevent the current cost of living, market instability and other social crises from worsening; to make open the roads for basic commodities, medicines and special goods; to make social services such as education and health services reach the people without interruption; to the government to provide humanitarian aid in drought areas; to the non-governmental partner We call for organizations to make their support available without limits and other service institutions and religious institutions to be protected so that they are not harmed by the conflict” (NAMa, 26.11.2023).

Here we are seeing the same tactics and means of war to destroy the enemies of the state. NAMa is describing what the Amhara did in Tigray. While they where cheering on this in Tigray. They are now crying out loud to stop this in Amhara. It was wrong in Tigray and it is wrong in Amhara. However, NAMa never ceased or stopped their vilification of the TPLF or Tigray for that matter. This is why I feel their wrong voice of reason here. The Amhara region doesn’t deserve a war or a conflict where innocent civilians are caught in the cross-fire, neither does any other region of Ethiopia. However, we have seen that happening and ENDF are now targeting the Amhara as a main target.

I’m just amazed that they ended the statement with this: “We call upon all Amharas and Ethiopians living in the country and abroad to give friendly and honest support to the humanitarian crisis and the overall economic and social disaster that is happening at this time; encourage peaceful talks and discussions, and take a responsible action based on the value of our people that bring people closer to the people” (NAMa, 26.11.2023).

We should all seek peace, but NAMa asks for that for the sake Amhara, but wouldn’t do the same for others. Yes, war shouldn’t destroy or deplete the Amhara region. Alas, the same should have never happened in Tigray region either. Nevertheless, it did and the Amhara region has been hurt by the conflict. They took up the guns and rebelled against the state. A national army willing to retaliate and show its powers. Therefore, this was a bloodshed in a making and civilian lives has been lost.

If there is peace and the stakeholders of the conflict has signed a ceasefire or a transitional agreement. That would benefit the PM and give him way to focus on a new conflict elsewhere. That’s how the PM and PP acts… and if the guns is silenced one place. They are preparing to attack another one. Peace.

Ethiopia: Agaezi National Union – ANU Condems Use of Political Famine, Mass Starvation as a Political Weapon & Systematic Genocide!! (25.11.2023)

Ethiopia: OLF-OLA got see that PM Abiy is all about consolidating power…

As the regime reignites its propaganda campaign, it is important to set some things straight. The talks failed primarily because the regime believed it could entice the OLF-OLA leadership with offers of power and position while failing to address the underlying issues which have exacerbated suffering and chaos throughout the country. In this approach, the regime gravely misjudged the OLF-OLA’s dedication to its people and mission. It is worth noting that we upheld our commitment to deescalation and sustained our engagement in the recent talks despite the fact that the regime launched an offensive on our positions in Oromia midway through the negotiations. This stands as a testament to our dedication to reaching a comprehensive and enduring resolution. Our unwavering commitment to peace and dialogue remains unchanged. The door to negotiation is always open, just as it has been for the last 5 years” (Odaa Tarbii, 24.11.2023).

In November 2023 the world and the Federation needs to understand this about Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. His main goal and objectives is to inflate, love-bomb and cherry-pick leaders around. People he can compromise with titles and extravagant luxuries. That’s what he does and later he will strike vengeance, as his worried about being betrayed and paranoid as an effect of his leadership abilities.

PM Abiy key objective in any sort of enterprise is to consolidate all power. That means to settle the grievances, but ensuring himself on top. While the others will become his underlings and follow his every decree. That’s what the PM wants and if they don’t comply, he will say it’s unconstitutional and a danger for the Republic. This is when his issuing conflicts and warmongering to get rid of the ones that defied his order.

This is why I am not shocked reading what the OLF-OLA Spokesperson tweeted today. It is in line with my understanding of His Excellency in Addis Ababa. That’s who he is and this is why he has vilified the leadership of Mekelle and now going after Bahir Dar/Gonder. It is not surprising that the same government would also blame OLF-OLA for the failure to get to an agreement after two rounds of talks. That was to be anticipated, because the PM wants to be the saint, even when he acts like a devil.

The words from the OLF-OLA spokesperson should be wildly spread for one simple reason alone. It shows the game-plan and how the Prosperity Party thinks they can “win” people over. They think some quick and brief appointments can change things. That a little bargain and give way is enough to patch the hurt. While not really addressing the core of the matter or even the reasons for the conflict in the first place. Which is strange, but shows the motivation and the drive of the PP. They are all about the power-struggle and the idea that the juice of titles can entice enough to stop the conflict. However, the OLF-OLA has proven otherwise and that’s wise of them.

The PP and the FDRE Government have to reconsider its approach. It needs to sincere and listen to the ones who are in the battlefield. Right now, I doubt they will or intends too. They just wants positive headlines and get one less enemy of their backs. Nevertheless, the PP and the PM wasn’t lucky with that one. They couldn’t compromise or corrupt the OLF-OLA leadership. That’s really telling and their will too stand tall on principals.

