Ethiopia: The Humanitarian Truce of 2022 is declared like the Ceasefire in July 2021

This is really repetitive and not going anywhere. As yesterday’s late release of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia release of the “Humanitarian Truce” without seemingly have had any dialogue or contact with the stakeholders. This is making agreements and a truce without talking to the parties involved. Only having the state working on it’s own without recognizing the other party.

We know the bureaucracy of the FDRE has made it impossible together with allies on the border regions of Tigray. These has blocked, looted and ensured that no humanitarian aid has entered. If not just drops of the vast sea of needs, which is part of the war that Tripartite Alliance has prolonged against the Tigray.

For me this is reminding the time that FDRE said they announced a ceasefire in late July 2021 after continues war since November 2020. The regional government of Tigray asked for similar in the December 2021, but then the FDRE and it’s allies wouldn’t comply to it. Now in the end of March 2022 they are announcing a Humanitarian Truce. Which haven’t been made or with direct talks between Mekelle and Addis Ababa.

Prosperity Party have not reached out to the parties in Tigray Region, Amhara Region or in Afar Region for that matter. They have only decided to do this… because there is a law and possible sanctions on the horizon from the United States. The FDRE is trying to manufacture or ensure positive publicity.

While the state haven’t opened up the utilities like water, electricity or phone-lines. Neither is any of the other bureaucratic hurdles been opened up. Unless, they have suddenly ceased their mission of oversight and needed to sign of humanitarian convoys. Which has been an issue through the whole war.

On schedule the African Union statement said this: “The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, His Excellency, Moussa Faki Mahamat welcomes the Declaration of an indefinite Humanitarian Truce by the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in an effort to expedite the provision of much needed humanitarian aid to people in need in the Tigray region. The Chairperson further welcomes the announcement by the Regional Government of Tigray committing to observe the said humanitarian truce, and also welcomes its declaration of an immediate cessation of hostilities” (AU, 25.03.2022).

I am pretty sure something similar was written last year. The Tigray Regional Government had some stipulations, which time will tell if the FDRE will comply. Since they have worked with a mission of annihilation and total destruction of that region. That seems to be the goal of the “Operation Law Enforcement” and the “Survival Campaign”. However, they might say otherwise, but both statements and visions of high ranking official has said similar things.

That’s why the FDRE has to do more than statements and actually talk with the stakeholders. Which is something that will humiliate and also show grace. As that is the only way out… but we have seen how the Dialogue have been done and that isn’t promising. It is only a ploy and a nice title like the Ministry of Peace, which has only been used to boost the war-effort. Therefore, the FDRE and their ministries has a job to do. The stakeholders has to be connected and build trust.

If not… this truce is as worthless as the ceasefire of last year. Which was only made to re-group and try with new offensives against the Tigray. Peace.

Ethiopia: Tigray External Affairs Office – Statement by the Government of Tigray on Cessation of Hostilities (24.03.2022)

Ethiopa: Declaration of a Humanitarian Truce by the Government of Ethiopia (24.03.2022)

Ethiopia: Oromo Liberation Front/Army (OLF/A) – State-Sanctioned Ethnic Cleansing of Oromos from Benishangul Gumuz has continued (24.03.2022)

Ethiopia: Advocacy Organizations Urge the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to Pass the Ethiopia Peace and Democracy Promotion Act (23.03.2022)

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: Fano is warning and preparing for another invasion of the TDF

On March 20th in Gondar, Fano held a meeting under the banner of “Fano Unity in Gondar”. The Press Release from that meeting is very clear about it’s objectives, but also reading of history. Which means the Amhara supremacy is very evident and the Amhara nationalist belief is the key asset of the Amhara Para-Military Group or Militia “Fano”. An armed group, which has been part of the tripartite alliance who invaded, conquered and massacred people in the Tigray region since November 2020.

So, in the Press Release, early on it states this: “The history of our country proves that Fano patriotism protects the dignity and freedom of our country and people by crushing the arrogant arms of foreign and domestic invaders and enemies in our country, Ethiopia. It is clear that Fano’s patriotic struggle and the demand for the rights of the youth have played a major role in reversing the tyranny of the tyrannical apartheid regime that has seized power in the country for the past 30 years. In recent months, the dictatorial regime, which has been ousted from power by the central government, has organized itself to invade the country” (A press release from Amhara Fano unity in Gondar!, 20.03.2022).

When you read a text like and with it’s pretext, it is objectively taking away the other ethnic groups and importance of those in the building of Ethiopia. As the Fano is more unique and important. That is not all of it.

The Fano is preparing even more, not only prefixing itself to the centre of history. However, it is preparing for furthering pain and suffering on Tigrayans. They are even claiming that the Tigray Defence Force (TDF) is aiming to invade again. Alas, at this very moment, the TDF is within Tigray and Afar region. They are not elsewhere. So, this can be seen as a warning from Fano. A militia and a para-military group, which was a part of “Operation Law Enforcement” and “Survival Campaign” of the state. Which is still helping to besiege and keep the Tigray under siege to this very day.

Just read this chilling text right here:

We would like to express that we are ready to work in partnership with anyone who works sincerely for the unity of Amhara Fano in Gondar for the sovereignty and security of the people, justice, respect for the interest of the country and the people, and respect of identity and title rights. Amhara Fano Unity expresses its deepest condolences to those who lost their lives, property, bodies and victims of the atrocities committed by the invading terrorists and their subordinate terrorists in Gondar. We assure you that we will fight to liberate our people who are still under the rule of enemy terrorist groups. Realizing that the enemy is preparing for another invasion, we inform you that the people and the government of our country should be ready to defeat the enemy for the last time and the Amhara Fano unity will line up with Gondar in a better position” (A press release from Amhara Fano unity in Gondar!, 20.03.2022).

This text is written by one the parties who inflicted harm, violence and genocidal affairs within Tigray region. They are calling the Tigrayan terrorists … and doing it so viciously. While they are not even an official part of the army or entity of which anybody should acknowledge. However, they are still a part of the government and the tripartite alliance. Because, both head of state’s wanted more participation in the war against Tigray. That is evident.

Now, with that in mind… they are forewarning and can use this as an excuse to kill, murder and slaughter more Tigrayans. As they are all terrorists and invaders. That is how the Amhara Fano is looking at them. This sort of rhetoric and attempts of justification is only ensuring bloodbath on behalf of the well-wishers in the Federal Government. Which is not condemning or stopping Fano from acting this way. This means they are silently supporting it.

Just to end this dangerous press release, on the recommendations states this:

We Amhara fanos are known warriors when the country and the people are in danger and we are patriots of development during peace. Therefore, we ask for development options that we can develop while guarding the borders of the country” (A press release from Amhara Fano unity in Gondar!, 20.03.2022).

They are clearly sending a message and they claiming to do the bidding of the Regional Special Forces and National Defence Force. As they are guarding and protecting the Amhara nation. This is really showing how prominent they think of themselves. Which they are even asking to be recognized, supported and one part, which I didn’t add is where Fano asked to integrated as an institution. That means it would be a state militia and official body of the state. That is what the Fano wrote in the end of the press release.

This shows the will of the nationalist and extremists of Amhara at this point. They are using the war and the conflict to enlarge their own role and place in Ethiopia. This by using military means and genocidal rhetoric to win popularity in their own regions. Instead of combatting this… the state is silently supporting it and it’s dangerous. Peace.

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.