Opinion: Afwerki wants to re-write the planned invasion of Tigray

This month the Eritrean President Isias Afwerki had an interview on State-Owned Eri-TV on the 7th February 2021. The broadcast is intended to be a piece to “whitewash” and be “good reasons” for the involvement of Eritrea in the Tigray conflict. As one of the allies of Addis Ababa after the leadership of Mekelle. That is clear that Asmara and Addis had co-operate in time and held meetings to prepare for the warfare in the region. This has been reported on as well.

Afwerki is doing the same bidding as Prime Minister Ahmed Ali Abiy. Who has used same sort of story to validate the attacks. While it has later been proven that the Ethiopian troops suddenly moved across to Eritrean bases. There was also proven reporting from Addis Standard in January 2021 that Amhara regional government and actors was prepared ahead of war. Not like they we’re suddenly ambushed and hadn’t stationed troops ahead of the early November attack by Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Who they are making as the devils here.

Yes, to set the record straight. TPLF have been the tormentor of old, they have been vicious, vindictive and destructive. The TPLF as a government has atrocities and blood on their hands. I been a vocal critic of how they operated as a key part of the Ethiopian Democratic People’s Revolutionary Front (EDPRF) coalition government. However, that does not stop me from attacking the injustice and lies of the present day government (Prosperity Party) and its Eritrean allies. Wrong is wrong, no matter who does it. That is how I see the world. So, don’t think I am in favour of TPLF, but I call out lies when I see them.

President Isias Afwerki highlights:

That President Isaias had expressly asked Debretzion, Acting President of the Tigray Region – in the brief meeting in Omhager, why the TPLF was making huge preparations for a senseless war; Against this backdrop, no body imagined that the TPLF would resort to such unprecedented and reckless move to attack the Northern Command of the Ethiopian Defense Forces (EDF) in early November. This was inexplicable and mind boggling but borne out of miscalculation as is often the case with most wars. TPLF plan was to neutralize the 32,000 Contingent – one-third of which were affiliated with the TPLF and topple the Federal Government. Part of this plan was subsequent invasion of Eritrea” (Shabait – ‘Highlights of Interview with President Isaias Afwerki’ 18.02.2021).

We are seeing his playing the same game as the Prosperity Party and PM Abiy have said in the past. They are holding on to the same narrative before the invasion and direct attacks in Tigray. Tigray was already ostracises and been shunned by the Federal Government in the months ahead. They had even called the September election 2020 “unconstitutional”. While the state “suspended” theirs and had started their unconstitutional 6th Year in the House of Federation (HoF). So, it is always rich of them say this.

However, there are more evidence that Afwerki and Abiy is lying about how it started. As these stories doesn’t connect with reporting. Both what Mesfin wrote in December 2020 and what Addis Standard stated in January 2021. That is why I taken passages from there to prove my points.

Eritrean Involvement in Tigray:

Abiy did not disclose to the Ethiopian public and international community that even more federal troops were airlifted into Eritrea following the outbreak of conflict on November 4. In the 48 hours before TPLF’s bombing of Asmara on November 14, local sources counted close to 30 military airplanes flying in thousands of soldiers from Ethiopia. Subsequent flights transported more soldiers into the Eritrean seaports of Massawa and Asseb. The Prime Minister also hid from the world the Eritrean military’s direct involvement in combat along the entire border that Eritrea shares with Tigray regional state as well as inside Tigray. The following information is pieced together from three different sources: first, reliable sources inside the Eritrean Ministry of Defense; second, Eritrean opposition intelligence sources in Sudan and Ethiopia; and finally, anecdotal pieces communicated from friends and relatives, including some academic researchers” (Mesfin Hagos – ‘Eritrea’s Role in Ethiopia’s Conflict and the Fate of Eritrean Refugees in Ethiopia’ 04.12.2020, World Peace Foundation:

Commissioner Abere Adamu said:

Because it is history let me tell you what happened during this time. At the time, Amhara region police and Temesgen [Tiruneh] who was the president of the Amhara Region, already knew that this thing was going to happen, especially TPLF’s preparation, as they were next door to us. Therefore we have already done our homework, and accordingly deployment of forces had taken place in our borders from east to west. The war started that night after we have already completed our preparations” (Addis Standard, 04.01.2021)

As Adamu continues:

““What we have talked about was, because it is now in the past, let me make it clear for you today: what we discussed was that we had communication with those from within; with whom we had close relations, especially with those members of the Mechanized Forces stationed near Humera; we had relations with them and we have already studied how to retrieve the force to come to us if something happened. So when I and Assistant commissioner Biset say “according to what we discussed” we understand what we were saying. So he told me “things are going as we discussed.” What it meant was to make members of the steel-clad mechanized Special Forces to come to us under the protection of our Special Forces, and after they reached us, to commander them to turn back to face the enemy. So he asked me “they are coming, what do I do with them?” so I told him to divert them back face the enemy; he did it. The armored mechanized members that we provided protection and retrieved from there provided protection for our forces and the foot soldiers marched in. You all know what happened next. This is how the war started; this was the day” (Addis Standard, 04.01.2021).

