
Ethiopia: Agew Liberation Front – Press Release (05.01.2022)



Jan. 4/ 2022: Position Statement of Doctors and other health professionals of Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital – College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University
We, the Doctors and other health professionals of Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital – College of Health Sciences, at Mekelle University, hear and experience firsthand the daily suffering our patients are enduring. As we had solemnly sworn an oath to protect and save our patients from suffering, the least we could do on difficult days like these ones is to become their voice and ventilate their sufferings for the world to hear.
The statement below, therefore, is the collective voice of all of us working in the hospital and the college to echoing our patients’ plea that we hear every day for the last six months.
We have no doubt that anyone listening or reading this position statement will be cognizant of the fact that meeting the health needs of a community in low-resource settings such as ours is a very daunting endeavor, even in times of peace and stability.
To substantiate this, we wish to put some historical milestones of our college into perspective:
• We, the Doctors and other Health Professionals of Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital – College of Health Sciences, remember our humble beginnings 14 years ago. We remember that, back then, our 500 – bed hospital had stood empty and idle for nearly a decade because of the severe shortage of health professionals, medical instruments, and financial resources.
• We also remember how this once empty hospital had grown fast through the hard work and perseverance of all of us, the unwavering support of our university, national and international partners.
A hospital that was barely better than a countryside health post in the early days of its establishment, grew to be a specialized referral center a decade later serving a catchment area of 9 million people from Tigray, neighboring districts of the Afar and Amhara regions.
It won’t be forgotten that our hospital had been also serving Eritrean refugees staying in the camps in Northern Ethiopia for quite a while. It is also to be well remembered that patients from Eritrea were well taken care of in our hospital during the brief period of border normalization between our two countries in 2018.
Our hospital’s annual patient visit had risen to nearly 300,000 and thousands of major surgeries, deliveries, and a wide variety of interventions and treatments used to be given.
We all took those positive developments for granted and it was customary for us to focus on future progress rather than dwell on past achievements.
However, while mentally unprepared, we have found ourselves, in such a short period of time, in a situation that we would never ever have considered possible in our wildest imaginations. How could we ever have expected to cancel surgeries for lack of intravenous fluids, anesthesia drugs, or tell patients or their relatives to find intravenous fluids somewhere in the city while the patient needed quick support?
But, we have been forced to work in a hospital without intravenous fluids, gloves, even the most commonly used antibiotics, anti-pain medications, drugs vital for women undergoing labor and delivery, drugs for various kinds of mental illnesses, basic laboratory tests, and a lot more other essential drugs.
• The availability of essential drugs, which was 79.3% a couple of years ago and 82% a year ago has now gone down to 17.5%.
• The availability of laboratory tests which was 93.7%, a couple of years ago and 84.2% a year ago, has now gone down to 42.1%.
The numbers are going down rapidly every week. The oxygen supply to our hospital has become very unreliable and resulted in the death of patients because of the frequent breaking down of the machines that could have been easily repaired if we got spare parts from the manufacturer through Addis Ababa to Mekelle which is now completely impossible.
To make matters worse, electricity blackouts have become more common and prolonged for days at times. There is no means of communication within the hospital and beyond. Thus, we have to walk and find the person we need, even to do something trivial.
We, the staff of the hospital and the college haven’t lost hope despite the huge psychological burden that we have to deal with as a result of witnessing what is happening to our patients on a daily basis.
As you might all be aware of:
• We haven’t been paid our well-deserved salaries for the last seven months, our extra–time payments for nearly 13 months,
• We are unable to withdraw whatever amount of money we have had in governmental and private banks because of the complete shutdown of banking service
• We have nothing to feed our families and ourselves
Against all odds, however, we have continued to serve our patients with whatever supplies are at our disposal!
We have:
• tried to produce fluids locally to clean infected wounds,
• beg business people or residents in the city to give us detergents, soap, bed sheets, and other linen for free or on credit to be able to keep the hospital running.
We have used and are still using expired drugs when that is the only option left. We have tried to give care to those in the most urgent need and ask others to wait to know that those who are waiting are also getting closer to hapless conditions.
