








This is not shocking, but not only the “no” vote on the Resolution against the Russian Aggression on Ukraine. They are doubling down on their stance, as dropped on piece on defending that. Now they are furthering it and digging deeper. Not like the Eritrean Ministry of Foreign Affairs or Shabait is making their stance any better. However, they are just showing how they are willing to defend the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
It is really magnificent that the text of Shabait starts like this:
“These are dangerous times. The anguish and human sufferings inculcated in the war in Ukraine are too familiar that could and should have been avoidable from the outset. More ominously, the world is on a precipice of a colossal disaster; the threat and potential for a major conflagration cannot be downplayed or shrugged off if we stay on this dangerous course” (Shabait – ‘Ukraine As Sacrificial Lamb’, 04.03.2022).
It is like the Eritrean Foreign Affairs is using the propaganda of Russian allies. That is very evident, in the manner of which it says the war could have been avoided and a dangerous course. This is using the will of Ukraine to either join the European Union (EU) or Northern Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). As a sovereign nation, it is the free will of the Ukrainian republic to join whatever multi-national organization, coalition or defence body, which it deems fit. Just like Russia can do the same.
The Shabait is playing on the diplomatic entanglement, which is using NATO as an excuse for the Russian invasion. That is giving no agency of Russia or their Head of State, Vladimir Putin. Putin ordered and sanctioned this war. He had annexed Crimea in 2014 and supported separatist since then in the Donbass region. So, the Russian Federation has already taken territory and interfered on parts of the Ukrainian integrity. For a county like Eritrea to say this was a major disaster that could have been avoided. The Eritrean government and army has gone to war over smaller territories in Djibouti and Ethiopia (Badme). So, the Eritrean government should understand the loss and the pain of Ukraine. Still, the Eritrean government is siding with the bigger-brother. Would Eritrea be fine, if Ethiopia would invade and take bigger parts of Eritrea? I am sure the Asmara government wouldn’t be fine with the interference or support of militias to work against the Eritrean government. Therefore, it is really tragic of Shabait to do this.
“This is not a crisis that erupted yesterday. The seeds of the current crisis were planted and have been brewing for the last thirty years by forces of domination and hegemony who craved to establish a unipolar world order. The inevitable corollary of this misguided and perilous policy was the encirclement and “containment” of Russia since it was perceived as the primary obstacle to their objectives. Ukraine is sadly a victim and has been scape-goated in their overarching scheme of “tightening the noose on Russia”. In this perspective, the issue is not a matter of support for Russia or Putin” (Shabait – ‘Ukraine As Sacrificial Lamb’, 04.03.2022).
They are clearly on the side of Russia here. While calling the Ukrainian people a victim for the scapegoating of Russia. That is the definition of defending the invader in the war. They are siding with Moscow and no other statement is needed. The “no” vote is really just representing how Eritrea defends Russian and their invasion. That is evident here and there is no other way to see it. The Eritrean Ministry of Foreign Affairs isn’t worried about the sovereign or the integrity of any nation. This nation can easily defend the Russian and their imperial dreams.
The Eritrean cannot say they are not supporting it directly, but indirectly supporting it. That is how they are trying to twist it, but that doesn’t make it more true.
The ending of the text is really satire here:
“A unipolar, or polarized world order, is antithetical to the fundamental pillars of robust multilateralism as well as the lofty aspirations of the majority of the world’s peoples and nations. This is what is at stake in these crucial times” (Shabait – ‘Ukraine As Sacrificial Lamb’, 04.03.2022).
This end is really unique coming from Shabait. A Ministry of Foreign Affairs who usually targets the West and the United States of America (USA). Therefore, the Shabait must be really out of order here. Since, this isn’t the usual business of Eritrea. Neither the ideals it speaks of here. It is more self-centred and that’s why writings like this is insincere.
Eritrea wants to support Russia, but wants a unipolar world order. While they are supporting the nation that is invading a smaller republic. Because, Putin wants to revive the Soviet Union. This should have been acknowledged, but Eritrea wants to be loyal to the allies of Moscow. They don’t want to offend or even say anything that would tarnish that alliance. Peace.

