Eritrea: Embassy of the State of Eritrea to the United States of America – Sloppy Journalism at its Worst (08.02.2021)

Ethiopia: Government approves ‘first step’ towards Tigray emergency assistance (09.02.2021)

Around 60 more humanitarian workers from the UN and non governmental organizations are awaiting approval in the capital Addis Ababa for deployment to Tigray.

NEW YORK, United States of America, February 9, 2021 – UN agencies have received approval from the Ethiopian Government for 25 international staff to provide humanitarian assistance inside the country’s conflict-torn Tigray region, the UN Spokesperson said on Monday.

“This clearance is a first step towards ensuring that aid workers in Tigray can deliver and ramp up the response given the rapidly rising needs in the region”, Stéphane Dujarric told journalists at the daily press briefing.

He recalled a number of positive engagements between the Government and senior UN officials, including with Filippo Grandi, High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Gilles Michaud chief of UN Safety and Security and most recently, David Beasley, Executive Director of the World Food Programme (WFP).

“Mr. Beasley has just wrapped up a trip to Ethiopia and he says that WFP has accepted the Government’s request to help authorities and aid partners transport aid into and within Tigray”, informed Mr. Dujarric.

Moreover, WFP has also agreed to provide emergency food aid for up to one million people in Tigray.

The conflict between the Government and regional forces of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) began in early November, when the Prime Minister ordered a military offensive after rebels attacked a federal army base. Government forces reported that the region had been secured at the end of November, but TPLF resistance has continued amid accusations of extrajudicial killings and rights abuses.

Escalating humanitarian needs 

Meanwhile, around 60 more humanitarian workers from the UN and non-governmental organizations are awaiting approval in the capital Addis Ababa for deployment to Tigray.

They also look forward to rapid authorizations for any further requests put forward.

“While we welcome these clearances, we remain deeply concerned about the significant escalation in humanitarian needs in Tigray, where people have endured more than three months of conflict with extremely limited assistance”, said the UN spokesperson.

He also expressed unease over continued reports of grave violations against civilians.

“We reiterate our call for the full resumption of free and unconditional access for humanitarian supplies and personnel to the Tigray region”, Mr. Dujarric said, adding that it should include “blanket clearances” for organizations operating in the area, “so that we can immediately reach all the people in need with all the assistance they urgently require”.

Opinion: Abiy is in a sea of trouble

It is just like there is no end to the troubles of Prime Minister Ahmed Ali Abiy. In the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia there is no peaceful corner. Where-ever you go, there is someone scheming to create instability. There is no peace and no mercy. Just a bunch of crisis upon crisis, and it never ends.

The Prime Minister have had his troubles in Oromia. Where he has arrested the Oromo Leadership. The Opposition leaders are starving and in critical condition in the prisons. As they are still awaiting trails after months of delay and waiting. The courts are just keeping them hostage as Political Prisoners with no end. The state is killing activists in the region and arresting them too. The state is also using all means to stop demonstrations and use force against them. That is something that has been done deliberately through the reign of Abiy. It just escalated when the Hachalu Hundessa was assassinated and the true colours of the state came to play. Since Abiy took power there been over 1800 fatalities done by the government on his watch. These are the remains and the deaths, which can all be attributed to his reign and their demise was in his hands as the head of state.

Just like there where fake-coups in Amhara. Where suddenly high ranking officials was taken out. In such a manner, that the Prime Minister could install his leadership and his men in power there. To ensure smooth sailing and have co-operative leadership there.

In the meantime there been conflict and usage of fatal force in Ogaden Region. The Somali region of the Ethiopia. Where the authorities have brutally gone after the opposition party Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF). Where the party is now struggling to convene and be able to select candidates ahead of the elections. As the central government of the state is going after it and stopping them from holding meetings. Even arresting high ranking officials who is working on the matter. Just like in Oromia, the state wants to control the candidates of the Ogaden.