For me as I see it. The reporting on the flights across with troops from Ethiopia into Eritrea tell me it was preplanned ahead of time. You cannot move troops in the blink of an eye and especially not 30 planes in-coordination. Also, the mechanized brigades and soldiers-on-foot in Amhara region as well. Both of these manoeuvrers proves there was underlying intent. Either the TPLF would attack the Northern Command or not. The Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF), Amhara Para-Military (Fano) and Eritrean National Army (ENA) was all prepared ahead of time.

Therefore, the blame-game of TPLF is just a fitting one. Because, to make the previous tenants of power the villains is easy. As they have done so much and caused so much horrific harm in the past. That they can easily be transformed to devious people now too. Even, when the most cunning ones are the one currently in power. That is the reality of it all and Afwerki trying to sell that story. Which the Prosperity Party and Addis has been selling for months. Since that fits them in a glove and gives them a reason. Though, when you look into it. It isn’t that truthful and its a lie. A lie they deserved to be called out for. Especially, when there is such proof of their ways. Peace.

Reference:

Addis Standard – ‘NEWS ANALYSIS: AMHARA REGION POLICE CHIEF REVEALS HOW REGION’S POLICE FORCE GUIDED FEDERAL STEEL-CLAD MECHANIZED FORCES TO JOIN “WAR” IN TIGRAY’ 04.01.2021 link: https://addisstandard.com/news-analysis-amhara-region-police-chief-reveals-how-regions-police-force-guided-federal-steel-clad-mechanized-forces-to-join-war-in-tigray/

Ethiopia-Sudan Tensions: Continued clashes on Sudanese territory

It started with new skirmishes in December 2020. When there was two times skirmishes between the Sudanese and Ethiopian troops. There was even Amhara Para-Military (Fano) involved in attacks on Sudanese soil. Therefore, it seemed deliberate from the Ethiopian side to attack border-points and venture into the Al-Fashaqa region.

Now, the last 48 hours there been reported of two more incidents. First yesterday on the 9th February 2021 one more Ethiopian Soldier died inside Sudanese territory. Today on the 10th February 2021 there been reports of 5 Ethiopian Soldiers killed and one Sudanese Soldiers on Sudanese territory. It seems more like a steady planned attacks from the Ethiopian side. As the Sudanese has re-established and sent brigades to control this border towards the Tigray Region.

They have now been doing this since the 13th December 2020. It isn’t one rare incident where one soldier went astray and got lost on a adventure close to the Sudanese border. No, this has happened on a steady occurrence since then. That should strike a warning. It should also make you wonder why they are trespassing and using violent means across the borders. If the Ethiopian state have plan or even a military operation to be extended from the Law Enforcement Operation, which it started on the 4th November 2020. Since they already moved several of forces to the Northern Ethiopia for that reason alone.

That is why you can start to imagine that the leaders, the commanders-in-chief had the idea of taking more land to be greater and more powerful by doing it to someone who wasn’t prepared for the invasion. The Sudanese in transition after Al-Bashir and having erratic protests would be a fitting target for a foreign invasion. That is maybe why Prime Minister Abiy saw a reason to get back the Al-Fashaqa Region from Sudan. So, that he could access and annex a valuable farmland.

We should wonder why they are doing this and ordering such skirmishes. You can also ask yourself what it is to gain to do this. The Ethiopian government already asked to calm down and stop their operation in Tigray. While they are escalating here, which is creating a bigger international crisis. As they making enemies of their neighbours, which they are so supposed to be negotiating agreements in concern of the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). Yes, Ethiopia is a sovereign, but needs allies to get best deal as possible in concern to share the Nile water. Therefore, making neighbours in combat-mode. They are most likely not friendly or sharing of things with mutual interests. As they are remembering who shot at them last and it just happened to Ethiopian army.

If Abiy and his Prosperity Party thinks this is the way to get more friends. I hate to say, but you make more enemies. As you attack and try to invade other people’s land. That will end hostile and will be fatal. Just like the recent two days has proven. This sort of play will end up in no good and there is no positive silver lining. There is only death. Just like all wars, but that is what a war-lord is promoting.

A warlord that is happy to create more havoc and political crisis. Maybe he will invite Prime Minister Hamdok for another short meeting in Addis Ababa before sending him packing without any solution. Also, order a new group to attack Sudan after that meeting. Because that happened in December and could easily happened again.

It seems like this will not be over soon. The Republic’s have already started and the war-drums are hit. However, we still have to hope that peace will conquer this. Nevertheless, the warlord of Addis seems to be striking the drums, again and again. Peace.

