Ethiopia: Tigray is now a bridge to far…

We are devastated to hear the Tekeze bridge in Tigray has been destroyed. This was one of the main supply routes into Tigray which means aid efforts will be even more severely hampered than before. The IRC continues to call for unfettered humanitarian access to the region” (International Rescue Committee, 01.07.2021).

The Ethiopian army and the Amhara forces have demolished the bridge on the Tekeze river, that connects the towns of Shire and Maitsebri with heavy weapons; fearing that the Tigray Defense Forces might chase them” (Axumite Media, 01.07.2021)

The destruction of Tekeze bridge isn’t a single incident, as the Ethiopian National Defence Force and Amhara Para-Military Group “Fano” as they are retreating from the Tigray Region. They have been destroying important infrastructure and utilities.

The authorities and the state actors have blocked all roads leading to the Tigray region. In addition, they have been destroying power transformers and other equipment putting the region into a steady blackout. This is coming as an extra to the jamming of phone-lines, blocking internet and stopping all ordinary communication from the region.

The state as they promised a “unilateral ceasefire” is doing what it can to take it a bridge to far. Not leaving in peace, but trying to get Tigray back to the stone-age. As the basic utilities and communication equipment will not because the state has effectively destroyed it.

What the Ethiopian government is delivering to the general public of Tigray region. Is no banking, as all accounts are still frozen and they don’t have the ability to do that. There is no electricity and that has been cut off with deliberate action. Phone-lines are not working and internet is blocked as well. A total communications black-out, which have been done before and re-issued to add more suffering. The worst part is the destruction of the fields and the agricultural output. While stopping and blocking aid from getting into region. Making a huge catastrophe of epic proportions, which are not only in dire distress, but in full blown man-made famine. That is happing, while the state armies are busy blocking the roads into the region and making it impossible to get into it.

That shows the sinister heart of the leadership in Addis Ababa. They have announced and called the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) a terrorist organization in the House of Federation. However, what do you call someone who takes away food, shelter and the livelihood of millions? What do you call a government who kills, destroys and silence millions of civilians? What do you call a government who make their own citizens starve and blocks food aid from entering?

What do you call that?

Isn’t that terrorist and crimes of war? This is the effort and the product of a Law Enforcement Operation? This is the results and the proud achievement of the Prosperity Party? Is this the reforms of the elites of Addis Ababa and Bahir Dar?

If so, please do yourself a favour and piss off. You are a disgrace to humanity. Letting children, families, old and young die of starvation. Lack of basic necessities and stopping humanitarian access to the region. Because, you with your own armies and on command have created a humanitarian disaster.

All the ones dying as a cause of this and as a result needs to be answered for. The state, the Prime Minister and his party have all to address this and be held responsible. They made it happen and they let all guns out.

This is a bridge to far and they are making it much worse. Out of old grudges and there is only one way out. Since Addis Ababa doesn’t value or see these people as a part of their Republic. At least how they are appearing and their choices of destroying everything they can.

The Humanitarian organizations needs to make a way and a road, which comes from Sudan into the Tigray region. So, that they can have convoys and transports to the various parts of Tigray. Which is hurt by the man-made famine and the humanitarian crisis which is occurring right now. There is no time to loose and so many lives at stake.

Lives that Abiy and Addis Ababa doesn’t care for and their actions speaks louder than words. Peace.

Ethiopia: Abiy got humiliated by Operation Alula

The operation was not a defeat, it was a success” – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali (29.06.2021)

The Operation Law Enforcement which was launched in November 2020 cannot be deemed an success. It has only tarnished a nations reputation. The Prosperity Party and the Prime Minister as goons and warlords. They have a Ministry of Peace, but is known for waging war internally now. That is not how you built a strong state or reconcile people with difference.

