Ethiopia: Millions of children in Tigray remain out of reach, despite access agreement – UNICEF (15.12.2020)

Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore

NEW YORK, 15 DECEMBER 2020 – “Some 2.3 million children in Tigray, Ethiopia, remain cut off from humanitarian assistance amid continuing violence since the beginning of November.

“We are extremely concerned that the longer access to them is delayed, the worse their situation will become as supplies of food, including ready-to-use therapeutic food for the treatment of child malnutrition, medicines, water, fuel and other essentials run low.

“Protecting these children, many of whom are refugees and internally displaced, and providing them with humanitarian aid must be a priority.

“Together with our humanitarian partners, we stand ready to provide lifesaving humanitarian support, including treatment for malnourished children, critical vaccines, emergency medicines, and water and sanitation supplies. We have already provided some supplies to a number of partners in Tigray but this is not enough. We need to be able to provide support at scale in Tigray and to have full access to determine the scale of children’s needs.

“We call for urgent, sustained, unconditional and impartial humanitarian access to all families in need wherever they are.

“We also urge authorities to allow the free movement of civilians wishing to seek safety elsewhere. This includes those requesting to cross the border to seek international protection.

“Meeting the critical needs of children and women must not be delayed any longer.”

Ethiopia: Prime Minister Abiy’s big day of flex [and sending Hamdok packing]

We have shown that from now onwards those who want to touch Ethiopia should must think twice or thrice and am proud of it” – Prime Minister Ahmed Ali Abiy (13.12.2020)

Today was an extraordinary day… not that the ceasing of fighting or any good news from the Tigray state. No, the 40 days of war is persisting. While the Eritrean interference and Amhara Paramilitary Fano is doing its bidding too. Not only the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF).

Prime Minister Ahmed Ali Abiy stated that Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok was coming on the 13th December for a two day visit. However, it was quickly reported that the Sudanese PM returned to Khartoum. As he wanted a mediation effort with IGAD and Abiy have accepted this. Nevertheless, it only took a few hours before he left.

After this visit and briefs. The Prime Minister left in haste for Tigray and taken pictures at the Alula Aba Nega Airport in Mekelle in Tigray. The Ethiopian Airlines states it takes about 1hour and 20 minutes flight from Bole International Airport. So, that makes sense and is possible. As the meeting with Hamadok was over within no time. Actually, ST-PNA aircraft that Hamdok took was only in Ethiopia for three hours before leaving.

This here shows again that he has little to no interest in mediation. So, don’t expect it to be anything useful. It is just to buy time and had a “friendly” visit. It is always different when someone else interferes in your own state. Then, when you yourself interferes in others. That is why the PM can easily be a mediator elsewhere, but not wanting that really at home.

Prime Minister Abiy changing from Statesmen to Warlord in means of hours. As he came with a speech in Mekelle, which resembles of someone who has to prove their flex and their power. A man who needs to be validated and recognized for his muscles and tactics. This Prime Minister is proudly wearing a gun and speaking of fear. A man that is supposed to be known for peace, which is ironic in all of this.

The reported massacre in Guya, air-strikes in Tembien and door-to-door operations in region is silent. As the PM wanted to show his power and being proud of his mission. This Operation Law Enforcement.

40 days of consistent attack on the region. 40 days of brutal fatal attacks on civilians and opposition forces. We have no idea about the amount of deaths or injured. We also don’t know how many civilians that lacks food, water or shelter. As the communication from the area is little and the refugees crossing into Sudan is few. Compared to the ones actually living in the region. So, who knows the total ramification of it all. As there are even reports today of stealing over 2 million cattle from the region and taken to Amhara. That isn’t established, but there was reports earlier in the war of taking away machines and technical installation to Eritrea and other parts of Ethiopia. It would follow a pattern.

