Ethiopia: Global Society of Tigray Scholars and Professionals (GSTS) – Tigray Urgently Needs Fertilizer, Improved Seeds, and Chemicals to Avert Catastrophic Famine Next Year (15.07.2022)

Ethiopia: Oromo Legacy Leadership and Advocacy Association (OLLAA) – Attack against Civilians Reported in Jile Dhumuga District, Wollo Oromia Special Zone (12.07.2022)

Ethiopia: Oromo Liberation Front/Army (OLF/A) – Amhara Forces Renewed Attacks Against Wollo Oromo Community (11.07.2022)

Ethiopia: 20 million people are facing food insecurity and 13 million of them is in the Northern Ethiopia

Over 20 million people are estimated to be food insecure in the country, including an estimated 13 million people northern Ethiopia” (OCHA, 07.07.2022).

Things are dire in Ethiopia. Several of regions and zones are in dire need of humanitarian assistance. This being in Ogaden (Somali), Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples’ Region (SNNP), South-West, Afar, Amhara and Tigray regions. This really in nearly all corners of the Republic.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has been reporting about the situation for so long. However, now it’s not only dropping knowledge on the Northern regions where the conflict has been going on since November 2020. The state has created a man-made-famine in Tigray. As the conflict and besieged region is really hit. That’s why the 13 million people of the 20 million lacking food security is from there.

OCHA reports further:

The drought impact has worsened and expanded over the last few months. At least 8.1 million people are estimated to be affected across Somali (3.5 million), Oromia (3.4 million), SNNP (1.1 million) and South-West (200,000 people) regions, including more than 7 million people requiring food assistance, and more than 4 million people needing water assistance. At least 334,000 drought affected people who have the means to travel have also migrated since October last year, leaving behind their elderly and the sick family members. These numbers are expected to be revised upwards once assessments of additional areas affected by the drought are completed, particularly in Afar, which will be included in the new iteration of the Drought Response Plan” (OCHA, 07.07.2022).

Lack of funding has resulted in reduction of people targeted in some regions, distribution of an incomplete food basket, and applying rations cuts.

Lack of access has resulted in irregular food distributions in Western Oromia (East and West Wollega); Wag Hamra Zone in Amhara and Western Zone in Tigray” (OCHA, 07.07.2022).

This here is not going well for the UN organization and humanitarian organizations coming with aide. When OCHA is saying it lacks funding. As the amount of people needing food is rising. This is a negative spiral.

It isn’t the fault of the UN or the humanitarian organizations that this is happening. The Prosperity Party and the regime itself has created over time. The issues and lack of food security is out of many reasons. The drought is happening because of the climate and lack of rain, which you cannot fault the government for. However, the state is at fault for blocking humanitarian assistance and making it impossible to deliver the goods to the ones in need.

Another major factor is the insecurity and the warfare that is happening in the Republic. The use of armed forces and law enforcement is creating this. While there is a liberation forces working for their people and their regions. This is all creating the trouble and the lack of food security across the Republic.

Ethiopia is hurting. The Prime Minister and his government is clearly not up for speed. That’s because warfare matters more than helping or governing the people in need. Peace.

Ethiopia: Oromo Legacy Leadership and Advocacy Association (OLLAA) – US Senator Merkley writes to State Department regarding the Human Rights of the Oromo (08.07.2022)

Ethiopia: Oromo Legacy Leadership and Advocacy Association (OLLAA) – Attacks against civilians reported in the Kellem Wollega Zone (05.07.2022)

Ethiopia: There is no hope left – Only war and conflict in the eyes of the PM

It is an enemy that says you can’t plant trees while people are dying, let’s open a new page in summer, let’s wear green Ethiopia” (…) “Those who complain ‘how can you prioritize planting trees when people are dying?’ are our enemies. Don’t listen to them. We will keep planting trees. We will even plant trees where people are buried, at least their corpse will get some shade” – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali (07.07.2022).

The ones reading the commentaries and the statements made after the Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali addressed the House of Federation. Should be aware… that this man certainly intends to more conflict. This man isn’t done with warfare or consolidating power with the usage of force. The words and what he said today. Is the words of a tyrant and bloody warlord. Not that’s is shocking, but that he was able to entertain to the world the ideals of a man of peace. That is beyond me… because the Colonel and former spy is clearly intending to pursuit war.

Because, it is not inspiring when he utters words like these:

First is to cause conflict between Oromo and Amhara, second is to cause conflict with Amhara, third is to cause conflict among Oromo, fourth is to cause conflict in Afar and Somalis, fifth is to cause conflicts between Sidama and Wolayta, and on the other hand they are trying to cause conflict between Amhara and Oromo, the other is to cause conflict amongst Muslims and Christians” (Abiy, 07.07.2022).