Prime Minister Abiy together with his Amhara allies and Eritrean ally thought they had the ability and the power to destroy Tigray. They we’re jaded in their minds. Thinking they would have the upper-hand and the option of crushing Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). However, as longer as the conflict became. The weaker the army and the allies became. Their soldiers was dying and their reputation was in total tatters. Which cannot be reconciled after the atrocities, massacres, looting and destruction of region.

Also, with the “Operation Alula”, which is reported to have resulted this within 10 days:

28,300 ENDF soldiers dead, 6011 soldiers prisoners, 25 122mm howitzers, 6 107-Rockets, 13 120mm mortars, 78 82mm mortars, 16 zoo 23s, 142 Doshkas, 630 machinguns, & thousands of snipers & small arms, 391 vehicles, 747 military radios captured by TDF 7 divisions destroyed” (Tghat, 29.06.2021).

Credible sources indicated that more than 50% of the remnants of the invading Ethiopian soldiers from the TDF’s unpredictable operations in the last 7 months were destroyed in less than two weeks, I.e, OperationAlula!” (Dedebit Media, 30.06.2021).

So, before the majestic speech of the Prime Minister. The TDF had deployed their forces in a manner, which surprised the Tripartite Alliance and totally destroyed the army there. So, the deceased on both sides get buried over a spat, which they didn’t deserve. This was an egotistic PM who wanted to consolidate power and overpower his enemy. Who didn’t want to bow their knees to him.

That’s why the PM is proud of his destruction and looting.

Which happens to one be one the thing the PM is proud of:

When we entered Meklle 7 or 8 months ago, it was the collusion centre of gravity, centre of a government and centre of resources that we knew much of, and much more. We’re leaving today, and other than sheltering an overflowing additional number of people that are close to 80,000 which includes thieves, robbers who steal from them. It’s not different from Abi-Adi, Sheraro or Beshasha; it has lost all importance. Now there is nothing special about Mekelle, Abi-Adi or elsewhere, if we see it from a military perspective. Right now, there is nothing that makes it a centre of gravity, and tempting. Compared to the first time when we went in, there is nothing tempting now” (Abiy, 29.06.2021).

So, it is not like they came into war because of the constitution or rule of law. No, it was to humiliate and destroy Tigray. They wanted Mekelle to be destroyed and left in dust. It wasn’t supposed to a centre of anything. Just a small unimportant village. However, in the end. This vision and this brutal take. Shows, the Prime Minister didn’t go there for peace or liberation.

No, the Prime Minister went for selfish reasons for himself and his allies. To secure that there was one less region in the Republic. He rather wage war to undermine and weaken one part of the Republic. That says a lot about the PM.

Also not shocking, but revealing was the sentiment of the soldiers deployed which he stated:

They started viewing everyone they see as the enemy” (Abiy, 29.06.2021).

That explains why everyone became a target. Why the soldiers acted like they did and didn’t care about civilians or their lives. They would massacre, kill and rape citizens, as they we’re all seen as enemies. When you have that jaded vision and that approach. Everything you do is to save yourself and destroy your enemy. That’s how you create possible genocide and makes reasons for atrocities. Which is easy to realize in hindsight. When the soldiers and the ones deployed saw everyone as “enemies”!

This Prime Minister is proud of destroying Mekelle and “weakening” a threat. He didn’t go there to liberate or fight for the constitution. No, he ordered the war to secure his power and enrich himself on the costs of the Tigray region. However, that gamble has backfired and his army are now in complete disarray. It is weakened and the TDF have Prisoners of War (POW). They have been able to get rid of huge parts of the armies and they need to be restructured.

That’s why he has to surrender in Tigray. Plus the warfare has cost and broken the economy. He has paid for a war without any proper revenue. That why he has not only destroyed the National Defence Force (ENDF) but also the economy. This is an impressive feat to do within 8 months. Plus being implicated and ordering war-crimes, losing all prestige and becoming a known warlord.

Going from the Nobel Peace Prize to possible get charged by the International Criminal Court in the future for War-Crimes. If that isn’t one of the biggest fall from grace. I don’t know what is. Peace.