It is not strange that the meeting was short with Hamdok. When he had to hurry this quickly to Mekelle the same day. The mediation will end in nowhere. As the only interest for Abiy is to win and crush his opponent. There will be no peaceful return until that happens. He will settle the grudges he has with the guns. That is why there been 40 days of warfare and it continues.

Prime Minister Abiy really wanted to show his strength and flex. This was that moment and that day. Where Abiy showed it and wanted to prove it. Peace.

Ethiopia: Statement of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia on Check-Point Security incident in Tigray National Regional State (13.12.2020)

Ethiopia: OLF Statement on National Election and Current Crises of Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (12.12.2020)

The Oromo Liberation Front believes in fair and free election and the establishment of inclusive democratic government in Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE). We currently observe the ruling party is planning to conduct the 6th national election in 2021. We believe that assuring peace and security, and involvements of opposition parties are essential to conduct democratic election that will have positive impact on solving political problems in the country. However, it seems bogus rather than truth to plan election under current crises in FDRE.
Even though the ruling party wants to conceal the existing problems and divert attention towards national election, it is obvious that the country has already indulged into complex security crises and political catastrophes.
For the last two and half years, the OLF and other substantive political parties has anticipated these crises and suggested to the ruling party to address the fundamental political issues before it was too late. We also offered our support to maintain law and order that governs equally all and to shape the democratic reform process. However, the ruling party has not only ignored our suggestions but also used its security apparatus to crack our organization and halted our operation throughout the country.
Still there are huge political problems that were not addressed. Also, there is a constitutional crises and problems of citizens and questions of opposition parties were not treated according to the rules and regulations set out in the FDRE constitution. The judiciary system is not independently functioning; the security structure, police and other armed forces are ruling the country without clear court order; regional states like Oromia are still under military command posts and the civil administration structures have been dismantled.
Although OLF want to take part in the election, it is practically impossible under current circumstances as almost all our members, leaders and supporters that are potential for candidacy and observer are in prison at all levels. Also, all the OLF offices around the country including the headquarters in Finfinnee had been confiscated, closed and controlled by the ruling party security apparatus. Even though we repeatedly provided the updated lists of our detained members and the closure of our offices to the National Electoral Board of FDRE (NEBE), we did not receive any tangible response to our appeals and it is now four months. This put the capacity and effectiveness of NEBE and the decision it takes into question and to independently operate.
Still the detention of our members and supporters has continued and individuals who sympathize the OLF are hunted and killed or detained everywhere in the country. Due to these widespread atrocities and continuous physical coercion and intimidation, the citizens of Oromia are unable to speak freely, not alone to go out and vote in election.
Although the conflicts in Oromia region, were undergoing for long time, currently it is in escalating momentum. There are protests, violence, and conflicts everywhere. There are huge displacements of people and humanitarian crises has destabilized the Oromia regional state as well as neighbouring nations. The current conflict in the northern Ethiopia has also impact on the displacement of people.
Currently the escalating political issues and the security of the country is in dangerous situations as other third party actors are exacerbating the complicated situation.
Therefore, we believe that solving the political crises through peaceful inclusive dialogue comes first before jumping into nominal election. We had been through fake election for the last 27 years that resulted in huge crises to the country’s political system. We believe that repeating the same mistake would even create more chaos and endanger the country and its neighbouring nations.
We recommend that repairing the fractured administrative regions and restoring peace and security must be undertaken before the election takes place. Still volatile situations are escalating in Oromia and other regions. The ruling party trying to solve the problems through armed forces and through total control over the population. In this regard, we are concerned about the current remark Dr. Abiy Ahmed made in Moyale on 10/12/20 during his state visit to Kenya. He mentioned eliminating the OLF, the main driver of Oromia National Transitional Government (ONTG), in the region and called the Kenyan government to support him. This is another devastating move and clear evidence that the ruling party wants to get rid of opposition parties and run election on its own.
On this occasion we would like to caution the Kenyan Government that it should not be involved against Oromo national freedom struggle and get in conflict with the Oromo people who share communities in the cross borders and coexisted for centuries.
Finally, OLF would like to reiterate that before holding election, the complex political problems must be resolved; the Oromia regional state must be repaired and ONTG established; and sufficient frameworks prepared for Inclusive dialogue and consensus reached in line with the call by African Union (AU). We are ready to play our role in paving the way for inclusive dialogue and possible agreed upon election”
Victory to the Masses!
Oromo Liberation Front
Finfinnee
December 12, 2020