PM Abiy and the PP has to figure things out. They are losing it and not doing the right thing. Instead they will go in circles, more bloodshed, await another “final campaign” and “annihilation of the OLF-OLA” in the Oromia region. Alas, that will amount to nothing and only cause more suffering. That’s all there is too this and somewhat, it’s like the PM and his cronies never learns. Peace.

Ethiopia: Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) – Press Release (21.11.2023)

Ethiopia: Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) – OLF Denounces the Assassination Attempt Against the Senior OLF Member and Former Leadership, Dr. Degafa Abdisa, in Norway (18.11.2023)

Opinion: Abiy is trying to find any viable excuse to “take” coastal territories…

I think they were absent when we built a Navy or did not have YouTubes; when we built a Navy, it’s clear that there is no other agenda, we meant we need a sea; the agenda is clear” – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali (14.11.2023).

For ages now and with the recent flair in the last few months, the Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali has showed what is his ambition. Not that it has been done cleverly or with finesse. No, it is so blatant and we can just expect another war. It isn’t like this man has created a prolonged peace or sustainable one anywhere. The only thing that haunts him is his naked ambition and his drive to consolidate power.

That’s why the recent lectures or sessions in the House of Federation have revealed a “will” and a “purpose” to get port(s) and coastal territories, especially the ones around the Red Sea. When that being said, it is challenging Eritrea and their rights to Massawa and Assab by doing so. It is the only thing we can take from this and he can try to spin the narrative, but the truth is already out of the bag.

He can say these words and act like his in it for a “confederation” of the Horn of Africa, but he cannot contain or be able to run the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE). So, why would anyone bother or accept to be swallowed or be a minority state in a conferation, which will give more power to the centre and the biggest party. That is Ethiopia and they will not budge. This isn’t about mistrust or lack of good faith, but by proven history between the neighbours.

Just read these words…

We will not invade any other country, all we are saying is that let’s negotiate before a famine comes to engulf our large population. In such a time, the existing laws work and we will not abide by them. If we cannot get food to our people because we don’t have ports, we will become vulnerable to hunger and famine, no one will stop us, we will be forced to eat whatever we can find by any means, it is human nature. We should find a solution, the world’s governments have to help 120 million before they get to that desperation, this can be corrected” (…) “It is our desire that East African countries do away with the artificial borders, have a joint diplomacy & army while even still maintaining individual flags. Somalia, Djibouti, Ethiopia & Eritrea’s army can be stationed on the Red Sea & Indian Ocean while the police keep the interior. We must grow together to prosper, it can be done that is all we are asking” (Abiy, 14.11.2023).

He must think we cannot see if for what it is. This is trying to find a solution and a reason to invade. I am hearing the war-drums and the bullets being transported to the borders of Ethiopia. If you thought the wars regarding Badme was horrific. Well, this one will be much worse and will be because one man wanted to be remembered for building a “Grand Ethiopia”. Abiy wants an empire and he cannot have that without the sea. He needs the air, land and sea. That’s what he needs… just like some searching for earth, wind and fire.

Prime Minister Abiy wants to use the starving, the internally displaced and all the ones suffering from internal conflicts as a shield for an invasion. That’s what he is doing and he has weaponized starvation before, heck he has proclaimed “war” on “wheat aid” in the past. It is just the sort of man he is and that is the mechanism that defeats “famine” if he fears it that much. The ones coming to Ethiopia’s aide is already using the ports and know the logistics to get to the ones in need. Therefore, the assumption of ownership over them isn’t making a difference, except he becomes “great” or “imperial” if his doing so.

This is just tragic man, plenty will spin this a “setback” and as “re-set” speech. While the truth is… his still pending the time and buying the time. As he needs popular opinion behind him and the Republic accepting the “need”. That’s what he needs, because the drive and idea needs to whispered across the Republic. The PM has a solution and that’s to invade and conquer the ports. After that the “golden era” begins and he shall be crowned “king”.

That’s who Abiy is and the youth will die in thousands for his glory. Just like they already have across the nation. For years there been internal conflicts and now he will bring it to the Red Sea. That’s what Abiy does and don’t say people didn’t warn you. Because, the signs was there and now the circles of stones thrown in the water is making waves. Peace.

Ethiopia: Tsilal – Civil Society of Western Tigray – Statement from “Tsilal – Civil Society of West Tigray” on the third anniversary of the Maykadra massacre (10.11.2023)

Ethiopia: Is TIRA/TDF planning to attack Fano now?

Look, Lord, help.
★ If there is no threat to the safety and existence of the people of Tigray, there will be no reason for us to carry arms if the armed forces outside the defense force and the invading forces leave Tigray.
★ Although efforts were made by the leaders of the Amhara region to facilitate the process of the Pretoria agreement, we were forced to stop because the Pretoria agreement itself has started to be evaluated and negotiated.
★ It is not acceptable to all parties who are trying to prevent the implementation of the Pretoria Peace Agreement, we will fight against them”
(Eritrean Press, 12.11.2023).

