Ethiopia: The Global Society of Tigrai Scholars (GSTS) – GSTS Denounces Threats Made Against His Holiness, Abune Mathias I, Patriarch of the EOTC and Calls for Immediate Intervention (22.03.2022)

Ethiopia: Afar People’s Party – APP Statement on the Situation in Afar (22.03.2022)

The tragic and devastating war in Afar engulfed by heavy artillery bombardment of civilians in the northern Afar Region by the TPLF aggressors, has heighten the humanitarian crisis is alarming and needs to be addressed. The Afar Pastoralists are subjected to War crimes and crimes against humanity everyday with impunity by the TPLF Invading forces.

It’s ironic that the Federal government of Ethiopia clearly denied the suffering of Afar Pastoralists with absolute negligence and abandonment and it’s also surprising, how the Regional government is toothless to say a word of truth about the atrocities and crimes committed against the very people it supposedly represents.

It’s also important to recall the deaf ears and blind eye of the International community on the heinous crimes and violations of basic human rights against children, women, elderly and persons with disabilities by the TPLF agression.

Since early January of this year, nearly 700,000 people have been displaced from the north Afar , some of them have died on their way to the IDPs centers, there is no any information whatsoever on whereabouts of family members, animal herds and their entire livelihoods have been totally destroyed.

The intentional distraction and Absolute Property damages including residential homes, schools, health facilities, waterways and whales, shortages of food and fuel, interruption of telecommunications, electricity and blocked of all kinds of roads leading to the northern part of Afar Regional state only shows, not single wire of human values left in the circle the invaders.

According to sources, the IDPs have forced to death by hunger and lack of water already and obviously, no one is really concerned about them including the Regional authorities due to disinformation of the state media outlets.

The Afar People’s Party is therefore calls upon all whom it may concern:

1. The local and International humanitarian agencies Must understand the sense of urgency and the dire humanitarian situation in the Afar region. It’s important to take in to consideration that the Afar people in the north are facing a situation where the mothers left their children alive on their way to IDPs centers. The acute medical condition of weaker patients, lack of food and malnutrition is higher. We call upon local and international organizations to involve in life saving humanitarian assistance immediately without any delay.

2. We urge the federal government to stop blaming the victims of Afar with regards to the humanitarian access to Tigray region through the Abala corridor , while there are more than ten entry points to Tigray other than Afar region. If the government is committed to help Tigray, it should not be at the expense of Afar in the first place. This time, It seems the government is stabbing the Afar heroes from behind to blind fold the International community.

3. We once again remind the TPLF expansionist and aggressors that they should immediately withdraw from Afar land without any conditions. TPLF should understand that winning against Afar Pastoralists yields no fruit of victory for it’s impossible to permanently defeat them.

4. The Afar people should mobilize themselves in order to host the fleeing families, defending their land and reputation and unite against all odds to cover the loopholes created by the irresponsible administration authorities who supposed to safeguard the safety and security of it’s civilian citizens. The old habits of dividing up the youth of Afar is also un acceptable.

5. It is not and has never been late for peace and reconciliation of proper manner to end the suffering of Ethiopian citizens all over the country through genuine, all inclusive, transparent and honest National dialogue, where by, if not all ,at least the major differences could be addressed and consensus would be achieved.

Afar People’s Party
Samara, Afar
March 22,2022

Ethiopia: Congress for Somali Cause (CSC) – Condemnation of the brutal massacre of 11 civilians in Bombas of Somali Region (21.03.2022)

Ethiopia: The humanitarian assistance blockade in the Tigray region is weaponizing starvation on a massive scale

What the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Republic of Eritrea have deliberately done since the start of the war in November 2020 is to make bureaucratic hurdles, block roads and all sorts of passing to ensure the catastrophe, which is appearing in front of our eyes.

We are now in the March 2022 and the collective retaliation against one region is severe. The possible man-made famine, starvation and usage of food to weaponize hunger is clear. There is no middle-ground or justification for this. It is just bluntly genocide, not by the usage of guns or ammunition. No, this is collective punishment of a region, because the leadership and the political parties didn’t’ comply with the will of one man in Addis Ababa. The party and leadership didn’t accept to be part of the newly minted Prosperity Party and ran on their own. This is why he has to punish and use punitive actions to get them under his “unifying” banner.