If you would think this was to bad. No there is inter-communal skirmishes between the Ogaden and Afar region too. There is so much blood between the tribes. They are fighting between them and the state cannot settle it. They are letting these force fight between them and not stopping the bloodshed. It is just easing and seeing the destruction coming to pass.

Benishangul-Gumuz region have also been a region who been hard hit by Amhara militia and the army. Where several of massacres and escalating killings sprees been going-on. It is like a prolonged agony besides the biggest conflict in Ethiopia. There are now over 200,000 internally displaced people in the region and over 3,000 refugees who has fled to Sudan from here.

I have now mentioned several of regions, but not the one where the Law Enforcement Operations, which has been going on since early November 2020. Where the state and Eritrea claims Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) started, but still they had pre-planned movement of troops both on the Amhara borders and across into Eritrea. It seems like foul play to me…

While the state also wants to shutdown all reporting, media and communications in the region. Therefore, little access to information, while the state wants to hold media accountable. In the end, only wanting their propaganda out and dismiss other sources. There is no verified account of the possible range of fatalities. However, we do know that there been reports of up to 50,000 people have died since beginning of November. While over 60,000 people have fled the region to get to safe-haven in Sudan. There also been bombing and shelling of Mekelle. As well, as unknown amount of foreign troops (Eritrean and Somali) in Tigray.

Already before all of these recent escalated and rouge conflicts within the Republic. The WHO stated in March 2019 that it was close to reach a 1,000,000 IDPs inside Ethiopia. After what has happened in Afar, Oromia, Ogaden, Benishangul-Gumuz and Tigray. The numbers have surely soared up and gotten worse.

There is so much trouble for Abiy. So much of it is self-inflicted and because of self-interest to rule supreme. Get rid of all enemies and be crowned king. The man who was praised for peace, but is a bona fide War-Lord. That is who Abiy is and all the conflicts within his term proves it. All the fatalities and use of force on his own citizens.

Prime Minister Abiy needs to be accountable for all of this. He clearly tries to show power and strength. However, the only thing his creating is more casualties and fatalities within his term. There is just more death and destruction. So many people are hurt and in danger, because his army and allies are using military means to settle civilian matters. Peace.

Ethiopia: Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Press Release on Recent Statements of the European Union Regarding the Humanitarian Assistance Efforts of the FDR of Ethiopia in the Tigray Region (09.02.2021)

Ethiopia: Advocacy for Justice for the Oromo People – Tumsa Haqa Saba Oromo – Press Release (07.02.2021)

Ethiopia: Oromo Political Prisoners in Critical Conditions after 12 days of Hunger Strike

There is again terrible news in Kaliti prison in Ethiopia. That is where several of high ranking leaders from Oromia is lingering in jail. These opposition leaders are behind bars because they are a threat to the position of the Prime Minister Ahmed Ali Abiy. The Ethiopian government is striking hard down, but has no evidence in their cases or with their charges.

The Oromo leadership is targeted to control the region and the political sphere ahead of the elections. That is why these leaders are behind bars. They are not there because of their work or criminal conspiracy. Their only crime is being popular opposition leaders. Now we are seeing the costs of protesting within the prison.

Here is the current report:

1. Jawar Mohammed has lost a lot of weight, become extremely weak and can barely talk. His legs have swelled and doctors fear that this could be because of damage to his kidneys.

2. Bekele Gerba has lost a lot of weight.

He can barely talk or keep his eyes open.

He is in critical condition.

3. Hamza Borana has also lost a lot of weight. He is also in critical condition.

4. Dajane Tafa was one of the 4 people that collapsed a few days ago. He remains in critical condition.

5. Of the 4 people that collapsed few days ago, two (Boona Tibile and Dawit Abdata)were given intravenous therapy.This morning Arafat Abubakar also collapsed.

6. According to doctors, Shamsadin Taha is also in critical condition. Although he was faring well compared to the other political prisoners, his condition deteriorated quickly once he developed kidney problem as a result of the hunger strike.