Our neurosurgery team has decided to operate on patients with problems in the brain just based on clinical examinations, without having the support of CT scan and/or MRI images which have both been not functional for many months because spare parts could not reach our city due to the complete blockage.
Supplies that we used to get for free from donors and partners, as well as business counterparts, have not reached our hospital for the last six months.
As a result, children who needed shunt surgeries are left to die, those with treatable cancers are denied their rights and those with fractures are forced to wait while being immobilized.
Those who could easily have been saved with hemodialysis are dying. Patients who have had dialysis for years at our hospital are forced to die just because the supplies that could have been brought are not allowed to reach us.
The world is tested with COVID19. Add a large-scale, full-fledged War on it. Then add a siege on it. Imagine this three combined in a poor region that struggles for survival even in times of peace and stability.
We earnestly believe that there are very good people out there in Ethiopia, the horn of Arica, Africa, and the rest of the world who could be the advocates of our patients, our health professionals, and our people. We wonder how the world lets this man-made crisis continue unabated while it has all the capacity and the means it needs to stop it.
We, therefore, humbly and respectfully request all health professionals in Ethiopia, Africa, and the world to be the voice of our patients and stand with us in our effort to end the crisis. We also request the Ministry of Health of Ethiopia, different UN and other international organizations, all the other local partners, NGOs as well as international partners to intervene and bring the misery of several months to an end.
Whatever the cause of the war is, it cannot be right or ethical to deny patients lifesaving health care. Neither can it be justified to completely withhold a hospital budget for several months as if it is never the responsibility of the government of Ethiopia to let a hospital carry on its activities and deliver health to innocent civilians in urgent need of care.
We, people in the world, live on a tiny planet and our destinies are intertwined. It would be very heartbreaking to see those with the power and capacity do nothing except viciously say that they are “concerned”, “very concerned”, and “gravely concerned.”
It is already very late but those national, continental, and global authorities in health, as well as governments and organizations responsible for solving such problems, can still avert a catastrophe.
We have seen the world do that before and we, your fellow brothers and sisters, believe and hope against hope that you will do the same this time around as well.
Truly yours,
Doctors and other Health Professionals of Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital – College of Health Sciences, at Mekelle University

Today like any other day, the allies of the Tripartite Alliance shows their true face to the world to see. There is already discussion of national dialogue, which anyone who follows knows it’s only a smokescreen. Alas, the National Movement of Amhara (NaMA) who has a Minister in the Cabinet and is “opposition” party. Now, shows their loyalty to the warfare and is practically an new edition of Amhara Democratic Party (ADP), which Demeke Mekonnen comes from before the EPRDF became Prosperity Party.
Belete Mola really shows his loyalty to Abiy and his war. That is very clear and there is no indication of stopping. As the hatred and the will to annihilate is the clear intention. That’s what the allies of Abiy wants and what Amhara nationalists wants as well. This is very clear to anyone to see.
Just read what a bad translation says:
“The Tigray People’s Liberation Army (TPLA) led by the TPLF has discussed in detail the humanitarian and material damage it has inflicted on our country, Ethiopia, particularly the Amhara and Afar regions, as well as the possible attacks and threats posed by the invading forces. The people of our country, our brave National Defense Forces, our Amhara and Afar Special Forces, the Fano and the Joint Security Forces, and Ethiopians and people of Ethiopian descent around the world, have strongly evaluated our struggle and record of victory. We have assessed the strengths and weaknesses of our movement in its struggle for survival and set directions, and we have identified the direction to be taken until the threat posed by the invading forces to the group is completely eliminated. On this occasion, he called on the people of our country, especially the Amhara and Afar Movement, to continue their struggle until the threat posed by the invading forces is completely eradicated” (National Movement of Amhara, 03.01.2021).
The NaMA party is talking and directing all ills on the Tigray and the TPLF. This is done in common fashion by the government supporting party. Which could be just a second edition of the ADP. Belete Mola and his party clearly don’t want a peaceful resolution, but want a total destruction of Tigray. The NaMA wants to eliminate and eradicate… this is the vision of the opposition party.
