Ethiopia: Declaration of the Senior Commanders on the Modalities for the Implementation of the Agreement for Lasting Peace through a Permanent Cessation of Hostilities between the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE) and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) – (12.11.2022)

Ethiopia: FDRE Government Communication Services – The Government is working to ensure the peace agreement is implemented per agreed terms (12.11.2022)

A look into TPLF’s Second Press Release since signing the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement

Today, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) published their second Press Release on the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement of the 2nd November 2022. The party released already one Press Release on the 4th November and now the second one on the 12th November 2022. This is following questioning of the reasons and arguments for signing it.

The new Press Release continues where the last stopped. Nothing is shocking or out of the ordinary here. The TPLF is defending their reasons and the cause of the CoH Agreement. While they still have to work with and find support from within. That is it how it seems and after 10 days… there is still no silence of the guns, the humanitarian aide hasn’t entered the region and neither is there any goodwill from the Federal Government. So, the TPLF really has to wonder if this was really the trick or they was outplayed by the Tripartite Alliance by signing it.

They have called the Press Release: “Let us strengthen our unity and strive for better struggle!” and the first thing it says is: “People of Tigray, secure peace; Respect the Constitution; I will not surrender my right to self-determination.” He has been subjected to betrayal, oppression and injustice that history should not forgive. These forces of destruction have been conducting open military invasion with the aim of eradicating the people of Tigray from the face of the earth.
However, this is apart from the right, popular and just goal and iron unity. The people of Tigray, who had no military capacity, fought for their existence without being defeated by the coalition forces He has been carrying them. The forces of destruction that were determined to destroy it completely caused countless destruction and devastation to Tigray and its people but thanks to the hard fighting and persistent resistance, the dream of these forces did not come true to the extent they wanted
” (TPLF, 12.11.2022).

We know the Tripartite Alliance have used all means since the November 2020 invasion. They have blocked humanitarian aide, utilities, communications and ensured the region has been hit with a man-made famine. This has been done deliberately to hit the region and weaken their war-effort. That’s why the agreement is questioned and the timing of it too. The TPLF is right about the annihilation and the planned destruction of the region. That is right about it…. but still asking for unity after signing the agreement. This should have been on offer and in talks across the region before doing so. Hard to ask for unity when your signing of your cause to someone who hasn’t been sincere or honest ever. That’s why the hostilities still lingers on and there hasn’t been a stop of the warfare from allies of the Federal Government.

The TPLF continues: “Despite the basic fact, we are seeing those who are rushing to accuse the Tigray government without saying that our reaching this agreement will endanger the will of our people. Therefore, our people at home and abroad should not be confused by this urgent and unreasonable conclusion and should not be intimidated by our peaceful negotiations. Because the Tigray government has no other starting point and destination than fulfilling the basic needs of its people” (TPLF, 12.11.2022).

It is natural that people question the reasons for the agreement… especially when the people has seen what the Tripartite Alliance has done and the rhetoric used by them. They came in “Operation Law Enforcement” but we know there was other things at play. Old grievances and consolidation of power, which was another reason for the war. The Prosperity Party and allies in Asmara and Bahir Dar wanted to settle old scores. So, the basic needs are far from met and there is little to show that the Cessation of Hostilities will bring it.

The TPLF Press Release ends with: “The victory of the people of Tigray is inevitable as long as we strengthen our unity and organize our capacities until our goal is achieved.
Our welfare and safety in our arms!!
Tigray wins!!”
(TPLF, 12.11.2022).

The TPLF is asking a lot of it’s people, especially when there is yet nothing to show for it. Yes, the TPLF has a paper, but what worth does it have when one of the allies are still active in the region. The people are still feeling the war and isn’t getting the changes of peace. That is only in ink and therefore, the TPLF should explain this and why they trust the Federal Government on this. The Federal Government has done it to buy time and also ensure they have less international pressure. They might even get more funding from the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. That’s why people like me thinks it’s trick.

Unless, the goodwill and things are changing rapidly. There is a need to see that. It’s hard to ask for unity. When there is no signs or reports, which shows a true cessation of hostilities. There is neither a promise of ceasing the blockades of the Region. That’s why time will tell… if there will be any difference, but the Federal Government has to show that its sincere. If not… it was all a lie and the TPLF played along to it. That would be tragic, because the Tripartite Alliance has to show they are done with the war and open the borders for humanitarian assistance… Peace.

