Ethiopia: The Heralds Editorial against the new UN investigation in Northern Ethiopia is an epic failure…

Since November 2020 we have seen what the Federal Government of Ethiopia has been willing to do. They first saying “Eritrean forces” wasn’t there and later they confirmed it. Later they said “terrorists” had fled to Sudan, but that was only civilians fleeing the war-zone in the Tigray region. The government said they didn’t target civilians or civilian targets, which it did. It did bomb and shell cities, burn villages, target farmers, religious buildings and destruction of industry. Therefore, this government have lied about everything and the proof of the continuation of this is in the editorial of the Ethiopian Herald today.

No one should be shocked by this. The newspaper is always following government propaganda and defence of the state. They are willing to bend words and rhetoric to defend the indefensible. These folks will defend poisoning innocent civilians and say they ate stale bread or out-of-date drinks. That is the sort of means it will do and this is how it operate. So, now that you know this. You will not be shocked what you are about to read.

First paragraphs from the editorial:

Regarding the alleged human rights violation in Tigray State, an investigation more of acceptable by both the United Nations and the Ethiopian government was conducted by joint investigation teams of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHCR) and Office of the United Nations Higher Commission for Human Rights (OHCHR). Contradicting the findings of the investigation, the UN human rights body decided to establish an international commission of human rights experts to conduct what it said “a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegation of violations and abuses committed in Ethiopia since 3 November 2020 by all parties to the conflict.”” (The Ethiopian Herald – ‘Disobedience to principles opens door to prejudice, failure’ 19.03.2022).

They are going back to the Investigation, which blocked and made it impossible for the joint team to properly investigate the human rights violations, massacres and possible war-crimes within Tigray region. The “Operation Law Enforcement” which turned into the “Survival Campaign” only shows what the state is willing to do. We know the state has put up bureaucratic hurdles and issues, which is the reason for 500 days of humanitarian assistance blockade. That is resulting in malnutrition and starvation. It is also resulting in man-made famine and deaths, which is happening at levels we cannot comprehend. That’s all for the will and orders of the Addis Ababa government. They are pinning the “enemy” in Mekelle, but this shows how sinister their acts are. It is also evident that they don’t want independent investigation of it.

The editorial continues:

The UN biased decision came on the heels of the release of the joint probe that the government of Ethiopia had announced that the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Taskforce to oversee redress and take accountability measures in response to human rights violations committed in the context of the conflict in the northern Ethiopia. In addition, though the terrorist TPLF has been doing its level best to block all the ways, the government has vigorously worked to address those in need of humanitarian aid in Tigray region. This is the reality on the ground. Negating this genuine fact, decision to establish an extra team to conduct investigation of the same case, in the same place and of the same time makes the UN nothing but a blind horse of few powers and individuals” (The Ethiopian Herald – ‘Disobedience to principles opens door to prejudice, failure’ 19.03.2022).

As it shows and typical mannerism of anyone who defends the state at this point. They just point at TPLF and says they influenced international people or organizations. Because, international agencies or people don’t have an agency of their own or can access some reporting, which isn’t reflecting of what the Federal Government of Ethiopia wants to share. That’s why the FDRE and Prosperity Party is working on overtime to address things, but pinning blame on Tigray. Even when they are to blame and some of their allies, which is either Eritrean Defence Forces, Regional Special Forces or the Amhara Para-Military Militia “Fano” that has all committed hideous war-crimes since the start of the war in November 2020. So, the independent investigation might uncover even more sinister acts and devious means of yet to be discovered. That’s why the Federal Government have blocked access to the previous ones and done whatever it can keep the world in the dark of their operation in the Tigray Region.

Last paragraph of the editorial that matters:

This twisted trajectory of the United Nations bears witness that it has gained no lesson from its predecessor, the League of Nations, that gave deaf ears to Ethiopia’s call to condemn the then Italia’s invasion aiming to colonize the country. It is playing the same old game regarding the current situation in Ethiopia” (The Ethiopian Herald – ‘Disobedience to principles opens door to prejudice, failure’ 19.03.2022).

