Ethiopia: Office of the Prime Minister – Statement delivered under AOB to the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) on the Current Situation in Northern Ethiopia (09.03.2021)

International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS): ICOMOS Statement on the situation in Tigray (Ethiopia) – (05.03.2021)

Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) – Addis Ababa: Prison Conditions of Suspects detained in Connection with the Situation in Tigray (09.03.2021)

Ethiopia-Sudan Tensions: Ethiopia arming the SPLM-N in the Blue Nile State

Sudanese military sources said that the Ethiopian government provided logistical support to Joseph Touka’s forces in Blue Nile, including weapons, ammunition and combat equipment. The sources indicated that the support arrived in the Yabous region on February 27, 2021 AD, and the support was received by Commander Joseph Touka and some of his forces’ commanders” (…) “The sources emphasized that the Ethiopian government aims to use Commander Joseph Touka to occupy the city of Kurmuk with the support of Ethiopian artillery, with the aim of dispersing the efforts of the Sudanese army on the eastern front” (Sudan Plus, 07.03.2021)

Who is Commander Touka? Well, his Commander Joseph Touka Ali, First Deputy Chairman of the SPLM and Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army – North. So, his not a nobody and a high ranking commander in the SPLM-N. 

The SPLM-N killed Sudanese soldiers in early January 2021 in Malkan, Blue Nile State. So, these rebels are still active and it is suspicious that the Ethiopian government is supporting and supplying them with arms. That is a deliberate act to destabilize and strengthening one rebel outfit or militia. I am sure the Ethiopian government would be happy, if the Sudanese suddenly begun to give Samri or the TPLF abundantly arms as well. They would be crying out loud and call it interference in their “internal affairs”.

This is a devious act of Addis Ababa to weaken Khartoum leadership in one of their states. Not only have the skirmishes and battles in the Al-Fashaqa region. They want to intervene and use other proxies in the Blue Nile State.

Since December 2020 … the Ethiopian army have entered into Sudan. They have gone together with the Amhara Para-Military Group “Fano” and tried to take control of border posts there. They have later been beaten back and the Sudanese have taken control of the region again. Therefore, they would maybe prefer having battles on various of fronts. This to weaken the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF). However, they were able to intercept the ploy, but this is worrying.

The worry is that the Ethiopian counterparts are willing to do this. As the Sudanese was doing the opposite when the conflict in Tigray started in November 2020. At that point, the Sudanese intercepted weapons going for the TPLF. They stopped it and confiscated it. While the Ethiopians are doing the opposite. That says it all of their objectives.

This isn’t a sign of brotherhood, but using optional proxy to weaken an enemy. As the Ethiopian army and Fano has already been attacking the Sudanese … so now they are trying to find other ways too.

The Ethiopian government supporting SPLM-N just says it all. They are not coming in peace, but seeking for more bloodshed. Their motivation is maybe revenge of the humiliation at the border in Al-Fashaqa region. They want to annex more land and the Prime Minister Abiy wants to be biggest warlord on the Horn of Africa, apparently. Peace.

Ethiopia: Oromo Political Prisoners Defence Team – The leaders of Oromo who are on the diet to listen to elders and elders who have ears will decide to stop tomorrow on the 40th day (07.03.2021)

One of the way of peace food is the way of struggle. Especially the people who are arrested by dictatorships are one of the biggest influences of their protest and imprisonment of their government. Jawar Mohammed, Bekele Gerba, Hamza Borana and other leaders have been doing in the history of Empire and in the peace struggle like Africa. This is the one that proved how much Oromo can deal with peace and its purpose again.
In short, the warning of the food is being made for the struggle is below:
1. The long food that doesn’t have competition in Ethiopia is the way of struggle that made the citizens of this country learn well before. This is a lesson to all government officials and people who have been providing horrible criticism.
The struggle of peace in this world is known as long as it is explained:
1. Irom Chanu – 10 years old, Indian strong woman
2. Bhagat Singh – Day 116, Indian citizen
3. Bobby Sands – 66 days, Irish citizen
4. Solange Fernex – 40 days, French born
5. Jawar Mohammed – 40 days, Oromia / Ethiopia
. Bekele Gerba – 40 days, Oromia / Ethiopia
Hamza Borana (Adane) – 40 days, Oromia / Ethiopia
6. Cesar Chaves – 36 days, Mexican citizen
2. In the situation of politics and war in northern Ethiopia, this world has made it difficult for me to get media clothing, when the cloth is only one side, the world is focused on Oromo’s politics.
3) The international and national human rights organizations and government of the world have impacted many people’s rights due to this war. Political prisoners should be released and they are also presenting a strong message to the government.
4) by attracting international medias, the issue of Oromo has made a decision to get political superiority. Even if Oromo leaders don’t answer their question, they have won by politics.
5) How much human rights criticism is being ruled by Ethiopian government, especially the order of the court to be banned from trial, is exposed what is on the body.
In general, the question of Oromo leaders should be answered when the time has passed because it is time to look at the strategy of struggle. The question of political prisoners should be released and the office of political parties should not be answered because of this reason our parties have decided to be pushed out of this election. The aim of eating food is not to lead the way of peace, but to kill oneself in this way, so the elders and elders have decided to go again and again and give great respect and respect after following the 40th day of food. Oromo will continue making history, the day the rule of law will come to be respected.