A man that came into office to clear out the mischief and the ethnic tensions. However, over the years with him in office. Well, things has gotten worse and it’s spiralling out of hand. That’s because his inflicting more harm. The usage of state sponsored violence and muffling media to spread his information. Which isn’t the truth, but the truth he wants everyone to believe. This is why his blaming others for causing conflict. When his the guy that orders the mass-murders, massacres and use of force in the name of law and order.

Not that this is inspiring either:

Everyday 300 to 400 people killed in Ethiopia is nothing compared to how many get killed every minute in western countries” (Abiy, 07.07.2022).

He is speaking of the gun-violence and the mass-killings of lone gun-men in the United States of America, which is a problem that Washington D.C. should deal with. However, Addis Ababa cannot get away with their steady increase in state violence and state sponsored massacres, which is why there is an outcry. The murders and vast amount of extra judicial killings should worry anyone. It doesn’t help to point a finger elsewhere. When it’s burning in your own neighbourhood. That is just trying to make it a legality and reasoning of all killing is cool, because your brother from another does the same. Well, both are wrong, and one type of wrong doesn’t make another wrong right.

It doesn’t help that is some of the points from his speech too:

– It is good to try and talk about peace process in order to dry the enemy’s plot from its source and to solve the problem permanently. The success of the peace process will be seen in process.

– The fact that TPLF is a terrorist and there is no need for peace talks with the group will not bring the peace we want. Derg always negotiated with Shabiya and TPLF.

– Powers in war always talk; peace talks and negotiations are done to get profit from negotiations” (Abiy, 07.07.2022).

When you are thinking like this, you are just calculating risks and ensuring your course of action. This shows there is no real desire for peace, but only postponing more direct warfare in the Tigray region. Certainly, since they are busy with their “final offensive” in Oromia against the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF), which was a main enemy of the state in the speech. It just shows the sentiment. These are just quotes and snippets. I am pretty sure, if you got to read a whole transcript of his address and done so in English. It would have shaken your spine. Because, just these few things makes me worried.

There is no hope in this man. His just finding reasons to retaliate, retort to more violence and further the wars of the republic. This man will not usher in peace. He will ensure all of his enemies are dead and find a way to execute that. So, that their corpses can be under shade of the trees planted in his era. Peace.

Ethiopia: Oromo Liberation Front/Army (OLF/A) – The OLF-OLA Condemns the Killing of Civilians by Abiy’s Security Personnel (05.07.2022)

Ethiopia: 3 days after government security forces takes over the territory – A massacre hits Qellem Wollega…

The Shene group that has escaped from the stick that the security forces use is causing danger to the citizens of West Wollega. In Oromia region, people found in Qelem Wollega zone have been killed. We are saddened by the suffering that happened to our citizens, we will follow this terrorist group to the end and remove it from our people. Shane Dulla group who escaped from security forces are fleeing from Wollega Dhiya people. The last thing has been done on the citizens of Oromia region, Qellem Wollega. We will remove this terrorist group with our people till the end” (Abiy Ahmed Ali, 04.07.2022).

It is tragic and sad, but at the same time very interesting how things are moving. The Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) and Oromia Regional Special Forces are currently operating in the final offensive against the Oromo Liberation Army/Front (OLA/OLF) which they nickname “Shane”. However, this militia had officially lost the territories of which the state claims or alleged behind the massacre there. That’s weird and seems inaccurate. Unless, the state lied about having control 3 days before…

The ENDF and allies was boosting and used the Ethiopian Government Communications Services to spread the statement of the takeover of the territories in the Oromia region. The OLF/OLA could easily have retreated and given it up. As they tend to stretch their operations and later return to combat elsewhere. Therefore, it it likely that the OLF/OLA could cease the control and give way to a far superior organization. Which is now using all their manpower and brigades to combat them. We know the state wants to end the OLF/OLA in Oromia. That’s why the Federal Government promised a “Final Offensive”.

In that regard, the BBC report on the area seems plausible:

The government announced that the districts in western Oromia are under the control of the security forces. The woredas in Kelem Welega, West Welega, & Horo Gudru Welega Zones have come under the full control of the security forces, the government said “This was stated in a statement issued by the Minister of Government Communication Services, Legesse Tulu, on June 23, 2014 regarding the current peace and security of the country. He said the area was controlled by the Oromo Liberation Army (WBO), a joint operation by the Defense Forces, the Federal Police, the Oromia Special Forces and the militia. He also said that several members of the terrorist group, which claimed responsibility for the massacre in Tole Kebele, Gimbi Woreda, West Welega, were also killed during the operation” (BBC, 30.06.2022).

Death, massacres and mass-murders follows where-ever the National Army shows up. Isn’t that convenient to then blame the enemies of the state after the fact? Especially, when you and your government claimed victory and takeover of the territories. So, suddenly after you had full control a massacre killing civilian happened an-mass. It is tragic that these sorts of acts get pinned on others.

