Ethiopia: Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) – Press Release on the intensified killing, arrest and kidnapping of OFC Members and Leadership in Oromia (26.04.2024)

Ethiopia: National Congress of Greater Tigray – Press Release (27.04.2024)

Ethiopia: Afar Democratic Party (ADP) – A statement from the Afar Democratic Party regarding the allegations of destruction by the Ogaden National Liberation Front and the Somali Regional Government (22.04.2024)

Ethiopia: Afar People’s Party (APP) – Statement on Allegations of Aggression by Ogaden National Liberation Front and Somali Regional State Government (21.04.2024)

Ethiopia: Salsay Weyane Tigray – Salsay Weyane Tigray on Recent Statement by Embassies (22.04.2024)

Ethiopia: Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) – Press Statement (21.04.2024)

Ethiopia: Issa-Somali militia [or Liyu Police Force] attack the Afar region

“Meeting of the ISSA in Dire Dawa, general Soubaglé, colonel Osman Doubad, colonel Abdourahman Cher, the son of Djama Ali Guelleh (director of the EDD), the ogas of the Issa, Ismael Tané, Saleh Omar Guelleh ,where they decided to attack from 7 places of the zone 3 of the Afar region. These attacks took place on April 14, 2024 as planned, in Hanruka, Galaqlu, Aadda Qaddoy, Sibaybi, Sarakkooma, Hargaggas, Garanik Hinnale ‘aadul. The general staff of the Djiboutian Army directed operations from the residence of the Ogas des Issa in Dire Dawa, which had a relay antenna for wireless communication, connected to the Djibouti internet” (Lettre Confidentielle de Djibouti, 16.04.2024).

This week again has been rocked by Issa-Somali militia attacking the Sitti Zone of the Afar region. That’s a conflict that has been lasting long and been used by proxies. Therefore the report of Djibouti involvement and sponsoring the Issa-Somali militia isn’t shocking.

The Issa-Somali militia which is based in the Ogaden (Somali Region) goes to attack the border regions to target civilians and cause instability. In such a manner that they can annex and gain lands. Some says because of drought and other to weaken the spirit of the Afari people. However, they are resilient and continues to fight back for the territories.

There been speculation that the TPLF is sponsoring the Issa-Somali militia, but everything goes back to Djibouti and not to Mekelle. The Tigray Defence Force (TDF) isn’t involved in this and neither is the Tigray Interim Regional Administration (TIRA). Therefore, the speculations of Tigray involvement here should be put to rest.

The Afar Regional State has stood tall in the past and will do again. They will fight for their own and most likely without much help from the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF). There reports that Oromo is part of the Issa-Somalia militia who is targeting the region. That’s because of the importance of the Ethiopian-Djibouti road, which is key for logistical purposes between Ethiopia and the port of Djibouti.

Some say it is Liyu Police Force that is attacking the Afar region. If so… then its the regional state own police of Ogaden (Somali region) that is attacking another one. That is an internal conflict created by state actors and representatives. This shows how the word of mouth is running…

However, the tragedy is the loss of lives. The insecurity and the possibility of external complication in internal affairs. It isn’t breaking news that Issa-Somali militia’s targets Afar region. That has happened before and could easily repeat itself. The Afar region deserves better and shouldn’t be a victim of power play by outsiders. That’s what is going on here… if its from the Ogaden or Djibouti. It is vicious and the region deserves so much better.

Addis Ababa should come to aide Semera. The Sitti Zone is under attack and this is causing harm, which we cannot phantom. Peace.

Ethiopia: Brewing conflict between Tigray and Amhara region again…

Briefing from Tigray:

“Briefing the media earlier today, Tadesse Werede(Gen.), Tigray IRA Deputy, states that the federal government and Tigray IRA have reached into an agreement on the need to dismantle administrations established by Amahara forces in Western Tigray, Tselemti and some parts of Southern Tigray under occupation. He said “the first step is to disband armed groups in the areas and dismantle the unconstitutional administrations established” “The restoration of the justice system will also follow” he added. The General highlighted that the armed groups are disrupting the process including engaging on some skirmish with federal forces. He stated that the Pretoria agreement would be implemented in a manner that prevents the resurgence of conflict” (Tigrai Television, 16.04.2024).

Briefing from Amhara:

“Even though the Amhara regional government has repeatedly made a discussion with the temporary administration of Tigray through the federal government, TPLF has put aside this option of peace and invaded the areas of Raya Alamata, Raya Bala, Ofla, Korem and Zata. TPLF invaded Raya Alamata, Raya Bala, Ofla, Korem and Zata and Wolkayit Tegede and Telemt are areas where they have committed terrible crimes starting from taking over administrative structures and organizations that existed before the constitution of the country to committing genocide crimes. These areas are in a painful problem for the identity of the current government. It is proven by many historical evidence that they were asking for their rights to be respected by raising questions about self-government” (Amhara Communications, 17.04.2024).

The latest news from Mekelle and Bahir Dar isn’t positive. The news from the Tigray Interim Regional Administration (TIRA) and the Amhara Regional Government, which shows that something is on. That is happening as there are already conflict in Amhara region between the government and the Fano, which the ENDF haven’t been able to contain or to strike down with fierce vengeance.

We are now seeing a return of old allies of the Prosperity Party using similar tricks of the past to vilify the Tigray region. They are targeting the TPLF and the TIRA… as they are willing to re-start the conflict, which has been stalled by the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement. Now that might be destroyed and alter the future of both regions.

This is Prime Minister Abiy’s way of undermining both regions. As they are torn by war. Amhara region is under fire by Fano and the Amhara Popular Force (APF), which are former allied troops that is now targeting the Federal Army who happened to be the allies not so long ago. Now the Regional State wants to work in the favour of the idea of the great state of Amhara. That is done by default to get more people enlisted and ensure popularity in Amhara. Therefore, vilification of Tigray and the TIRA can only benefit Abiy.

This is done to use force and fight for the cause of the state. While hoping the Fano and others get crushed in the middle of it. That’s how this looks like, as a ploy to trick and get the ultra-nationalist inside Fano on its side. As they are fighting for contested parts of Tigray. That’s why they are wanting the Western Tigray and Southern Tigray as a part of the Amhara Regional State. This is the annexation that was started in the previous war. Therefore, Abiy is playing on their will of more and wanting to clip the wings of Mekelle.

It is not looking good, but the regime of the warlord in Addis Ababa must be giddy of the news. As he can come and conquer yet again. Peace.

Ethiopia: Salsay Weyane Tigray – Irob Community Faces Catastrophe under Eritrean Occupation (15.04.2024)

Ethiopia: Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) – OLF Expresses its Grave Concern Regarding the so-called ‘Investigation’ into Jaal Batte Urgessa’s Murder (14.04.2024)