Ethiopia: Security and Justice for Tigreans in Ethiopia (SJTE) – SJTE Statement on the partial liberation of Tigray (29.06.2021)

Ethiopia: The Amhara Prosperity Party celebrates the Tigray war

Let it be today, all Amhara people have understood the sword that was planned to be re-deducted by TPLF. The emotions of the National Awakening has grown more than ever. He has kept the moral image higher. For those who came with love, he will stretch his hands with his common sense; he will give back the right lesson to those who come with hatred. The people of Amhara are not prepared to revenge any revenge. This doesn’t mean ′′ we will discuss math ′′ in silence. Those who are betrayers and anti-people will fight any enemy without mercy. We will inform you that Wolkayit, Tegede, State Humera, Temet and Raya are the areas of Amhara who celebrated their freedom by their sacrifice. If there is an interest in taking these areas out of law and wrapping them, we will confirm that there is no Amhara that doesn’t pay a price for its freedom” (Amhara Prosperity Party – ‘The Amhara people won’t allow the idea of terrorists!’ 29.06.2021).

If you think the party of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali is done with with war? Who are you kidding? If you think these folks are doing with looting and destruction of the Tigray region? Did you read what I just read?

Well… It is just a day since the Tigray Defence Force regained control of the Tigray region and the Federal Government called for a ceasefire. However, one part of the ruling regime. One vital part of the National Party. The Amhara Prosperity Party (APP) is clear in the message.

That message is that they are ready to again use the sword and go after Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). They have the belief that parts of Tigray belongs to the Amhara state. These are the ones that was proud of the annexation, the rapes, the looting and destruction of areas. So, that Amhara settlers could annex regions and make it a part of their state. This was happening during the war and was an deliberate act of the Tripartite Alliance.

APP just shows their dangerous sentiment. That they are still set on war and destruction. They are prepared and is exited for more death. They are claiming enemies, but preparing for war. Nothing in their minds will stop. This shows that the conflict isn’t really over.

When we know perfectly well that Amhara Para-Military Group “Fano” participated and was one of the key armed forces in the battle against the TDF. Secondly, the Amhara state was vital in the preparation and in execution in November 2020. Therefore, these are the ones who borders and lives right by the side of Tigray. This is a worry and the world should be aware.

As long as these sentiments are out there. The ruling regime and the regional part of the party believes this. We should know that the Amhara can easily sway and rattle with sabres to signify their power and how ready they are for war. Yet again.

Even if it is impossible to succeed in action, they have the courage to plant an eternal sword of the Amhara farmers on propaganda. The property that is stolen by TPLF is the property of the Amhara people, and the one that is supposed to be raped is the mother and sister of Amhara. The killer is all Amhara” (Amhara Prosperity Party – ‘The Amhara people won’t allow the idea of terrorists!’ 29.06.2021).

This they wrote and spread as their message. Just mere 24 hours since the soldiers was fleeing the war-zone and crying out a ceasefire. That shows their intent and their heart. Not that its any good, but it’s still shows their true character. Which is cold hearted and ready for more conflict.

It was a day to celebrate yesterday. However, today its more sombre and the PP is showing where they are standing. Not for peace, but for more war. Peace.

Ethiopia: The Government of the National State of Tigray – Press Release from the Government of Tigray (28.06.2021)

Ethiopia: Tigray – Eritrean Forces are now “taking a well-deserved rest”

28 June 2021 – (EP) A source tells Eritrean Press that all Eritrean troops have relocated back to border areas after “successfully” finishing their objective. Eritrean troops were stationed in and around Adigrat, Adwa, Aksum and Shire surroundings. The source says the Eritrean armies are positioned in Zalambessa, Badme and other Eritrean border villages and “taking a well-deserved rest” (Eritrean Press – ‘Eritrean troops: “we are back home” 28.06.2021).