This is not only hurting rural farmers, which is not getting the seeds in time to plant. No, the whole blockade is ensure death is surrounding every corner. Medicines are not entering the region or in stock at the hospitals. The region haven’t had electricity or water for months on end.

The overall situation in northern Ethiopia is still highly tense and unpredictable. In Amhara, sporadic clashes continue to be reported along areas bordering Tigray in North Gondar, North Wollo and Waghemra zones. Similarly, the situation in Afar Region continues to deteriorate, with armed clashes reported in Abala, Berahle and Koneba Woreda in Zone 2. Access beyond Afdera Woreda, Zone 2 is currently impossible due to the clashes, hindering humanitarian operators from accessing an estimated 200,000 displaced people located in the inaccessible area, according to authorities. In Tigray, heavy fighting was reported in the eastern parts of Atsbi Dera Woreda in Eastern Zone. Airstrikes were also reported in Alamata and in the outskirts of Shire Town on 10 and 11 March respectively. The reports are yet to be verified and confirmed” (…) “In Tigray, families are exhausting all remaining means to access food, with three quarters of the population reported to be using extreme coping strategies to survive. The level of food insecurity is expected to worsen in the coming months as remaining food stocks from the last harvest, which was half of normal year production, get depleted and humanitarian assistance is not delivered at scale and on time due to lack of road access into Tigray to bring in supplies. The 2022 Meher season is a month away and prospects are bleak unless immediate action is taken to avail seed and fertilizer to farmers in Tigray on time. The implication of a third consecutive poor agricultural season will be devastating on the lives and livelihoods of the conflict-affected population. There was no movement of emergency agricultural inputs (seed, fertilizer, and agro-chemicals) into Tigray Region since the beginning of July 2021. At present, only 4,000 tonnes of improved seed of a total of 49,000 tonnes required is available in the region. Arrangement is being finalized to transport seeds, fertilizers and animal feed from Addis Ababa through air cargo” (OCHA – ‘NORTHERN ETHIOPIA – HUMANITARIAN UPDATE -Situation Report’ 17.03.2022).

We know that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dropped a statement on the same day saying a convoy was on the way and to help the region. While it has been later reported that the Convoy came to the Zone 2 in Afar region where it was stopped, looted and destroyed before entering into the Tigray Region. This how the Humanitarian assistance is blocked and stopped before entering. There is only a little entering by plane or by air-dropping it over the region. Therefore, we know things are bad.

Just to put it perspective, here is how the OCHA described food security gaps on the 17th March:

As of 14 March, there was only around 800 MT of food commodities within Tigray. Out of the 800 MT, there is only enough stock (47 MT) for a balanced three-commodity basket. The rest of the 750 MT is mainly only pulses and oil, not able to form a balanced three-commodity basket. The closure of Semera-Abala-Mekelle route for the movement of humanitarian cargo to Tigray since mid-December 2021, while the food stocks available to humanitarian organizations for food distribution are almost depleted. The Western Zone in Tigray continues to be inaccessible for most partners, and information about the situation on the ground remains limited. In Amhara, Abergele woreda in Wag Hamra Zone is partially accessible due to insecurity thereby delaying food dispatches and distributions” (OCHA – ‘NORTHERN ETHIOPIA – HUMANITARIAN UPDATE -Situation Report’ 17.03.2022).

When you read this and see how the overview is stated. You know things are dark and grim. Especially, when the state and allies acts like everything is fixed for the latest convoy. While only days later there is reports of stopping and looting it. The other air-drops of humanitarian assistance is only given the region a fraction of what it needs. This has been described by the UN Organizations and Multi-National Aid Organizations, which did work in the Tigray region. We are seeing deliberate actions to block and stop the needs of others met.

This is the sort of weaponization of humanitarian assistance and food security. They are doing it and there is millions who are suffering because of it. The plights of Tigray Region cannot be overstated. The deaths and malnutrition is all on the hands of leadership of the Addis Ababa. The Federal Government haven’t done their duty and they are in-charge of the demise of these people. Therefore, they are vindictive and viciously taking lives by not allowing third parties to deliver or spread food to a part of the population. That is the sort of reasonable Prosperity Party, which is in power.

This is the sort of thing, a Peace Prize Winning Prime Minister is busy doing. The PM has to be held accountable… and his government is transparent about it. They have within his party and government officials spoken of wanting death and venom over anyone being ethnically Tigrayan. Therefore, the weaponization of food seems to work in this favour. It is tragic and a sinister, which leads to these atrocities.