What is striking the NaMA is calling for more war until the Tigay is ended. That shows it all really and there is no peaceful end in sight. We know the Minister is an ally of the Prime Minister and that is very obvious. As the hate-speech and the assessment of the press release/statement published today shows.
This is just more Amhara elitist preparing for more war. That’s the message and annihilation as well. Therefore, don’t expect much of the allies of Abiy. They are not there to bring peace, but support the war and the efforts of total destruction of the Tigray region. That’s where we are in 2022 and there is no end in sight. Only more bloodshed, massacres and starvation. No positive message or hope, since the ones in power only seeks prolonged vengeance and agony upon Tigray. Peace.


If you thought the National Dialogue or the House of Federation recently established Commission on Dialogue would serve any purpose. You are terribly wrong. It is a charade and a play of the facade. That is clear for every single day. Now the State Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Redwan Hussien is stating what we already knew in an interview on the last day of 2021. Where he states things very and it cannot be without any shadow of a doubt. The ones believing that the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia will hold any fair or serious talks in 2022 is naive or practically stupid at this point.
Just read this answer from the honourable minister and it says it all…
“Horn Review: What are the core issues planned for the upcoming all-inclusive dialogue?
First, there needs to be clarity in our understanding of the term “national dialogue”. The tentative national dialogue is meant to establish a shared goal amongst the people, and the political elite; it does not mean or imply bargaining with designated terrorist elements. This endeavor could take months, or perhaps years depending on the process. Considering the Ethiopian parliament’s designation, the Tigrayan People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF – Shene) will not participate in the dialogue because this designation disqualifies them from having a stake. No legitimate government can be made to accept preconditions from terrorist elements and Ethiopia certainly will not accept preconditions if a negotiation is to happen. It is the Ethiopian government’s responsibility to set clear conditions and standards so as to move forward with normalization and rehabilitation efforts” (Horn Review – ‘Ambassador Redwan Hussien, State Minister at the Ethiopian Ministry of Foregin Affairs, sat down with Horn Review to discuss Ethiopia’s current state of affairs, and provided insight into the restructuring efforts at the Ministry’ 31.12.2021).
So, this answer here is what is the reflection of the Prosperity Party and their Tripartite Alliance partners suggestion of talks or negotiations with others. Their is no end in sight and the objectives of the “national dialogue” is clear. That is to buy time and make it seems like they care about peaceful endeavours. Just as much as the Ministry of Peace hasn’t been a tool of warfare and supporting the war effort of the state. Which sounds foolish, but is true, as they have used the platforms and Ministry to help to help the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF). Therefore, the ambassador is just saying what everyone expected.
I didn’t expect a government and an alliance, which wants to annihilate it’s enemies to actually talk to them. There has been no movements or proof of legit care for either the region of Tigray or the people of Oromia. As it is so easy to take life, arrest and torture dissidents. Therefore, if the state would start talking now… that would be an actual reform and proof of concern. However, we know the whole war and Operation Law Enforcement was about solidifying the consolidating power under man and his party. There was nothing else to it. So, to give way and talks to the ones who defied and stood their ground. Is humiliating to the Prime Minister and his fellow associates. They we’re supposed to be in the final stages or phase of the war in the end of November 2020. Now, they are done with another campaign in December 2021 and still the warfare is far from over. As the drones and the air-strikes continues to wreck havoc on civilians within Tigray region.
So, when the Ambassador speaks of terrorists, I have hard seeing a difference between them and the Tripartite Alliance efforts, which has caused starvation, famine and humanitarian blockage for months upon end. Where people are dying, because the basic needs are met and the federal state isn’t making efforts to feed the citizens. That is an act of terror and shouldn’t be brushed off in an instance. While they have the authority of a state and government, still their acts are vicious and reflects their state of mind.