The audacity. The manner in which this is described after all the horrific actions happening within Tigray Region since November 2020. The Eritrean Defence Force (EDF) is stating they finished their objectives.

That is really rich. So, the objective of the Eritrean forces in Tigray was to loot, destroy, rape and kill civilians. Their mission was to be the judge, the jury and executioner across the region. Where they did all this and just left.

They came and joined the war from the get-go. The Eritrean forces have used their power and ability to cause horrific acts, which has always been rebuked or downplayed. They haven’t taken any responsibility or wanted any scrutiny. Because for Asmara these folks as Gods gift to Tigray and they did a holy mission for the President.

The Eritrean army was there as a given and as a collective effort with the Ethiopian army. The boosted the effort and the capability of Addis Ababa to wage war. They were comrades of war and took charge.

Abiy and Afewerki had this aim together to destroy and conquer Tigray. Since it was defiant to Addis Ababa and the new consolidated power of Abiy. He needed them on their knees and begging him for mercy. Alas, that didn’t happen and even with the help of Asmara. He still couldn’t pull it of.

It is disgusting that they are “resting now” after “fulfilling their mission”. Secondly, it is really striking that they are saying this is “successful”. If this is success, what is failure?

The Eritrean army and their acts in this war needs to be investigated. What was their roles in the looting, the countless of massacres and all the other possible war-crimes they have committed?

The Shabait and other institutions are writing the heroic tales as we speak. We just know this… but the Eritrean army and its leaders needs to answer for what they did in Tigray. Their participation and their acts of crimes of war. These shall not be forgotten. Just because it has been called a cease-fire and the soldiers returns home.

They need to be addressed and not be forgotten. There are to many lives that was lost early. Because of the Eritrean army and their orders from Asmara/Addis Ababa. That’s why these has to be answered and the innocent lives needs justice. They needs a voice and a verdict. Their lives deserves that. As they were bystanders or citizens caught in the cross-fire, as the Eritrean forces invaded a zone or a woreda. Their memory and their losses shall be remembered.

An invading army like the Eritrean cannot “rest”. They are now awaiting the unforeseen future and their next mission. Since this mission hasn’t ended. It is just paused.

The Law Enforcement Operation failed and so did the Eritrean forces. Now its time to account and get a oversight of the injustice served by their hands. It is time to get clarity of the atrocities and the crimes of war. That is what is needed and the time is now. Peace.

Ethiopia: Abiy has lost Tigray for forever

Today on the 28th June 2021 the warfare of the Tripartite Alliance seems lost. It seems dwindling, even as they are leaving Mekelle and fleeing to Afar region. Mekelle has been freed from the alliance and the Interim Government have fled as well.

Tigray Defence Force was able to kick the Tripartite Alliance out after months of guerrilla warfare. The national army, Eritrean Army and Amhara Para-Military Group Fano We know the conflict has costed them a fortune, as they had to raid the banks of Mekelle and UNICEF offices. The state did their efforts and also had a communications blackout over the weekend. However, they have not prevailed.

Today is a day of reckoning for Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali and President Isaias Afewerki. They both have to take responsibility for this failed warfare. The amount of atrocities, massacres, looting and annexation of land from Amhara. The whole war has caused so much damage and hurt.

This will be damaging for a generation to come. There are so many people who lost their loved ones. Who has seen family members die. Woman who has been raped and seeing their homes destroyed. Villages burned and their homestead depleted. While the armies, the leaders and such have bashed in glory and talked of victory.

The leadership of Addis Ababa and Asmara failed in Tigray. They both have not only lost the war on the battlefield, but the whole enterprise was built on lies. The deception and the utter destruction that followed. The lies of no civilian casualties, the lies of what demographic the refugees are and the lie of the preparation ahead of the war in November 2020. We all know this now.