Ethiopia: Statement attributable to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi on the situation in Ethiopia’s Tigray region (11.12.2020)

I am deeply alarmed about the safety and well-being of Eritrean refugees in Ethiopia, who have been caught in the conflict in the Tigray region. For over a month, UNHCR and humanitarian partners have had no access to the four Eritrean refugee camps inside Tigray, putting the safety and survival of the refugees at great risk.

The government of Ethiopia has said it will guarantee humanitarian access to the Tigray region for the UN and its partners. While the signed agreement is one first step, it needs to be implemented in a way that ensures safe and unhindered access for humanitarian workers in accordance with the principles of neutrality and impartiality. Such access is urgently needed so we can provide desperately needed assistance to refugees and other vulnerable populations.

Over the last month we have received an overwhelming number of disturbing reports of Eritrean refugees in Tigray being killed, abducted and forcibly returned to Eritrea. If confirmed, these actions would constitute a major violation of international law.

Ethiopia has a long-standing tradition of welcoming and hosting refugees who were forced to flee. I am strongly urging the government of Ethiopia to continue to uphold their responsibility towards refugees under international law, and to ensure the protection and safety of all refugees in the country.

To find safety and basic means of survival, many Eritrean refugees are fleeing the camps to locations both within Tigray and other regions of Ethiopia. We have met with some who managed to reach Addis Ababa. It is vital that Eritrean refugees be able to move to safe locations, and receive protection and assistance wherever possible, including outside of Tigray, given the traumatic events they report to have witnessed or survived. We remain committed to supporting and working with the Ethiopian government in this regard.

Meanwhile, the government and people of Sudan have generously welcomed the nearly 50,000 Ethiopian refugees who have sought safety in their country since the beginning of the conflict. UNHCR and partners have joined with the government to provide life-saving aid to people who are arriving exhausted, often following dangerous journeys to reach the border. I call on the international community to increase its support for the humanitarian response.

Ethiopian refugees in Sudan have expressed a desire to return home and rebuild their lives, but only when they can be assured of their safety and security. UNHCR stands ready to provide full support to the refugees at such time as they express a free and informed decision to return. Any returns must be safe, voluntary and dignified and take place in line with well-established principles on voluntary repatriation.

Ethiopia: IOM Refutes Allegations Eritreans Held, Processed for Forced Return (11.12.2020)

Geneva – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) strongly refutes allegations that a group of Eritrean refugees are being held by IOM and being processed for forced return in one of its transit centres in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa. The Organization equally rejects allegations that IOM buses have been used to transport the refugees to an unknown destination.

One of three IOM centres in Addis Ababa was taken over by the Ethiopian Government’s Agency for Refugee and Returnee Affairs (ARRA) on 3 December. IOM has had no management authority, oversight or involvement in any activities undertaken by the authorities in the centre since that time.

IOM does not under any circumstances conduct the forced return of migrants and refugees. The Organization’s approach to return assistance for migrants relies on the pillars of protection, human rights and voluntariness and in full respect of International Law.

The Organization is extremely concerned about these reports and appeals to States to ensure the protection of all civilians, including migrants and refugees. International Law and its Conventions, including the Principle of Non-Refoulement, must be respected at all times.

For more information, please contact: Safa Msehli, Spokesperson, IOM Geneva; Tel: +41 79 403 5526, email: smsehli@iom.int

Ethiopia: Will Prime Minister Abiy go after the OLF now?