The Tigray Interim Regional Administration (TIRA) which has been active and enacted as a part of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) barely a year ago. There is now speculations that the Tigray Defence Force (TDF), the force that hasn’t been incorporated into the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) or left their weapons behind. These can now get redeployed and ready for more conflict.

That’s the report here as they want to ensure the Tigray region is fully liberated. Because, the ENDF haven’t been able to get rid of the Eritrean Defence Force (EDF) or the Amhara (FANO) in Western Tigray. Therefore, the TDF are possibly getting back into warfare and joining the ENDF, which happens to be in an open conflict with FANO/Amhara Popular Front (APF) in the Amhara region.

With this in mind, the peace agreement sort of turns into a war-pact, as former adversary of Addis Ababa turns their guns on Gonder and Bahir Dar. That would be the ultimate revenge of Mekelle at this point. However, by the reports for now… it is more of taking back territories that the invading forces never left and has annexed. The same territories that the Prime Minister has opened up for a referendum, which would benefit the Amhara region and give them possibly more territories.

This will be the war of Welkait. The continues war over the Tegede, Telemt and Humera. We know after the invasion of Tigray. The Amhara region was quick to claim these territories and say it belong to them. That’s why they displaced thousands of people and ensured the villages go re-settled with Amhara settlers. Therefore, this has been a play for the long-term and now the Tigray plans to return to power there.

While the TIRA can rightfully claim Welkait, the Amhara region has the guns and the ability to stay put. If they was worried or didn’t anticipate this. They would have retreated a long time ago. Since, they know the force of the ENDF and these was the ones who was supposed to takeover after the CoHA. However, that haven’t happened and the TIRA and TDF lost face by signing the agreement. An agreement that haven’t been totally implemented or honoured by all signatories. That’s why there is possibly more conflict and this time the TDF would join the ENDF against Amhara militia and guerrilla fighters. As they are fighting for the Amhara and their own rights. It would be another chapter in changes of alliances and how fickle politics are in Ethiopia.

Under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, it seems anyone can become an ally as long as they are useful, but the moment they are not following his whims. They can easily become his prey or his enemy, because they didn’t follow his command or his vibe that day. That’s how he operates and this is why so many of his former allies has fallen. It is why there been constant warfare and never silence of the guns.

This here would just spark further bloodshed and cause more harm. The TDF involved in a new conflict and to takeover former territories would only cause more civilian casualties. There won’t be peace and won’t be a better future. There will only be more death. Peace.

Opinion: Did TIRA/TPLF get outsmarted by the PP?

What did we (Prosperity Party) decide? First, let the internally displaced people (IDPs) return to their homeland. Their municipalities, their homes are known. Their numbers are also insignificant. Most of them have already returned. Let them return (to their homes). After they return, people can administer themselves, be Wolkait or Raya. Concerning security, ENDF and Federal Police will take charge. After that, let a referendum be conducted” – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali (08.11.2023).

When the Prime Minister is saying this in the middle or during a lecture on Artificial Intelligence (A.I) yesterday. You can wonder what other tricks he has up his sleeve. Let me first state the “insignificant” numbers, which is outrages in itself.

OCHA Situation Report of 31st October 2023: “The Ethiopian Government is responding to food shortage gaps where possible. Accordingly, some 361,000 vulnerable IDPs in 24 woredas in Tigray received food assistance as part of the Government’s food response for 2023, with the first cycle distribution completed in August” (OCHA, 2023).

If someone says over 360,000 people are IDPs are “insignificant” than he shows the lack of heart. It shows how he values life and death in the Republic. Because, these numbers are worrying and showing how things has deteriorated in the Tigray region.

When you can be so blunt about IDPs and the amount of people. This is not mentioning the people who are in refugee camps in Sudan or elsewhere. Certainly, all of them hasn’t returned and these are the ones that was called “extremists” and “terrorists” during the war. Because, the vilification was on overload.

We are seeing the Prime Minister is playing to help former allies in Amhara. Just so they can claim Western Tigray or Wolkait or Welkait. That is the plan here. It is to give something to the ones fighting and get goodwill from Amhara region. As he is having a severe war there now. Just to show them support for their cause. If it is as easy as taking territories from the embattled Tigray region.

The ones in-charge in the Tigray Interim Regional Administration should be horrified. Because, the PM is taking away power and enforcing things out of their concern. If the referendum is enacted. The TIRA and TPLF will be hurt. Even if the local population doesn’t want it. Doesn’t mean the ballots cannot be tricked and the PM cannot give away the territories to buy “loyalty” in Amhara. That’s the end-game here and it’s so obvious, as his fighting FANO and other trained militias like the Amhara Popular Front (APF) there.

By the statement or comments by the Prime Minister the leaders of Tigray should listen. They are being outsmarted and outplayed. This is a beginning of getting your wings clipped off and you got nothing to say. As the CoHA agreement gives way to have federal army and police force in the region. Plus they can use the constitutional rights to issue a referendum. A referendum that will be smoke and mirrors to the allies of Amhara. That’s it… and it is to give way to the ones that used to be a part of the Tripartite Alliance. They are needed by the PM and he knows it. Peace.