Ethiopia: Abiy wants the young generation to sacrifice itself for his war(s)….

I ask you today that by keeping your ears, your hearts and your minds sane, you must take pride in sacrificing yourself in honour of your country and be a source of hope for the younger generation. The national army and the federal police are seeking young Ethiopians to join them. You must know there are forces from near and far that want to destroy Ethiopia and we need to build our strength urgently” – Prime Minister Ahmed Ali Abiy (06.03.2021).

The endless suffering, atrocities and horrific stories are coming out from Tigray region. Where the state and allies are continuing warfare against their outlawed enemy. This is a continued conflict, which seems to be his forever war. Where the National Army, Amhara Para-Military Group “Fano” and Eritrean Army is all going after the Samri and Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).

The state wants its own narratives and stories out. While always dismissing any other reporting. However, here its straight out of the horses-mouth yesterday. Where the Prime Minister told youths who was done with first part of Service Training at the Friendship Park in Addis Ababa. That they should prepare the sacrifice themselves for the nation. They are the ones who are being sent to the slaughter for his mission and his end-game. That is the reality of this all.

He says all of that, while dismissing social media as a platform for activism. Because, a true patriot and a youth aspiring to stand up for nation is doing it with the guns either for the or the police force.

As he said this as well:

There are many young people who prefer to fight in the Facebook. You can’t safeguard our independence via Facebook. Unless you are ready to pay a price and sacrifice yourselves, you can’t protect Ethiopia’s Independence and ensure its continuity through mere writing and saying things in Facebook. You have to join the army and the police force and show our enemies that they cannot mess up with Ethiopia” (Abiy, 06.03.2021).

That he says it this way, as the warfare is prolonged and his goal-post is ever moving. At one point he will create new enemies and ensure more of his opponents are behind bars. That is just how things goes ahead of the polls. This Prime Minister will leave nothing to chance and use the whole state machinery to get his way. He will bury the ones in his way and if not detain them.

This is why speeches like this isn’t showing strength or resolve. It is showing that he wants the next generation to fight his battles and die for him. The Prime Minister wants more youths as soldiers and police officers to enforce his will all across the Republic. That is what he wants and he hopes they can fulfil his mission of total control and be crowned King.

Abiy wants to be the Emperor so badly. The Prime Minister wants to be the one who conquers and overcomes everyone. This is why he needs the next generation and the to be his sacrificial lambs. They are doing it for Ethiopia, but initially it is for his causes. These young Ethiopians will risk their lives so he can reign supreme. That is the end-game here.

It is tragic that it has come to this. A warlord asking the youth to conscript to the army or joint the police force. He clearly doesn’t plan for peace, but for more conflict. As he needs more battalions and more soldiers to fight his battles. Peace.

Ethiopia: Abiy’s “mother” is concerned about the recent “unrest”

There are some that say we are adding more debt to the country’s already high debt. But borrowing from the IMF and the World Bank is like borrowing from one’s mother” – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali (December 2020).

The Law Enforcement Operation in the Tigray Region is clearly undermining the positive results of the past. The current Addis Ababa leadership is working against all the financial and economic progress the state has had. The Prosperity Party and Prime Minister Abiy is clearly not doing the World Bank any favours as well.

When the World Bank wrote this yesterday:

Ethiopia is currently facing challenging times and the World Bank Group is keenly following the latest developments in the country. The unrest in Ethiopia is unfortunate and of great concern. Such events undermine all the encouraging economic and social development outcomes the country has achieved in recent years” (World Bank, 05.03.2021).

They are calling the warfare in Tigray and atrocities elsewhere as unrest. As they are subtle about the waging war in Tigray. Also the assault on freedom, political affiliation and liberty in Oromia. The World Bank doesn’t want to say it directly, as they are not seeing stating the efforts to undermine people in the various reasons from the state. This being in Ogaden, Afar, Benshangul-Gumuz, Oromia and Tigray. All these are under fire for various of reasons and with the helping hand of the central government.

That is initially worrying the World Bank as it see the economic and financial sphere being decapitated and depleted, because of the “social unrest” and assault on its own citizens. This is what it really says, as the regions are in conflict with its own government.