The state and its authorities has tried to kept this under wraps and controlled the narrative. They have worked hard to be supreme and be the big-men. However, they now got to cut their losses. The armies are running and they cannot fight back. Even when they are starving the population. Blocking aid convoys from entering and having steady road-blocks. When they are blocking and jamming all communications. Still, they are losing…

That must hurt the pride of Abiy. He has today lost the war he himself ordered and was supposed to win by later November 2020. The PM claimed victory and even said all TPLF leadership should just give-up and desert their mission. However, he has today lost it and it only begs to question.

What is his next move?

That is hard to know… but a cease-fire only means the guns are silenced. That isn’t a real peace. A real peace is when the agreement between the parties are written and these are in dialogue. That is something the PM haven’t been willing too and he has forged his narrative of the wrongdoings of the TPLF/TDF. They have just defended their region and between the Federal Republic at their game.

That is humiliating. The Law Enforcement Operation has clearly not worked well. A cease-fire is to re-tool and restructure itself. That is to buy time and find new ways of entertaining war. Therefore, the announcement today. Isn’t a sign of total stop, but waiting the next turn.

That is what the Tigray region should be aware of. The ones who started this. Is still in power and have the army at his disposal. Has allies who are willing to battle and to destroy their region at will. They are just taking it easy for now.

Abiy isn’t over and as easy he could order the war. He could also end it. However, the aftermath of it and the results of it will now come out. The devastations, the numbers and the amount of damage. The death toll, the starving civilians and the refugees.

All of this counts and he cannot run away from it. The PM and his allies all have to stand tall on this. They we’re willing to wage war and they should pay consequences for doing so. When it is so easy to pull the trigger. They should clearly pay the ramifications for it too.

That the TDF defended itself and used guerrilla tactics is within reason. If they have done any war-crimes. They should answer for that too. Just like the Federal Government. However, the weight of power and influence is on Addis Ababa. They are the big-men and the ones who got the suits from across at their door-steps. Therefore, they got to take the blunt force of responsibility hereafter.

Abiy is a warlord and now he got pay his respects to the dead. The ones that died on the alter of his ego. Peace.

Ethiopia: Tigray region under a new blackout

The warfare that started in November 2020 is now amping up. The Tripartite Alliance are now again silencing all reports, news and possibility to get information out of the region. This has happen over the 24 hours.

There is now a communication blackout. Only working in Mekelle, the rest of the region is blacked out. The Ethiopian authorities have jammed the phones, radios and the internet again. That is done so we cannot access or get news directly out from Tigray. It will be like last year. When the refugees and others who came out of the region. Could later elaborate stories of what went down.

This is to shield the Ethiopian army, Eritrean army and Amhara Para-Military Group “Fano” fighting the Tigray Defence Force. There is put up road-blocks and air-travel halted as well. 120 food-trucks with aide to Shire have been blocked as well. These was sent by the World Food Programme. Therefore, the whole region is blocked for a reason by the authorities.

There is also reports of electricity is cut off as well.

Mekelle is besieged. No transport is allowed in or out of the city. Also reported some unusual air-traffic, but nothing that is certain.

We should be worried about this. Because, this is done to hide and shield the efforts made by the authorities. This is to make atrocities happening in darkness. See nothing, hear nothing and know nothing.

We should be aware and this is done again. The state kept the region in a blackout a long time last year. It is at it again and they will claim everything coming out as disinformation and Shabait will defend its actions too.

The civilians casualties will be unknown, the amount of damage done by the tripartite alliance and neither the acts of TDF will be known. This is warfare in the middle of darkness and done deliberately so.

The world should be worried. People’s lives is at stake. A region which is already starving, lacking the necessities and been in full war for months. Will be even harder hit and the ones coming to help will be blocked, if not left for dead. Peace.

Ethiopia: The Government of the National State of Tigray – Press Release by the Government of the National State of Tigray on the Medecins Sans Froniteres Killings and the Togoga Market Airstrike (26.06.2021)

Ethiopia: The Global Society of Tigray Scholars (GSTS) – Ethiopia’s airstrike at Togoga market in Tigray: Old habits die hard (26.06.2021)