At the very moment, there isn’t massacres made with weaponry, drones or machetes. No, it is done by the ill-will and deliberate act of starving a population. That is the sort of order and decree, which gives the Prosperity Party to hold parties and celebrate their existence in Addis Ababa. Peace.

Ethiopia: The Heralds Editorial against the new UN investigation in Northern Ethiopia is an epic failure…

Since November 2020 we have seen what the Federal Government of Ethiopia has been willing to do. They first saying “Eritrean forces” wasn’t there and later they confirmed it. Later they said “terrorists” had fled to Sudan, but that was only civilians fleeing the war-zone in the Tigray region. The government said they didn’t target civilians or civilian targets, which it did. It did bomb and shell cities, burn villages, target farmers, religious buildings and destruction of industry. Therefore, this government have lied about everything and the proof of the continuation of this is in the editorial of the Ethiopian Herald today.

No one should be shocked by this. The newspaper is always following government propaganda and defence of the state. They are willing to bend words and rhetoric to defend the indefensible. These folks will defend poisoning innocent civilians and say they ate stale bread or out-of-date drinks. That is the sort of means it will do and this is how it operate. So, now that you know this. You will not be shocked what you are about to read.

First paragraphs from the editorial:

Regarding the alleged human rights violation in Tigray State, an investigation more of acceptable by both the United Nations and the Ethiopian government was conducted by joint investigation teams of the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHCR) and Office of the United Nations Higher Commission for Human Rights (OHCHR). Contradicting the findings of the investigation, the UN human rights body decided to establish an international commission of human rights experts to conduct what it said “a thorough and impartial investigation into the allegation of violations and abuses committed in Ethiopia since 3 November 2020 by all parties to the conflict.”” (The Ethiopian Herald – ‘Disobedience to principles opens door to prejudice, failure’ 19.03.2022).

They are going back to the Investigation, which blocked and made it impossible for the joint team to properly investigate the human rights violations, massacres and possible war-crimes within Tigray region. The “Operation Law Enforcement” which turned into the “Survival Campaign” only shows what the state is willing to do. We know the state has put up bureaucratic hurdles and issues, which is the reason for 500 days of humanitarian assistance blockade. That is resulting in malnutrition and starvation. It is also resulting in man-made famine and deaths, which is happening at levels we cannot comprehend. That’s all for the will and orders of the Addis Ababa government. They are pinning the “enemy” in Mekelle, but this shows how sinister their acts are. It is also evident that they don’t want independent investigation of it.

The editorial continues:

The UN biased decision came on the heels of the release of the joint probe that the government of Ethiopia had announced that the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Taskforce to oversee redress and take accountability measures in response to human rights violations committed in the context of the conflict in the northern Ethiopia. In addition, though the terrorist TPLF has been doing its level best to block all the ways, the government has vigorously worked to address those in need of humanitarian aid in Tigray region. This is the reality on the ground. Negating this genuine fact, decision to establish an extra team to conduct investigation of the same case, in the same place and of the same time makes the UN nothing but a blind horse of few powers and individuals” (The Ethiopian Herald – ‘Disobedience to principles opens door to prejudice, failure’ 19.03.2022).

As it shows and typical mannerism of anyone who defends the state at this point. They just point at TPLF and says they influenced international people or organizations. Because, international agencies or people don’t have an agency of their own or can access some reporting, which isn’t reflecting of what the Federal Government of Ethiopia wants to share. That’s why the FDRE and Prosperity Party is working on overtime to address things, but pinning blame on Tigray. Even when they are to blame and some of their allies, which is either Eritrean Defence Forces, Regional Special Forces or the Amhara Para-Military Militia “Fano” that has all committed hideous war-crimes since the start of the war in November 2020. So, the independent investigation might uncover even more sinister acts and devious means of yet to be discovered. That’s why the Federal Government have blocked access to the previous ones and done whatever it can keep the world in the dark of their operation in the Tigray Region.

Last paragraph of the editorial that matters:

This twisted trajectory of the United Nations bears witness that it has gained no lesson from its predecessor, the League of Nations, that gave deaf ears to Ethiopia’s call to condemn the then Italia’s invasion aiming to colonize the country. It is playing the same old game regarding the current situation in Ethiopia” (The Ethiopian Herald – ‘Disobedience to principles opens door to prejudice, failure’ 19.03.2022).