7. We have been unable to have access to speak to all the Oromo political prisoners on hunger strike. From the information we’ve gathered so far, all of the 20 prisoners are in critical condition. It’s difficult to say what is going to happen in the next few hours. Their lives are in great danger and we fear the worst could happen at any moment” (Oromo Political Prisoners Defence Team – ‘Oromo Political Prisoners On Hunger Strike Are In A Critical Condition’ 08.02.2021).

This here should worry anyone and their lives are in danger. The body can hold a long time, but it is just a matter of time before the body gives way. That is what’s happening here and health care should step in. The Ministry of Health and Prison Services needs to come with dire help. Especially, since the political prisoners are now in critical condition. That should worry anyone.

There should be outrage and outcry, as these leaders needs help. The state needs to step in and give remedy. They need to show mercy and give them health care. They are in real danger. The state have to prove their humanity and care for their citizens, as these political prisoners are still citizens and do need help now. Peace.

Ethiopia: A Press Statement by the Oromo Action Council (OAC) – The Oromo Political Prisoners Hunger Strike: A Top Urgent Response (07.02.2021)

National Council of Eritrean Americans: Ill-Advised Statement Points to Failed Policies of the Past (07.02.2021)

Ethiopia: Joint UN-Government Tigray mission highlights humanitarian needs and path forward (06.02.2021)

ADDIS ABABA/ROME – Today, the Executive Director of the World Food Programme, David Beasley, the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Ethiopia, Catherine Sozi, and the Federal Minister of Peace of the Government of Ethiopia, Muferihat Kamil, completed a joint visit to Mekelle in Ethiopia’s Tigray Region, aiming to highlight the need for strong partnership to rapidly scale up a Government-led collective response to meet the immediate humanitarian needs of people in Ethiopia’s Tigray Region.

Mr. Beasley commended the emergency food assistance that the Government and partners have already provided to the people of Tigray since the onset of the crisis, reaching almost 1.7 million people with emergency food distributions. 26,000 Eritrean refugees residing in two camps have also received food and nutrition assistance.

“But we must do more, together, to meet the needs of the population,” said Mr. Beasley, noting with concern that, “Latest preliminary estimates indicate that 2.5 to 3 million people in the region require emergency food assistance. Reports indicate that the nutrition situation requires greater attention, with young children and pregnant and lactating mothers the most vulnerable.”

Minister Muferihat indicated that the Government of Ethiopia has welcomed recent positive engagements with the Government by senior UN officials, including the Under-Secretary General for Safety and Security, the High Commissioner for Refugees, and the Executive Director of the World Food Programme.

“To ensure that humanitarian assistance in Tigray can be expanded and intensified without delay, the Government is moving with urgency to approve requests for international staff movements into and within Tigray, “ said the Minister, adding that, “Several such requests have been approved over the past few days and the process of rapid and streamlined approvals will continue. The Government will also review visa requests for international humanitarian staff with urgency and priority. Communication capability for UN and humanitarian partners with significant operations in Tigray will be enhanced.”

Confirming the critical importance of enhanced operational presence and communication capability to allow UN agencies and humanitarian partners to scale up humanitarian interventions in Tigray, Ms. Sozi said, “These recent and anticipated developments related to staff movement approvals and communication capability will allow international agencies to design and manage operations safely and responsibly, in close partnership with the Government. This is a tremendous step forward.”

Mr. Beasley announced that WFP has accepted a request from the Government to augment the transportation capacity of the Government and partners to deliver humanitarian assistance into and within Tigray. WFP has also agreed to provide emergency food relief assistance to up to 1 million people in Tigray and launch a blanket supplementary feeding intervention to assist up to 875,000 nutritionally vulnerable children and pregnant and lactating mothers.

These agreed WFP contributions will require USD 107 million to be implemented over the coming six months in areas and communities jointly identified and prioritized with the Government based on joint assessment where feasible.

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The United Nations World Food Programme is the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate. We are the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

Ethiopia: Statement by the Special Adviser of the Secretary-General on the Prevention of Genocide, Alice Wairimu Nderitu, on the situation in Ethiopia (05.02.2021)