
“The deputy prime minister who has confirmed that there is no interest in the conflict to get worse and to go to war again, however, on the other hand, has informed the ambassadors that TPLF is still not free from its habit of war and is preparing for a second invasion by recruiting citizens to war” (Ethiopian News Agency – ‘Deputy Prime Minister Demeke Mekonnen has made a statement to the European Union ambassadors in Brussels’ 11.06.2022).
The reports from Addis Ababa wants to make it seem like everyone is ready for boosting the “humanitarian truce” and generate peace in Northern Ethiopia. However, that is only a smokescreen and not the truth. While Eritrean Defence Force (EDF) is still in Western Tigray and the same is both Amhara Regional Special Force and Amhara Para-Military Group “Fano”. So, it is not like the Tripartite Alliance have retreated.
Alas, there is unverified reports of Fano brigades moved to North Wollo around Kobo Town. While there been reports of possible skirmishes there already between the Tigray Defence Force (TDF) and civilians there. So, possible troop movement to the region would make sense. However, the possibility of non-action and no preparation of war is a lie. There was already reported that the EDF was stationed in Afar region in preparation for a new offensive, which is why some soldiers left their post and was later arrested. Therefore, something is up and the recent updates from both government channels and Amhara media says it all really.
Just read here:
“Deputy Commander of the Southern Command Brigadier General Getachew Habtamu Worke community, you are heroes who have made an example of Ethiopian patriotism. For the next war we are going to have, you should destroy the enemy for the last time and confirm your history with the heroic defense force” (North Wollo Communication, 12.06.2022).
“Chief Commander Lieutenant General Zewdu Belay said that our army has gone far beyond what our internal and external enemies can imagine with the capacity building activities done by the TPLF” (…) “Lieutenant General Zewdu Belay said that the army is not only preparing itself for the terrorist forces. The preparation we have made is in a way that can prevent attacks that can be fired from any direction” (Amhara Communication, 11.06.2022).
“As it is known, for the past 31 years, the Amhara people have not had a social rest and is getting worse day by day. The main reason for this is TPLF led system EPRDF, and after it started the struggle, he wrote a manifesto that says the Amhara people are my historical enemy since it started to struggle, TPLF led EPRDF gave birth to EPRDF and put it on the shoulders of the Amhara people. A constitution that hurts only one people in the 27 years they have been in power. The people of Amhara who he called as his enemy in a structural way have been abusing and committing genocide” (…) “Therefore, our union has issued the following 6 points statement.
1) We call on every Amhara people to get ready to overthrow this cruel system once and for all.
2) Those of you who have been abusing the Amhara people with the two anti-Amhara administrations, it is time to blame the Amhara people, we call you to stand with the Amhara people revolution.
3) We call on every Amhara youth, old man, woman, man, to stand with Fano and prepare for a bitter struggle.
4) Those of you who live abroad, to destroy the people you call your people, we call you to help day and night without saying I am tired or tired of you.
5) Knowing that the only way to save the people of Amhara under God is a strong military and diplomatic struggle, we call on everyone to get ready for this struggle.
6) We call on Amharas who are under different government military structures to stand with your people by understanding the structural corruption that is being done on the people of Amhara.
“The Amhara people will avert the danger they are facing with united arms”” (Ashara Media – ‘A press release from the international Amhara Fano supporters and coordinators’ 11.06.2022).
So, when I read both is written in Amhara Communication pages on social media, which is government sanctioned media. Plus what the Fano is writing in their own press release. That is differing from what is stated by the Deputy President Mekonnen. Certainly, something is up and that with the pictures of movement of Fano militia brigades as well. Therefore, we shouldn’t be shocked or horrified if it escalates soon.
As, the state is just preparing to finalize a new campaign and possible a final offensive, which we have seen before too. Since the “consolidation” of “democracy” is a vial thing for the Prosperity Party. That means the TPLF and others has be either part of PP or get destroyed. There is no middle ground and that should be well-known by now. Any dissent or disagreement with the state would make you an enemy. Therefore, we shouldn’t expect much else these days.
It is really clear that something is brewing and we should be aware. Because, this stalemate will not last forever. Peace.