Because peace is a foundation for everything that we are aspiring to transform the life of our people if we could eliminate Al Shabab and OLF from this region you can see how this people can be transformed into one family, one country and one people” – Prime Minister Ahmed Ali Abiy in Kenya on the 9th December 2020

Now that the National Army, Eritrean Army and Amhara Paramilitary (Fano) is attacking the Tigray state. As they are aiming to annihilate the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) as they have been fighting since the 3rd November 2020. The Prosperity Party and Federal Government seemingly wants more “enemies”.

The Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) have in the past been labelled as a terrorist organization. However, Abiy and EPRDF did the legit in 2018. Now two years later the PP seems to make the political party again a pariah. Their leaders are already behind bars.

The PP and Government Officials have claimed they are aiming at OLF-Shane/Shene. Though the OLF says this spilt doesn’t exists. The only that exists here is the targeted measures of the state and going after activists in the Oromia state. As their leaders are already behind bars or charged by the state. Which they have been for so long now and even family members have been behind bars. Just because their parents are active politicians and activists in Oromia.

That is why its really rich that the Prime Minister Abiy says the OLF is similar to Al-Shabaab. This is making a narrative and vilify them too. That the OLF is a troublemaker and deserves vengeance. Apparently the PP needs more enemies. To use the Federal Government and Security Organization in favour of destroy the ones who isn’t in accordance with the PM or the PP. This is how it seems.

When the ones he brokered a deal with and make peace with in 2018. Later arrested and have currently detained. These folks his attacking and claiming to be a militia and a danger to society. However, in Oromia it is more state sponsored violence that is fatal and extra judicial killings. Also lots of political prisoners, which the Prime Minister doesn’t take accountability for. Not that he ever will, but will blame them for something like always.

We can await a Command Post, State of Emergency and soldiers on the streets. If he will target the OLF. Maybe he will ensure the same procedure as he did with the TPLF. Deregister the political party and make them a terrorist organization again. Because the PM clearly needs enemies and needs total consolidation of control. As he favours “yes-men” and “total love” as anyone questions him is deemed illegal or “unconstitutional”.

The OLF seems to be the next target. Which will meet the blunt force of the state. They have already paid, but with this sort of statement. The PM is preparing to go after them as well. There will be no scorned earth, but a direct attack on the OLF. As their popularity is a force to reckon with ahead of the polls. This is why these needs to punished and silenced. Not enough to arrest, extra judicial killings and the rampant actions in Oromia.

He wants to take it further and with the rhetoric. We should expect the House of Federation issue decree or motion to call it a “terrorist” organization and there after go on a warpath there too. As they will go after everyone associated or even thinking about the OLF. Just like it has done to the TPLF.

Don’t be shocked or surprised. The War-Lord is here and his proud of it too. As his off the hook and only gets condemned. However, the man can carry that and continue his violent actions towards the citizens. Peace.

Ethiopia: Office of the Prime Minister – Humanitarian Assistance in Tigray Region (11.12.2020)

Ethiopia: Prime Minster Abiy the War-Lord

Since the inception of the “Law Enforcement Operation in the Tigray state on the 3rd November 2020. The realities of what has gone down is clear. Though the ramifications, the extent of the hurt and suffering is still unknown. What the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) and Eritrean Defence Forces (EDF) who has collaborated in a joint effort to go after the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).

This joint venture sure has consequences as the brothers in arms are intertwined with the fate of the operation. An operation that was in its final stages on the 28th November 2020, as the Prime Minister stated in his piece: “Mekelle under command of the National Defense Forces”. That’s 12 days ago and the battles are still going on.

There are some reports of 3 fronts and others says 5. What we do know is that the TPLF and the brotherhood of Addis Ababa and Asmara is going head-on. They are together in this and doing it’s bidding. Also with a para-military group from Amhara who also conquer areas and has annexed it. Moving the population and inhabiting it with Amhara’s instead of Tigrayans.