Indeed, here the Editorial and I might slightly agree on something. As the United Nations and League of Nations are both International Organizations, which lacks certain platitudes and organizational mechanisms to secure humanity. Also, it has certain protocols and pre-fixed power structures, which limps it works. Just like League of Nations betrayed Ethiopia in the eyes of invasion from Italy. The UN and UNSC has betrayed the people of Tigray and whole of Ethiopia, by not getting a stronger mandate or even have the powers to fully commit to the Conventions or Charter of the UN. Therefore, the Editoral is wrong about the trajectory, but instead not looking at the grand scheme of things. Yes, we are agreeing on small points, but the objectively view of it, we are not agreeing.

As the UN should do more and should have more access, but they are only allowed accordingly to the UN member state, which happens to Ethiopia itself. The UN and UN Organizations can imply or ask for observations or investigations. However, the Ethiopian state has to allow it. Therefore, parts of the blame of manner of which UN approaches things is on the basis of the states. That means it is up to the states and how they complies with the actions made by the UN. This is why the deadlocks and the stalemates are not only on the basis of how UN operates, but how the other parties are acting accordingly.

This just shows it all and this government friendly press by an outlet run by the state run Ethiopian Press Agency. Therefore, this one spread the message and the words of which is representative of the administration in Addis Ababa. With that in mind…. You know what sort of ideas and ideals, which are there.

The Ethiopian Herald has with time started to sound and act like Shabait of Eritrea. That is really evident and tragic. However, not shocking as these two nations are fighting the same war and wants to brutally end TPLF. This is why they do whatever they can to defend it and drops a dozens of lies to do it as well. Peace.

Ethiopia: Oromo Liberation Front/Army (OLF/OLA) – Amhara Forces slit the throat of a Pregnant Oromo Woman and Abducted 18 Students (18.03.2022)

Ethiopia: The Prosperity Party is promoting NaMA’s Central Committee now..

The majority and ruling party Prosperity Party have on their verified Facebook page reported directly from the National Movement of Amhara (NaMA) Central Committee meeting, which will be a two-day meeting.

What is striking about this. The need to do this shows how NaMA is embedded in the Prosperity Party. It is a part of it and a direct ally. It isn’t an independent body or can be seen as such. Heck, their own verified page haven’t a new post since 4th March 2022, but Prosperity Party dropped the news about NaMA just mere 4 hours ago. That says something and no one should be shocked.

There is a reason why NaMA is so close, they are the pulse of the Amhara and the allies of the “Survival Campaign” and the genocidal war in Tigray region. They are defending and wants the Federal Government to continue it’s warfare in Tigray region. Surely, they will say the humanitarian assistance blockade isn’t enough. The man-made famine and starvation isn’t enough for them. That is the sort of nationalists and extremists, which are lingering in NaMA. That is the loyal allies of the Prime Minister and the “unifying” Prosperity Party.

That’s why Prosperity Party wrote this about the plans of NaMA:

As Mr Tahir said, it will be widely examined how NaMA’s role was in destroying the war in the country. It has been said that it will also be discussed on the issues that should be held in the future by evaluating the situation where the survival campaign was led. Regarding the comprehensive and inclusive national understanding, He said it will also address issues that could benefit the people of Amhara in particular” (Prosperity Party – ‘NaMA is holding the Central Committee meeting in Bahir Dar’, 18.03.2022).

If you didn’t believe me that they wrote about making plans for the next 5 years… here is the translation of the text:

The central committee is expected to discuss and approve the organization’s strategic direction for the next five years” (Prosperity Party -‘NaMA is holding the Central Committee meeting in Bahir Dar’, 18.03.2022).

If you ever wondered about the loyalty or the close connections between the parties. What happened today cements it. Yes, NaMA has a minister in Abiy’s cabinet and is clearly in the ear of the PM. If the PP didn’t care or see any value. They wouldn’t have reported about it and used their platform to tell what NaMA plans to do the next two days. It shows they are promoting and spreading the news about the party.

It shows that there is a possible marriage of convenience between these parties. As the PP see it in their interests to address it and tell what is happening in the Central Committee of the NaMA party. That is really special and shows how the PP acts now.