Over the past decade, our interventions have helped Ethiopia to make significant progress in key human development indicators: primary school enrollments have quadrupled, child mortality has been cut in half, and the number of people with access to clean water has more than doubled. Notwithstanding these notable accomplishments, Ethiopia still faces many challenges and will need continued support to reach its development objectives to improve the living conditions of its expanding population, which is currently estimated to be in excess of 112 million” (World Bank, 05.03.2021).

Those challenges alone will not cease, when the government is continuing and worsening its internal conflicts like in Tigray. Where they are having direct warfare with its own population in combination of Eritrean soldiers, Amhara Para-Military Forces and the National Army all going after one enemy. While also assaulting the whole region in its efforts. Therefore, whatever achievements that has been done in the past. Might be destroyed to rubble and has to be rebuilt, as the shelling, burning villages and internally displaced people’s needs stability and a new home. Also, the loss of people in the massacres, killings and as a result of the war. There are so many tragedies and the costs will come to the surface when the Law Enforcement Operation ceases to exist.

The Ethiopian government have created new problems and will have prolonged aftermath after all these months in Tigray. They got to rebuild, build trust and ensure the safety of all citizens. That isn’t an overnight act, but a systemic effort. Where the state have to be able to secure the passages, the logistics and everything that is needed. An that is just to that one region alone.

The Prosperity Party isn’t bringing prosperity ironically, but its bringing tragedy instead. Also, in just a short time in office. Prime Minister Abiy have made his “mother” concerned and also being told that he has destroyed the previous achievements of his predecessors. That got to hurt his pride and his ego. Peace.

Ethiopia: Bayto Yiakl USA letter to U.N. Security Council Permanent Members – Re: The U.N. Security Council meeting-Humanitarian situation in Ethiopia’s Tigray region (03.03.2021)

Ethiopia: Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Press Statement on the Latest Situation in the Tigray Region (05.03.2021)

Ethiopia: Persistent, credible reports of grave violations in Tigray underscore urgent need for human rights access – Bachelet (04.03.2021)

GENEVA (4 March 2021) – UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet on Thursday stressed the urgent need for an objective, independent assessment of the facts on the ground in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, given the persistent reports of serious human rights violations and abuses she continues to receive.

“Deeply distressing reports of sexual and gender-based violence, extrajudicial killings, widespread destruction and looting of public and private property by all parties continue to be shared with us, as well as reports of continued fighting in central Tigray in particular,” Bachelet said. “Credible information also continues to emerge about serious violations of international human rights law and humanitarian law by all parties to the conflict in Tigray in November last year.”

“Without prompt, impartial and transparent investigations and holding those responsible accountable, I fear violations will continue to be committed with impunity, and the situation will remain volatile for a long time to come.”

The UN Human Rights Office has been receiving information about ongoing fighting across the region, particularly in the centre of Tigray region, as well as incidents of looting by various armed actors. Reliable sources have shared information about the killing of eight protestors by security forces between 9 and 10 February in Adigrat, Mekelle, Shire and Wukro. More than 136 cases of rape have also been reported in hospitals in Mekelle, Ayder, Adigrat and Wukro in the east of Tigray region between December and January, with indications that there are many more such unreported cases. The Government has said investigations are under way into the cases of sexual violence.

The Office has also managed to corroborate information about some of the incidents that occurred in November last year, indicating indiscriminate shelling in Mekelle, Humera and Adigrat towns in Tigray region, and reports of grave human rights violations and abuses including mass killings in Axum, and in Dengelat in central Tigray by Eritrean armed forces.

A preliminary analysis of the information received indicates that serious violations of international law, possibly amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity, may have been committed by multiple actors in the conflict, including: the Ethiopian National Defence Forces, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, Eritrean armed forces, and Amhara Regional Forces and affiliated militia.

“With multiple actors in the conflict, blanket denials and finger-pointing, there is a clear need for an objective, independent assessment of these reports – victims and survivors of these violations must not be denied their rights to the truth and to justice. We urge the Government of Ethiopia to grant my Office and other independent monitors access to the Tigray region, with a view to establishing the facts and contributing to accountability, regardless of the affiliation of perpetrators,” Bachelet said.

Bachelet also expressed concern at detentions this week in Tigray of journalists and translators working for local and international media. While the journalists have now been released, there have been worrying remarks by a Government official that those responsible for “misleading international media” would be held responsible.

“Victims and witnesses of human rights violations and abuses must not be hindered from sharing their testimony for fear of reprisals,” the High Commissioner said.

Bachelet welcomed recent statements by the Government on accountability and measures taken on access for humanitarian actors. She urged the authorities to ensure that those commitments are translated into reality, and stressed that the UN Human Rights Office stands ready to support efforts at advancing human rights, including efforts by the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission aimed at ensuring accountability.