Eritrea: Embassy of the State of Eritrea to the United States of America – Sloppy Journalism at its Worst (08.02.2021)

Ethiopia: A Press Statement by the Oromo Action Council (OAC) – The Oromo Political Prisoners Hunger Strike: A Top Urgent Response (07.02.2021)

National Council of Eritrean Americans: Ill-Advised Statement Points to Failed Policies of the Past (07.02.2021)

Ethiopia: Joint UN-Government Tigray mission highlights humanitarian needs and path forward (06.02.2021)

ADDIS ABABA/ROME – Today, the Executive Director of the World Food Programme, David Beasley, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ethiopia, Catherine Sozi, and the Federal Minister of Peace of the Government of Ethiopia, Muferihat Kamil, completed a joint visit to Mekelle in Ethiopia’s Tigray Region, aiming to highlight the need for strong partnership to rapidly scale up a Government-led collective response to meet the immediate humanitarian needs of people in Ethiopia’s Tigray Region.

Mr. Beasley commended the emergency food assistance that the Government and partners have already provided to the people of Tigray since the onset of the crisis, reaching almost 1.7 million people with emergency food distributions. 26,000 Eritrean refugees residing in two camps have also received food and nutrition assistance.

“But we must do more, together, to meet the needs of the population,” said Mr. Beasley, noting with concern that, “Latest preliminary estimates indicate that 2.5 to 3 million people in the region require emergency food assistance. Reports indicate that the nutrition situation requires greater attention, with young children and pregnant and lactating mothers the most vulnerable.”

Minister Muferihat indicated that the Government of Ethiopia has welcomed recent positive engagements with the Government by senior UN officials, including the Under-Secretary General for Safety and Security, the High Commissioner for Refugees, and the Executive Director of the World Food Programme.

“To ensure that humanitarian assistance in Tigray can be expanded and intensified without delay, the Government is moving with urgency to approve requests for international staff movements into and within Tigray, “ said the Minister, adding that, “Several such requests have been approved over the past few days and the process of rapid and streamlined approvals will continue. The Government will also review visa requests for international humanitarian staff with urgency and priority. Communication capability for UN and humanitarian partners with significant operations in Tigray will be enhanced.”

Confirming the critical importance of enhanced operational presence and communication capability to allow UN agencies and humanitarian partners to scale up humanitarian interventions in Tigray, Ms. Sozi said, “These recent and anticipated developments related to staff movement approvals and communication capability will allow international agencies to design and manage operations safely and responsibly, in close partnership with the Government. This is a tremendous step forward.”

Mr. Beasley announced that WFP has accepted a request from the Government to augment the transportation capacity of the Government and partners to deliver humanitarian assistance into and within Tigray. WFP has also agreed to provide emergency food relief assistance to up to 1 million people in Tigray and launch a blanket supplementary feeding intervention to assist up to 875,000 nutritionally vulnerable children and pregnant and lactating mothers.

These agreed WFP contributions will require USD 107 million to be implemented over the coming six months in areas and communities jointly identified and prioritized with the Government based on joint assessment where feasible.

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The United Nations World Food Programme is the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. We are the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

Ethiopia: Statement by the Special Adviser of the Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide, Alice Wairimu Nderitu, on the situation in Ethiopia (05.02.2021)

Ethiopia: Ethiopian Human Rights Commisison (EHRC) – Addis Ababa: Situation of Prisoners on Hunger Strike (05.02.2021)

Ethiopia: A “Superior Order” intervened in the Court Case of Jawar Mohammed et. Al.

This is the sort of news that the Federal Government don’t want to have out. The sort of reporting that hurt the pride of the state. As this proves what sort of fashion that is happening in the courts. Where the political prisoners are kept behind bars and not getting justice. Because, the system is working against them. This is reported in regards to the Oromo leaders and activists behind bars. Still, the same could happen elsewhere too.

The Prosperity Party and Prime Minister Ahmed Ali Abiy is the ones with the “Superior Order” that controls the Court room. That is why they are lingering behind bars. While that is happening, the Oromo leaders behind bars is currently on the 8th day of hunger strike.

The Judge said he too was instructed, “not to come to the courtroom with a mobile phone.” The Judge went on to say that the police had told them that a superior order had been issued to restrict the use of cell phones because information were being leaked. Dejene Tefa, then asked for permission and was allowed to make a speech. “You did this as you were instructed by the so called ‘superior order’ not to bring in your cell phone. If so, what is our guarantee that we will not be sentenced to death tomorrow by you in way of executing the superior order?” Who is that superior? Who is in charge of the courtroom? Who will preside over the hearing and other related questions raised and the Judges gave ‘answer’” (Oromo Political Prisoners Defence Team – ‘Today’s Outrageous Scene – During Jawar Mohammed et al. – Political Show Trial: ‘A Superior Order’’ 05.02.2021).

The Federal Government clearly don’t want to release the Political Prisoners. They want to bar them from the up-coming election and stopping their candidacies. That is why they are still barred behind bars and they will not have the ability to participate in elections. The state is keeping them there on frivolous charges, because they can and the next court date on the 1st March 2021.

We cannot expect the case to be solved. They will not be released as they are kept there arbitrary arrested and without evidence. If they had the evidence of the so-called criminal conspiracy. They would have sentenced them and proven the cases months ago. However, this is prolonged because the “Superior Order” is saying so. Peace.

Ethiopia: Attorney General – Press Release on the Investigation into TPLF’s attack against the Northern Command of the National Defence Force and Related Grave Criminal Offences (04.02.2021)