Indeed, here the Editorial and I might slightly agree on something. As the United Nations and League of Nations are both International Organizations, which lacks certain platitudes and organizational mechanisms to secure humanity. Also, it has certain protocols and pre-fixed power structures, which limps it works. Just like League of Nations betrayed Ethiopia in the eyes of invasion from Italy. The UN and UNSC has betrayed the people of Tigray and whole of Ethiopia, by not getting a stronger mandate or even have the powers to fully commit to the Conventions or Charter of the UN. Therefore, the Editoral is wrong about the trajectory, but instead not looking at the grand scheme of things. Yes, we are agreeing on small points, but the objectively view of it, we are not agreeing.

As the UN should do more and should have more access, but they are only allowed accordingly to the UN member state, which happens to Ethiopia itself. The UN and UN Organizations can imply or ask for observations or investigations. However, the Ethiopian state has to allow it. Therefore, parts of the blame of manner of which UN approaches things is on the basis of the states. That means it is up to the states and how they complies with the actions made by the UN. This is why the deadlocks and the stalemates are not only on the basis of how UN operates, but how the other parties are acting accordingly.

This just shows it all and this government friendly press by an outlet run by the state run Ethiopian Press Agency. Therefore, this one spread the message and the words of which is representative of the administration in Addis Ababa. With that in mind…. You know what sort of ideas and ideals, which are there.

The Ethiopian Herald has with time started to sound and act like Shabait of Eritrea. That is really evident and tragic. However, not shocking as these two nations are fighting the same war and wants to brutally end TPLF. This is why they do whatever they can to defend it and drops a dozens of lies to do it as well. Peace.

South Sudan: Abyei Special Administrative Area – Press Release (18.03.2022)

Ethiopia: Oromo Liberation Front/Army (OLF/OLA) – Amhara Forces slit the throat of a Pregnant Oromo Woman and Abducted 18 Students (18.03.2022)

Ethiopia: The Prosperity Party is promoting NaMA’s Central Committee now..

The majority and ruling party Prosperity Party have on their verified Facebook page reported directly from the National Movement of Amhara (NaMA) Central Committee meeting, which will be a two-day meeting.

What is striking about this. The need to do this shows how NaMA is embedded in the Prosperity Party. It is a part of it and a direct ally. It isn’t an independent body or can be seen as such. Heck, their own verified page haven’t a new post since 4th March 2022, but Prosperity Party dropped the news about NaMA just mere 4 hours ago. That says something and no one should be shocked.

There is a reason why NaMA is so close, they are the pulse of the Amhara and the allies of the “Survival Campaign” and the genocidal war in Tigray region. They are defending and wants the Federal Government to continue it’s warfare in Tigray region. Surely, they will say the humanitarian assistance blockade isn’t enough. The man-made famine and starvation isn’t enough for them. That is the sort of nationalists and extremists, which are lingering in NaMA. That is the loyal allies of the Prime Minister and the “unifying” Prosperity Party.

That’s why Prosperity Party wrote this about the plans of NaMA:

As Mr Tahir said, it will be widely examined how NaMA’s role was in destroying the war in the country. It has been said that it will also be discussed on the issues that should be held in the future by evaluating the situation where the survival campaign was led. Regarding the comprehensive and inclusive national understanding, He said it will also address issues that could benefit the people of Amhara in particular” (Prosperity Party – ‘NaMA is holding the Central Committee meeting in Bahir Dar’, 18.03.2022).

If you didn’t believe me that they wrote about making plans for the next 5 years… here is the translation of the text:

The central committee is expected to discuss and approve the organization’s strategic direction for the next five years” (Prosperity Party -‘NaMA is holding the Central Committee meeting in Bahir Dar’, 18.03.2022).

