Ethiopia: Global Society of Tigray Scholsars and Professionals (GSTS) – Expressing Alarm and Concern at Media Statements by DPM Temesgen Tiruneh and Calling for Urgent Cessation of Hostile Rhetoric and the Full Implementation of the Pretoria Agreement (02.05.2024)

Ethiopia: Tiruneh’s war cry…

The government is prepared to initiate another ‘law enforcement’ campaign in Tigray. It is imperative that the people of Tigray counsel the forces there. These forces must disarm immediately” – Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh (29.04.2024).

Dark days are now ahead as the Deputy Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) has called for a new “Operation Law Enforcement” in the Tigray Region. This would be the second round of conflict and continuation of war in the North. That is called for as the Federal Government are already enforcing conflict in Amhara region, Oromia and will return it in Tigray. It is really tragic and shows that the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement was flawed and wasn’t done in good spirit from Addis Ababa.

The Warlords of Addis Ababa is hitting on their war-drums. They are preparing more weapons and wanting to take down the ones they couldn’t in the last round. CoHA is only close to 1 and half year old agreement, which hasn’t been totally implemented or done in good faith. Therefore, this recent statement is a warning.

The leadership of Mekelle should be aware. They signed an agreement that the FDRE doesn’t plan to implement or even try to fulfil. So, the conflict of November 2020 to the November 2022 was over. However, there has been lack of works and operating within the perimeter of the agreement. Nevertheless, the reality of it all is getting more grim.

The Deputy Prime Minister is now saying the ENDF could enter and invade the Tigray region. They where a Tripartite Alliance to take and cause warfare in the Tigray region. It is a sign when the Deputy speaks of “Law Enforcement” in Tigray. That’s like repeating the November 2020 again. Surely, they will make up a reason and say whatever to give them an argument to attack the region.

The Tigray Interim Regional Administration (TIRA) should fear for their future. They should know that the ENDF could easily re-enter and attack the region now. That’s what is up and the signs are on the horizon. Therefore, the silencing of the guns… aren’t in the picture, but instead ordering more ammo.

The war-cry is evident. People should watch this… they will make a false-flag operation and suddenly attack Tigray region. They will blame the Tigray Defence Forces (TDF) and the ones who didn’t go back to civilian life or become a part of the ENDF. Nevertheless, expect more bloodshed and will to go to war. That’s what the warlords does and this is all they know. Peace.

Ethiopia: Salsay Weyane Tigray – Press Release (29.04.2024)

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.