Ethiopia: Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) – Prosperity Party’s Government Barbaric Killings Continued in Oromiya (10.11.2022)

Ethiopia: TIP disowns TPLF’s Peace Agreement

There are interesting reactions to the 2nd November Cessation of Hostilities Agreement between the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). The Eritrean Press has already asked for the Amhara Regional Government to accept the Peace Agreement.

Today, one of the opposition parties within the Tigray region, the Tigray Independence Party (TIP) has issued a lengthy press release. That press release is very interesting and shows some of the sentiments from within the Tigray region. The TIP has released joint press releases with other Tigray parties during the war. However, this one is released on its own and without the support of the other Tigray opposition parties. Meaning, they are doing this on their own and without consensus. This is their beliefs and what they are seeing. Still, it’s insights and a view that shouldn’t be lost in space.

Read this part first:

Again, the peace proposal signed in document does not answer the cause of the struggle for which you paid a bitter price. We believe that it contains a dangerous conspiracy aimed at disrupting your national struggle in the long run. As the document says, there is still no situation on the ground that invites you to accept it as a worst but no alternative. After the signing of the agreement, the historical and legal territory of Tigray is still occupied by the invaders. Our people living under the control of these brutal invaders are still victims of ethnic cleansing and inhuman acts. The hoped-for unlimited humanitarian aid has also become a stench of water. In short, as a party of freedom; The signed peace bill; It is a dangerous opportunity following the political and diplomatic losses caused by the traitorous TPLF, which is the burden of our struggle. The military victory achieved by the people and the Tigray Defense Forces at a bitter price; We have entered into such a crippling agreement because the TPLF group has conspired to hijack our struggle to be the fulfillment of its lost ideology and greedy and narrow interests. The TPLF group has taken a dry stance to continue its ideology that the civilized world hates at the expense of the people and army of Tigray. Our struggle has lost diplomacy and politics and has reached a forced agreement” (Tigray Independence Party, 10.11.2022).

Here the TIP Party saying the TPLF accepted an agreement because it was forced to do so. They didn’t sign it of reasons of their own. The TIP Party is stating a lot of things and it’s very clear. The TIP is also mentioning the invaders and their blockade of humanitarian assistance. That has been an issue throughout the war. Still, as the peace agreement is accepted, the invaders are not allowing or letting the humanitarian organizations to enter the region. Meaning the peace agreement haven’t changed the situation on the ground. That’s another reason why the TIP party is feeling betrayed and they feel also the TPLF betrayed the TDF. This is all within reason and we can understand their grievances too. The sacrifices and the costs of defending Tigray has been put to the side on a partial agreement, which haven’t changed anything.

TIP continues:

In the meantime, even if the peace agreement is signed that does not preserve the sacrifices of our troops; It is not because our people and army have underestimated their heroism and been defeated. The loser snatched victory in a war that was not used for the sake of facilitating his narrow interests and corrupt thinking; He betrayed you and your people; It is the TPLF group that is hated by the world and covered in diplomatic losses. Here it is to maintain its existence at the cost of the sacrifices of the army and people of Tigray; He is insulted by the presence of you, the only saviors of our people; He has agreed to disband our army. However, the peace document signed on behalf of the TPLF has been accepted in principle; We do not believe that there is any other option but to wisely use the consequences of the peace proposal that this treacherous TPLF group has dragged to our advantage. Therefore, our party, the Tigray Independence Party, to realize an independent and sovereign state of Tigray through a referendum; We would also like to assure you that we will continue our struggle in a highly wise manner appropriate to the pressing political situation we are facing with the aim of holding accountable for the brutal genocide committed against our people” (Tigray Independence Party, 10.11.2022).

We are seeing the TIP Party continues to go after the TPLF. They are not letting things go and the arguments are even shifting for a referendum. That’s what was in the air before the September elections, which the House of Federation never accepted ahead of the war. TIP really says the TPLF are traitors to the Region and the people of Tigray. That is harsh words, but they are also in opposition. So, they are really showing which side they are on.

It isn’t strange that TIP says the TPLF has betrayed and is treasonous, as the TPLF signed an agreement, which is taking away the victory of the TDF. That is a statement, which I would like to see a reaction from the TPLF itself. Since, the TPLF only has stated it signed the agreement, because they want to uphold constitutional norms. Time will tell who is right here, but the TIP is really not accepting the peace agreement or the actions of the TPLF.

Reading this Press Release, it was clear what the message was and the TIP Party isn’t mincing their words. They are direct about their grievances and what they feel they are losing as a part of it. This is giving way to the invaders and the ones who has issued a genocidal war against the region. That’s how the TIP feels about it. That’s why the TIP is disgusted by the TPLF. Peace.