If you ever wondered about the loyalty or the close connections between the parties. What happened today cements it. Yes, NaMA has a minister in Abiy’s cabinet and is clearly in the ear of the PM. If the PP didn’t care or see any value. They wouldn’t have reported about it and used their platform to tell what NaMA plans to do the next two days. It shows they are promoting and spreading the news about the party.

It shows that there is a possible marriage of convenience between these parties. As the PP see it in their interests to address it and tell what is happening in the Central Committee of the NaMA party. That is really special and shows how the PP acts now.

I never thought this was possible… but here we are. Peace.

Ethiopia: Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Updates on Humanitarian Assistance to the Tigray Region (17.03.2022)

Ethiopia: Ogaden region hit by severe draught and an additional fuel crisis…

Jigjiga without fuel and public transport stalled. Unprecedented Fuel Remains in Somali Region, Traffic Strikes Prime Minister Abi Ahmed has blamed the local government for the lack of fuel and corruption in the Somali region. Local fuel is sold to regional administrations in Somalia, with the involvement of a corrupt local administration” (Heego24 News, 14.03.2022).

The indication that a Federal Government and a Regional Government is clueless about what they are doing. Is easy to indicate when you read about what is currently happening and how things are handled. The Prosperity Party in Addis Ababa and the Regiona Government led by local puppet Mustafe Omer. Who is clearly not up for the levels of responsibility and neither able to coordinate the needs for the Ogaden (Somali Region).

That is very easy to assess after reading about the drivers, which are the ones who getting the fuel to the region. They experience and the reports from a Danish Aid Agency how things are looking in concern to the drought. Which most likely has been forewarned by FAO and other international agencies ahead of the happening. These mechanisms tends to possible navigate these things and give a set of options for the Federal Government and Regional Government. If they care about the consequence, if such happens. Alas, there been zero fucks given and that is evident. Which is why the Ogaden region is having a double crisis at ones.

Reported from Nuur Xaaji Faqid:

Complaints from Somali Regional Drivers.

Drivers in the somali area upon their arrival at the fuel depot in Djibouti, departing upon arrival kabri-bayah, is added to the army and delivered to Ararso. It was taken from Ararso by another army and they also reached Dhagah-Buur. It is being carried out by another force and will also be deployed to Kabri-dahar. As the Drivers told us every troop that slipped away wanted money and if not given it would not pass the car so they had to pay and give the soldiers a ride. So is it possible to send a soldier and then go to ten districts one by one and give each one money?” (16.03.2022).

DERF with Alter Note:

OFROSOM has submitted an alert to DERF regarding worsening of the severe drought in Somali Region, Ethiopia. The areas affected are the Somali Region in Ethiopia and most parts of SNNP and Sidama, as well as across the lowlands of southern Oromia, particularly in Bale, East Bale, Borena, Guji and West Guji zones. West and Haro Guduru Wollega zones of Oromia Region. According to the Regional Drought Response Plan for the Horn of Africa of Jan 2022, Somali Region is the most drought affected part of Ethiopia and an estimated 3,7 million people of Somali Region will require relief, which corresponds to 59% of the Somali Region population. Overall, the impact of the drought on pastoralist and agro-pastoralist communities in eastern and southeastern Ethiopia continues to deepen. A recent needs assessment in East Hararge Zone (Oromia) indicates that some 627,000 people across 11 woredas require urgent water assistance” (DERF – ‘22-006-SP Alert Note Worsening Severe Drought in Somali Region, Ethiopia (Not Activated)’ 11.03.2022).

Things will only get worse before they get better. As the state is busy scheming their own deals, instead of actually delivering what the citizens needs. The Prosperity Party and the Federal Government is blaming the regional government. While none of them is finding solutions. Meanwhile the drivers in a horrible position. Where they have to bribe anyone to get things through all the districts to reach Ogaden. This is making things costly, as well, as the international costs are rising on fuel. Which is all ensuring the negative results when coming to Ogaden in the first place.