“Recognizing that the military operations of the Russian Federation inside the sovereign territory of Ukraine are on a scale that the international community has not seen in Europe in decades and that urgent action is needed to save this generation from the scourge of war” (…) “1. Reaffirms its commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders, extending to its territorial waters;
2. Deplores in the strongest terms the aggression by the Russian Federation against Ukraine in violation of Article 2 (4) of the Charter;
3. Demands that the Russian Federation immediately cease its use of force against Ukraine and to refrain from any further unlawful threat or use of force against any Member State;
4. Also demands that the Russian Federation immediately, completely and unconditionally withdraw all of its military forces from the territory of Ukraine within its internationally recognized borders;” (Draft Resolution A/ES-11/1-1 – “Aggression against Ukraine” 02.03.2022).
No surprises here. I am only taking a small fraction of the Extraordinary United Nations General Assembly and their resolution against the “Aggression against Ukraine” which only a few nations who voted no or abstained from voting against it. That’s because the international community and solidarity towards the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Eritrea was one of the member states in the United Nations who voted “no” on the resolution. It just show their allegiance and friendly relations towards Russia. They are showing this loyalty while voting their way. However, the excuses for defending it isn’t it. The Eritrean diplomats should just say: “We are in debt to Moscow and their aide towards us is valuable. That’s why we are willing to go against all principals and rights of a sovereign. Therefore, we are reaffirming the support and standing behind the warfare of the Russian federation in Ukraine”. If the Eritrean government and diplomats had done that. They had at least been sincere… and not this shallow, as Shabait is in it’s defence.
Just look here:
“Eritrea firmly believes that respect for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence, as enshrined in the United Nations Charter, are sacrosanct principles and should be respected by everyone, at all times, for the attainment of sustainable world peace. Eritrea’s vote is a demonstration of its uncompromising stand for peace. Its position is against internationalizing, incessant rhetoric, and impositions of unilateral sanctions, which regrettably further polarize international relations and escalate the situation with enormous implications for civilians. Instead, we have consistently opted for world regions to be given the needed space and solidarity to address political problems” (Shabait – ‘Explanation of vote after the vote by the delegation of Eritrea’ 02.03.2022).
“Let me conclude by reiterating that Eritrea would like to see that the windows for diplomacy remain open. We are confident of the ability of the parties to resolve their differences and reach an outcome that meets the interests and concerns of all. We hope that the international community constructively supports the parties in their search for sustainable peace” (Shabait – ‘Explanation of vote after the vote by the delegation of Eritrea’ 02.03.2022).
When you read this text, it makes sense, but when you see it in the light of vital parts of the resolution against Russia. You see how the Eritrean diplomats is double-speaking. As it speaks of respecting the UN Charter and the values of being a sovereign, but the Eritrea state voted against rebuking the invasion and warfare within Ukraine by an outside entity. Therefore, Eritrea cannot defend that and stand behind it in this manner. Since, it is indirectly supporting the invasion by voting “no” and not respecting the sovereign member state Ukraine.
I don’t see how the “no” vote is a sign of peace. It is a direct support of the nation that is ordering war on another. Maybe, because the Eritrean doesn’t want to have votes against it’s actions within another sovereign Ethiopia, which it has been participating in the warfare in Tigray region and elsewhere in Ethiopia. That would make sense, as they are war-lords and behind atrocities there. So, they need the support of Russia to be able to continue the war itself. Russians should be happy to see this vote, as they are supported by one ally, which happens to be Eritrea.
It is clear that Eritrea isn’t worried if a bigger nation would violate it or invade it. Since, they are vouching for Russia here. That’s the essence here. They are supporting the imperial powers of the world and Eritrea isn’t someone you can trust diplomatically, apparently. It is not shocking, but just a further proof of what it is willing to do. And say afterwards … to defend their despicable act of Russia in Ukraine. Peace.





In Ethiopia, the Afar Regional State is neighboring to Amhara, Oromia, and Tigray regions, while internationally bordering to Djibouti and Eritrea. This geopolitically important region that predominantly inhabited by indigenous Afar pastoralist is now exposed to unimaginable scale of grievances and humanitarian calamities due to the invasion of Tigray People Liberation Front (TPLF) and its military forces.
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

“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.