I never thought this was possible… but here we are. Peace.

Ethiopia: Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Updates on Humanitarian Assistance to the Tigray Region (17.03.2022)

Ethiopia: Ogaden region hit by severe draught and an additional fuel crisis…

Jigjiga without fuel and public transport stalled. Unprecedented Fuel Remains in Somali Region, Traffic Strikes Prime Minister Abi Ahmed has blamed the local government for the lack of fuel and corruption in the Somali region. Local fuel is sold to regional administrations in Somalia, with the involvement of a corrupt local administration” (Heego24 News, 14.03.2022).

The indication that a Federal Government and a Regional Government is clueless about what they are doing. Is easy to indicate when you read about what is currently happening and how things are handled. The Prosperity Party in Addis Ababa and the Regiona Government led by local puppet Mustafe Omer. Who is clearly not up for the levels of responsibility and neither able to coordinate the needs for the Ogaden (Somali Region).

That is very easy to assess after reading about the drivers, which are the ones who getting the fuel to the region. They experience and the reports from a Danish Aid Agency how things are looking in concern to the drought. Which most likely has been forewarned by FAO and other international agencies ahead of the happening. These mechanisms tends to possible navigate these things and give a set of options for the Federal Government and Regional Government. If they care about the consequence, if such happens. Alas, there been zero fucks given and that is evident. Which is why the Ogaden region is having a double crisis at ones.

Reported from Nuur Xaaji Faqid:

Complaints from Somali Regional Drivers.

Drivers in the somali area upon their arrival at the fuel depot in Djibouti, departing upon arrival kabri-bayah, is added to the army and delivered to Ararso. It was taken from Ararso by another army and they also reached Dhagah-Buur. It is being carried out by another force and will also be deployed to Kabri-dahar. As the Drivers told us every troop that slipped away wanted money and if not given it would not pass the car so they had to pay and give the soldiers a ride. So is it possible to send a soldier and then go to ten districts one by one and give each one money?” (16.03.2022).

DERF with Alter Note:

OFROSOM has submitted an alert to DERF regarding worsening of the severe drought in Somali Region, Ethiopia. The areas affected are the Somali Region in Ethiopia and most parts of SNNP and Sidama, as well as across the lowlands of southern Oromia, particularly in Bale, East Bale, Borena, Guji and West Guji zones. West and Haro Guduru Wollega zones of Oromia Region. According to the Regional Drought Response Plan for the Horn of Africa of Jan 2022, Somali Region is the most drought affected part of Ethiopia and an estimated 3,7 million people of Somali Region will require relief, which corresponds to 59% of the Somali Region population. Overall, the impact of the drought on pastoralist and agro-pastoralist communities in eastern and southeastern Ethiopia continues to deepen. A recent needs assessment in East Hararge Zone (Oromia) indicates that some 627,000 people across 11 woredas require urgent water assistance” (DERF – ‘22-006-SP Alert Note Worsening Severe Drought in Somali Region, Ethiopia (Not Activated)’ 11.03.2022).

Things will only get worse before they get better. As the state is busy scheming their own deals, instead of actually delivering what the citizens needs. The Prosperity Party and the Federal Government is blaming the regional government. While none of them is finding solutions. Meanwhile the drivers in a horrible position. Where they have to bribe anyone to get things through all the districts to reach Ogaden. This is making things costly, as well, as the international costs are rising on fuel. Which is all ensuring the negative results when coming to Ogaden in the first place.

The region lacks not only rain and food. It lacks fuel to transport water for furthering production of possible food. That says something and shows that things are dire. There is a need and there is no signs of changes anytime soon. The Federal Government and Regional Government should cooperate on this and find a resolve. In such a fashion, that ensure the livelihoods and the possible food-safety of the Ogaden. Alas, that seems to be not important and a quest the leaders wants to dodge. Hoping the international community and the aid organizations can cover their behinds. Because, this is reckless and show that they are not valuing life. Since, life is so easily to throw away and not support in the hour of need. A drought can easily turn into a famine… especially, when everything surrounding it is utter silence and inaction.

That’s what the Prime Minister is giving and what the Regional President is serving the citizens of the Ogaden region. Peace.

Ethiopia: Tigray Human Rights Forum (THRF) – Statement on the horrific act of burning people alive to death by federal and regional security forces in Ethiopia (15.03.2022)