The Tigray Defence Force has to defend for their actions and whatever they have done on the battlefield. That is without a doubt, the same has the ENDF and all of their allies, which has ensured massacres, destruction and depleted areas in their invasion. They have violated civilians, burned villages, destroyed infrastructure and caused harm that will be detrimental for a decade to come. The ambassador seems fixated only on the ills of the enemy, which shall be investigated and hopefully by an independent group of outsiders. Who doesn’t have a stakes in the game and the same follows looking into all the possible war-crimes of the Tripartite Alliance. Therefore, he speaks of not talking to others. He and his allies should also reflect on the actions done by themselves, Eritrean Defence Force, Amhara Para-Military Group “Fano” and the Regional Special Forces, which has also stepped out of line in this war that has lasted for over 13 months and counting.
So, the FDRE isn’t sincere here… and never has been. That is something with how it started and how this is ending. As the state will never ever mentioned that they ordered commandos to get assassinate TPLF leadership back in 2018. Therefore, the will to take them down has been there all along and never ceased to exist. Therefore, it is hard to believe that the Ambassador or his fellow associate really cares about “unity” or care about “shared goals” as everyone is just supposed to follow blindly behind the banner of the state and it’s head of state Abiy. Peace.

In the perspective of the Ethiopian Herald new editorial piece called ‘Far be it from peddlers of skirmish to prove disciples of peace’ published today on the 1st January 2021. This editorial I will discuss here today and specifically the aspect of which it vilifies outsiders. Where the editor or writer targets Westerners or United States of which is not surprising.
Where it really started for me was this passage: “Watching the drama of imposing one’s selfish and egoistic national interest on the fledgling exhibited by some westerners is once more leading the world down the lane of catastrophic destruction. This bad scenario is eclipsing emerging countries’ optimism of catapulting to self-dabble-ensured development. To add an insult to injury, humbugs of the above mentioned brand destabilize the victim country fomenting religious, ethnic and instigated-political conflicts” (The Ethiopian Herald, 01.01.2021).
It is really unique and precious of the editorial to state things in this fashion. As there is no concern or care for the ones looking into the matters and the conflict, which have been prevalent since November 2020. It is like nobody should question, condemn or even pick a side in it. Except if they pick the side of the government and believes all of their information leaked to the state media. If you do that, I can assure you are not selfish and is a righteous man. Just like the ones who is promoted by the state and the narrow-minded individuals who wants to be useful fools for the FDRE Government Communication Service. Because, that is what they are… and the Ethiopian Herald is no difference here.
Yes, foreign interference in other conflicts has caused harm, destruction and devastation. However, at this point with famine, starvation, humanitarian blockade and several of other issues in the Republic. Clearly, the state and it’s allies has caused more than enough damage on its own. Secondly, the state is the ones who using means of which is respectfully right to stop or try to silence. As the Tripartite Alliance haven’t acted in good faith or continues to do so. No, it has used all means to win this war and no boundary has been set. That’s why they don’t want independent investigations and only wants to vilify the enemy. Just like they writer is mocking the West in this here piece.
“Hardening their hearts the affluent nations, especially those categorized in the conceptual west, are seen going astray from human and moral rights. Commoditizing everything, they eye on optimizing returns from the debris of their entire destructive sprees. They use countries reduced to rubbles as bogeyman to flog similar aspirants of self-growth to the straightjacket they prepare aiming at meeting own gluttonous ends” (The Ethiopian Herald, 01.01.2021).
I don’t know if this writer eats words or has a beneficial relationship with his thesaurus. Because, men usually flaunts words like this when they try to impress the significant other. However, here it is a continuation of the previous passage. As everything the west touches is destructive and has a terrible end.
I would think a government with Ministry of Peace and a Human Rights Commission would be concerned about violating codes of war and the Geneva convention. If not violating any of the ratified conventions, the Republic is supposed to adhere too. Nevertheless, the West is the problem and not that the Ethiopian government have to follow any of the international conventions it has promised to follow. Secondly, the civil war created by the regime of Addis Ababa at his current time is something they have to answer for. As the truth will linger out eventually, just like the truth about the Iraqi war was revealed. Therefore, the editor or the Ethiopian Herald shouldn’t be singing songs of greatness just yet.