Its not shocking that the Federal Government, the leaders of Addis Ababa would do this or any sort of thing. They are currently busy blaming the victims elsewhere too. As everyone is terrorists and enemies of the state. That’s why the state is doing whatever it can to vilify the Tigrayan people and the region. As it is facing starvation, famine and genocide, which has been state sponsored too. So, when a government can do that. It can easily sponsor a massacre elsewhere too.

I am very doubtful of the honest and truth in the words of Abiy. Who comes with claims of the OLA/OLF days after the government security forces took control of the area. The massacre wasn’t found with mass-graves from when the Oromo militia had held control. No, the massacre happened while the state had taken over control. Which makes it possible that the state is behind it and with their security forces. Because, why shouldn’t they? They did takeover the area and the territories?

That’s why there is a lie here and I believe Abiy is lying. Because, his a liar and a man who tends to speak plenty of untruths. His not the sort of fella that is trustworthy or genuine. No, he lies for his own benefit and comes with harsh warning against his enemies. His a proper warlord that way and his proud of it too. That’s why he wears fatigues and is proud of being a man of the army.

This is why I have a gut feeling. Sensing the armed forces of the state has sanctioned and sponsored the massacre. They have the option and the will to do so. Because, there wasn’t a massacre and a bloodshed before the state’s own armed forces took over. Peace.

Sudan-Ethiopia Tensions: Abiy’s unbelievable message…

The two peoples of Sudan and Ethiopia are brothers. Undoubtedly, there are many problems between Sudan and Ethiopia. We must intensify and cooperate in confronting and solving these dilemmas. There are many who want us to slip into each other’s fight. But these parties – whether they are governments or others – will not reap any benefit from fuelling strife between our two peoples, for us, our choice is peace between our two peoples, and our two brotherly countries. Our choice is for mutual trust to prevail between us. There should not be confrontations between us, because of external pressures” (…) “We have to control our selves; And to be restrained. This is for the sake of our common interests and the principles of good neighborliness. There should be no enmities between us, We have all respect for the brotherly Sudanese people. We believe that Sudan and Ethiopia are capable of solving all the problems and difficulties they face in the spirit of lasting brotherhood and good neighborliness” – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali message to Sudan (29.06.2022).

This trick could have worked after he signed the secret agreement and pact with Eritrean President Isaias Afewerki. Now in 2022 the wiggle room or believing in the words of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali has worn thin. These sorts of quotes and statements seems like a smokescreen and not the real deal. Not anymore because of the “red terror” and acts of the past year.

That PM Abiy acts of talks and dialogue between neighbours could have seen as sincere. However, after the skirmishes last year. At that time he didn’t really commit and give it any real time. He just gave the Sudanese PM a few hours before he went on to another project. The PM didn’t seem interested to talk or negotiate. It seemed like it bothered and he was disinterested in the Sudanese dignitary and hold proper talks with him.

That’s why we know he don’t want any interference from IGAD or the AU. We know Abiy want a solo-mission and only goodwill. Even if his army started it and they did execute 7 Sudanese soldiers after kidnapping them. This is why the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) retaliated and went on to attack certain parts of the El-Fashaqa region. Where the to nations has staked their claim over the territories. As the Amhara settles was evicted and banished from a settlement as well.

So, when Abiy speaks of brotherhood it seems insincere now. The same is the talks of dialogue. I should wish it was true. The PM has however been very reluctant and not engaged in these things. It doesn’t help that he says “external pressures” and that they are are “capable of solving all problems”. When his army and his allies is confronting, use violence and targeting land on Sudanese territory.

Yes, it would have been nice to see Demeke Mekonnen, Abiy Ahmed Ali, Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo aka Hemeti and Abdel Fattah al-Burhan in a neutral space and with a trustworthy third party negotiators. Nevertheless, we know that is not on the cards and neither anyone who is inviting it. That’s why we shouldn’t expect an Ethiopian or a Sudanese delegation to a conference or meeting to hash out their differences.

That the AU calls for “restraint” is a natural response, as the tensions has escalated. This is all natural how the things has transpired. Abiy isn’t an honest actor and I cannot believe his words now. The Office of the Prime Minister and himself needs to do more.

This time around he needs to talk for hours and possibly days. Since, the latest executions and escalations is just furthering the actions of skirmishes of last year. Therefore, this time it’s a time for a sit-down and address the border point. Also, stop the movement of troops across it. That’s how the battles and deaths are appearing. Both parties needs to talk. This has been an escalation after the Tripartite alliance went into the Tigray Region in November 2020. Where they have gone into Sudan too.

That’s why the PM Abiy has to do more than dropping a flattering statement with words he doesn’t believing in. This isn’t enough. Peace.