Ethiopia: Amhara People’s Negotiations Delegations (APND) – Statement from the Amhara People’s Negotiations Delegation (APND) Regarding the Announcement of Permanent Cessation of Hostilities between the Prosperity Party (PP) and Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) Brokered by the African Union (AU) – (09.11.2022)

Ethiopia: Afar People’s Party – A statement given by Afar People’s Party regarding the peace agreement signed between TPLF and FDRE in Pretoria, South Africa Republic on October 23. (08.11.2022)

The Afar People’s Party has been saying that since the day this war started, it is not beneficial to our country in general and also to the Afar people and will make the lives of our people worse as they have said in the past. We have been telling you that war will only bring political solutions to political conflicts but destruction.

Since it is not too late for peace and political solutions, the agreement reached between the two parties is an important and encouraging beginning, the Afar People’s Party supports this initiative, encourages and shows its readiness to do its part.

We call on the Afar People’s Party to fulfill the promise they made and take this agreement to a higher political solution, and other stakeholders to do their part.

We hope that this terrible spirit of war will end and we will rebuild our loved people; we will have a participative and comprehensive national discussion before we get into another similar problem.

Benefit 29/2015

Semera, Afar, Ethiopia

Ethiopia: Eritrea wants the Amhara Regional Government to vouch for the Peace Agreement

The peace agreement between the Ethiopian government and TPLF should be fully accepted by the Amhara regional government as long as the rights, interests and identity and boundaries of the Amhara people are respected” (…) “If the regional government makes all Amhara to unite and to have the same stand, tomorrow during the implementation of the agreement, even if the federal government makes decisions that harm the interest of the people of the region will be reduced. Amhara government should learn from Eritrea. The main reason why the Eritrean government is not under the influence of the west is because the Eritrea people and the government have the same stand on the interest of the people and the honor of the country. This happened because every government decision was discussed by the people and had a public opinion” (Eritrea Press Agency Amharic, 07.11.2022).

When we hear the Prosperity Party and the leaders of Addis Ababa scream out loud #NoMore or no interference. Well, that is hallow and shallow in this point of time. As the Eritrean Defence Forces (EDF) is still inside Ethiopian territories and are vital part of the war-effort in the Tigray region. The Eritrean government are staunch allies and been instrumental in the warfare that has been going on since November 2020. The two years of war has been a cooperative effort and been a forged alliance to annihilate and silence the Tigray region. That is what has happened.

So, it is really interesting that an Eritrean government press was publishing a story yesterday. Which is saying it straight. They want the Amhara Regional Government to accept the stipulations and the agreements of the Cessation of Hostilities in Tigray. The Eritrean “HigDef” is clearly sending out a message here.

The Asmara leadership wants Addis Ababa to listen to Bahir Dar. They want the nationalistic and the hegemony of Amhara to have a say. That’s the gist of it here. This is deliberately undermining the process and pinning people against each other. Instead of finding federal and national measures. The Eritrean counterparts and allies are backing one part of the alliance. That is the gist of it here.

The leadership of Asmara is now behind the Bahir Dar leaders. They are pointing at them and wants their recognition in the conflict. This is to selfishly involve itself in internal matters and also causing a stir. It is initially telling Addis Ababa that they cannot manage this alone and they need more hands to resolve it.

The Eritrean leadership is also saying that it don’t like the involvement of the African Union or any outsider in the conflict. Because, the Eritrean government can manage to run and be a viable entity without it. That is the other part of it. This is why they want the Amhara to be more important and be at the centre of it all.

The last part is that the Amhara should also learn from Eritrea, if the Federal Government doesn’t listen to it. Then the Amhara could rebel and be rouge, in a manner which it sees fit. Since, the Addis Ababa leadership is swayed by the West and other interfering partners in it. The Amhara should know better and shouldn’t be involved in those things.

It is really unique that the Eritrean government press is saying this now. This just show how intertwined it is in internal affairs in Ethiopia. That it feels confident to lecture and tell one regional state how to act. If the Addis Ababa regime was listening or hearing this. They should act upon it. Since this is a warning and sign of the times ahead. The PP have let them in with open arms and now they are counterproductive. That the gig now.

Expect more from them. Asmara is now waving red flags and there will be of it. Peace.

African Union (AU): Senior Commanders Meeting on the Implementation of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement between the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Tigray Peoples’ Liberation Front (TPLF) – (07.11.2022)

Ethiopia: Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) – Statement of the Oromo Federalist Congress on hte Ceasefire and Peace Agreement Signed Between the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) – (05.11.2022)