“At this juncture, it is appropriate to mention the damage westerners inflicted on ancient nations like Iraq and Syria, boasting histories written in brighter inks. In doing so, westerners have caused the death, maim, affliction and displacement of people of these countries” (The Ethiopian Herald, 01.01.2021).
I agree that the Western powers and the involvement in the conflicts of Syria and Iraq haven’t brought any positive results or case for any good. Nevertheless, there been other actors involved in it too. There been both sides, but also other influences, which has caused more harm and damage. As well, as individuals who wanted prestige and keep influence in these nations. Therefore, the West is to blame for a lot of destruction, but not all. That is to give all blame and sing the song of Akon “Put the Blame on Me” as loud as you possibly can.
“Cascading this to the Ethiopian case, mastering a preemptive move Ethiopians should refrain from turning a prey to booby-traps designed by opportunists to lure them into bait. As the adage runs “if you fool me once shame on you but if you fool me twice shame on me,” they must learn addressing things with a cool head as currently witnessed in the law-enforcement operation and the dilemma of entering into Tigray or not” (The Ethiopian Herald, 01.01.2021).
It is just like yesterday Operation Law Enforcement was commenced. We all know it has been 13 months and counting of conflict. Where the Tripartite Alliance has used any means possible and projected all war-crimes on the enemies. That is why the editor is speaking of fooling and using George W. Bush rhetoric against Westerners. Which is very rich and dumb, as the point his trying to make is weak at best. Because, his not making a righteous case and a justified war. Only, that the West is not supposed to shield the starving, the suffering or the ones in the cross-fire in this conflict. However, the West is just supposed to support the government that bombs own town, villages and civilian areas of the capital of Tigray. Since, that is what a fool does… well, how about that right?
It is not a cool head or a wise man to see the children, woman, old and the ones suffering dying for one man will to consolidate all power. For one man to use the army to “unify” everyone under his banner and party. So, that everyone can be cultic and use dangerous rhetoric to get rid of enemies not only in Tigray, but in Oromia as well. Where the state has never addressed the concerns or the manner of which it has arrested, silenced and even silently killing anyone who dissent to the current regime. Therefore, it would be a fool to trust a government who kills their own to stay in power.
“Furthermore, precluding those whose hands are besmirched with blood, sitting around a horseshoe table ironing out political differences and coming up with a consensus and a resolution is called for so as to bar divisive entry point to hypocrites and charlatan media houses. Our country Ethiopia is endowed with bountiful resources and motivated workforce. Combining the two and ensuring peace this ancient country of indigenous wisdom could materialize its ambitious leap to prosperity” (The Ethiopian Herald, 01.01.2021).
Well, we know the Prosperity Party and the Prime Minister will not have proper dialogue or even talks, which will matter. Just like he didn’t have sincere elections or polls for that matter. Where he only had an official exercise in a grand selection and hand-picking ceremony to legitimize his reign. Therefore, the ones believing the talks or dialogue would be short-sighted. This will be as useful as the Inter-Burundian dialogue after election in 2015 or the recent ones pulled off in Cameroon. The state will do the same charade and mockery in Ethiopia. The media houses will only take the talking points of the state and say it happens. They will not dissect the lacking representation or the lack of real parties involved. Since we know this is insincere at best.
When he says the Ethiopian nation is filled with resources and workforce, I don’t doubt that a second… but saying that will generate peace is well… not what it takes or what is at stake here. There will not be prosperity when you forge a war and when you leave plenty of parties behind. That is what is lost here to the editor and the government he supporters. Some will earn profits on the blood, sweat and tears. There will be created an elite and plenty who eats on the plights of the chosen few. However, the general population and the groups who has been vilified will be left behind. They will have all the reasons of the world to revolt and wanting to revolutionizing the system. As it was unfair and unjust from the get-go. That’s why the resources or manpower doesn’t matter. When you are not including or letting people participate on equal grounds. As we know the agenda of this government isn’t for all, but for the ones who anointed by the current leadership. Peace.