While the warfare is going on in a media blackout. Where the international media is banned from entering. Where the local media only can play the songs of the Prime Minister. Not a place for free speech or speaking your mind. If you do or dares to do so. Then your ending in prison for whatever charges the state can muster on you.

This war is really ensuring what Prime Minister Ahmed Ali Abiy will be remembered for. Not matter how he reasons, adjusts the messages or trying to trade it. It is warfare with airstrikes, shelling of towns, burning villages and fleeing refugees to Sudan. It is with closed borders, use of tanks, soldiers, para-military groups and even friendly fire from Eritrean forces on Ethiopian soil. That just says it all.

If the Prime Minister would have another legacy. He has already tarnished it as he promised “no mercy” on Mekelle before it fell. However, the final phase never ceased. Therefore, the humanitarian corridor to the state of Tigray haven’t happened. The United Nations and the World Food Programme haven’t been allowed to enter. Neither has other multi-national organizations, as the state wants the region to suffer. This is the legacy he remains.

As he has fought a war and ordered a war. A war in total silence and blocking not only aid organization, but anyone but the armed forces and it’s allies. God knows what happens, as the electricity is out, phone-lines are jammed and internet black-out too. Bank accounts opened in Tigray is also frozen.

Therefore, after everything is said and done. The Prime Minister can now be deemed a warlord. He is using military forces against his own citizens and “occupying” own territory with foreign adversaries to settle old grievances.

That is why we can say the Prime Minister is the War-Lord. To say anything else is a lie. He is using these means and should be credited for it. Even if the man is trying to distort and white-wash the narratives from Tigray. He can still not flee the scene or get rid of stories that he creates.

PM Abiy isn’t a man of peace, but of war. That is imprinted with him forever. Peace.

Ethiopia: Exceedingly worrying and volatile situation in Ethiopia – Bachelet (09.12.2020)

The following is a transcript of remarks UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet made at a press conference in Geneva on 9 December 2020 in response to questions on Ethiopia:

“The situation in Ethiopia is exceedingly worrying and volatile and – as I had warned – is spiraling out of control, with appalling impact on civilians.

In the Tigray region itself, fighting is reportedly continuing – in spite of Government claims to the contrary. We have reports that particularly areas surrounding towns like Mekelle, Sherero, Axum, Abiy Addi, and the borders between the Amhara and Tigray regions, fighting continues between federal forces and the TPLF, and affiliated militias on both sides.

We have corroborated information of gross human rights violations and abuses – including indiscriminate attacks against civilians and civilian objects, looting, abductions and sexual violence against women and girls. There are reports of forced recruitment of Tigrayan youth to fight against their own communities.

A major impediment is that communication in the region remains limited, and we have been unable to access the worst affected areas so are unable to fully verify these allegations through fact-finding missions.

There is an urgent need for independent monitoring of the human rights situation in the Tigray region, for all necessary measures to protect civilians, and for accountability for violations.

The humanitarian situation is deeply distressing. In spite of an agreement between the Government and the UN, unfettered humanitarian access has not been possible. I appeal to the Government to fulfill the Prime Minister’s pledge to ensure humanitarian access, and to ensure access to water, electricity and other basic needs is restored.

Elsewhere in Ethiopia, there are numerous reports of ethnic profiling of Tigrayans, including in Addis. We have reports of dismissals from jobs – including in the civil service – harassment of Tigrayan journalists and hate speech against Tigrayans. Such discriminatory actions are deeply unjust but are also fostering divisiveness and sowing the seeds for further instability and conflict. I urge the Government to take immediate measures to halt such discrimination.

We are also concerned that there has been a reported rise in intercommunal violence in recent weeks in other parts of Ethiopia, particularly in the Amhara, Benishangul-Gumuz, Somali, Afar and Oromia regions, which has reportedly resulted in fatalities.

I urge the Government to ensure that humanitarian actors can do their life-saving work without fear of attack, and to ensure that those responsible for attacks against humanitarian workers are held accountable in accordance with international human rights and humanitarian laws and standards.”