The region lacks not only rain and food. It lacks fuel to transport water for furthering production of possible food. That says something and shows that things are dire. There is a need and there is no signs of changes anytime soon. The Federal Government and Regional Government should cooperate on this and find a resolve. In such a fashion, that ensure the livelihoods and the possible food-safety of the Ogaden. Alas, that seems to be not important and a quest the leaders wants to dodge. Hoping the international community and the aid organizations can cover their behinds. Because, this is reckless and show that they are not valuing life. Since, life is so easily to throw away and not support in the hour of need. A drought can easily turn into a famine… especially, when everything surrounding it is utter silence and inaction.

That’s what the Prime Minister is giving and what the Regional President is serving the citizens of the Ogaden region. Peace.

Ethiopia: Tigray Human Rights Forum (THRF) – Statement on the horrific act of burning people alive to death by federal and regional security forces in Ethiopia (15.03.2022)

Ethiopia: Tigray Human Rights Advocacy Network (THRAN) – Open Statement (16.03.2022)

Ethiopia: Oromo Legacy Leadership and Advocacy Association (OLLAA) – OLLAA calls for justice and independent investigation after video shows civilians being burned alive in Benishangul-Gumuz (14.03.2022)

Ethiopia: Abiy ran his own election as the Prosperity Party President and Won!

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has reiterated a call for Meddemer (Synergy) for the realization of prosperous Ethiopia upon his election as president of the party. “I am absolutely sure that Ethiopia will prosper if you come together under the umbrella of Medemer” he underscored” (Fana Broadcasting Company – ‘Prosperity Party Elects Dr. Abiy Ahmed As President’ 12.03.2022).

There has been released on social media a two minute video-clip of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali own election to become a Party President in the Prosperity Party. This is the first delegate conference of the ruling party under his reign. It is clear that his words is law by now.

What is striking by the clip released from the conference yesterday. Shows that him as the leader was the one enforcing the polls. Announcing his candidacy and asking for others to challenge him. While seeing if the crowd and the delegates had the balls to contest him. He knew nobody would do that directly and his the unchallenged leader of the Prosperity Party. Therefore, it is really compelling what his says, as he gets elected.

It was live on ETV, which is the rebranded Ethiopian Broadcasting Company (EBC). The state broadcaster was sending it live and uncut. Thanks to someone who wanted to show the disgraceful way the PM became Party President. A person did translate the speech to show foolish it was. Remember this is a head of state and Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE). Not just some run of the mill, knob-head who is high on their own supply. No, this is supposed to be a leader of men and a respected reformer.

This is how he sounded like… right before he was elected by the delegates raising their hands.

Prime Minister Abiy before the voting:

Any other person that seconds Abiy as a candidate for President? I meant who supports the proposed candidacy[of Abiy]? Not like that. (Some started to raise up their hands) By speaking out [about me]. OK. Good. There are many people who second. Now, let me give you chance to a person who says: “Abiy has lead Prosperity [Party] for last 4 years, it is enough and we need a better person to lead this Party and Ethiopia? (hahahaha) Be Quite. There are many observing these elections. It should be democratic. If anyone has such [crazy] idea, we should be ready to listen. If there is any person who says Abiy should not be a candidate, let us give him a chance. If not by speaking, anyone who wants oppose [my candidacy] can also raise a hand, no problem, BIG SMILE… Anyone who opposes [my candidacy]? This is my last call. Any opposition? OK. Now, those who support Abiy’s candidacy, show me by raising your hands. I believe there is at least one-third support… [hahahaha]” – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali (12.03.2022).

If you believe this sort of character and leader is fit. Do you… but he doesn’t seem reasonable. That a man does this and makes himself so superior. It says a lot. The Prosperity Party proves it doesn’t value democracy or proper procedure of elections. When they let the man who is the main candidate get to lead his own poll. That is what he did and it was live on ETV. Not just hearsay, but on National TV.

Anyone who reads that speech and words from Abiy should be shocked, but it just show his character and that nobody is reigning him in. His allowed to do whatever he likes and it doesn’t have consequences. That is evident. As the delegates was just waiting to raise their hands. They even started to early and he told them not to do that. Peace.