Ethiopia: Global Society of Tigray Scholars and Professionals (GSTS) – Statement of Condemnation of the New Round of Assault Launched by the Ethiopian and Amhara forces and Call for Solidarity with the People of Tigray (24.08.2022)

Ethiopia: TDF looting of fuel from WFP – Maybe last resort… but making the humanitarian crisis worse…

The Tigray region has been besieged and gotten little to no humanitarian assistance over the last two years. There been little to none and the United Nations Organizations, Humanitarian Organizations and stakeholders could barely keep their operations up and going. So, it was bad enough that the conflict is starting again after a few months of a humanitarian truce.

The Tigray Defence Force (TDF) with the looting of the World Food Programme (WFP) of fuel. They are hurting the population and the ability of the humanitarian assistance in the Tigray region. A region they know is hurting and of desperate need. We know also the blockade has blocked all normal transport or trade of fuel. So, this was maybe the only resort to have fuel for the war-effort, which is done in self-defence against the Tripartite Alliance of Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF), Amhara allies (Amhara Regional Special Force and Amhara Para-Military Group “Fano”) and Eritrean Defence Force (EDF).

However, by doing the looting of the WFP the TDF is doing what the Federal Government has claimed for so long. The Federal Government has claimed aid and humanitarian assistance has been used for the war-effort. Now that is actually happening, but that’s also true, because there is no other source or option for the TDF. That is the making of the Addis Ababa regime and how they besieged the region over the last two years. It is their making, but they can use this as vilification of the WFP and the TPLF, which it does and will do.

Here is the recent news about it!

United Nations:

However, we are very concerned for the civilians in frontline areas and call on all parties to adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law to ensure their protection.

Just an example of what the impact that the renewed fighting is having, this morning, on August 24, the WFP warehouse in Mekelle was forcibly entered by Tigray Forces, who took 12 full fuel tankers with 570,000 litres of fuel. The team on the ground unsuccessfully tried to prevent this looting.

These fuel stocks were to be used solely for humanitarian purposes, for the distribution of food, fertilizer and other emergency relief items. This loss of fuel will impact humanitarian operations supporting communities in Northern Ethiopia” (United Nations – ‘HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NOON BRIEFING BY STÉPHANE DUJARRIC, SPOKESMAN FOR SECRETARY-GENERAL ANTÓNIO GUTERRES, WEDNESDAY, 24 AUGUST 2022’ 24.08.2022).

FDRE Government Communication Services:

The Government does not want to dignify TPLF’s endless falsehoods with a response. The TPLF has been making all sorts of accusations over the last couple of years. It has ceaselessly spewed hostile propaganda. It has been mobilizing the population in the Tigray region with threats to all those opposed to forced conscription. Draconian punishments and denial of access to humanitarian aid are used as weapons to mobilize the population for war” (FDRE Government Communication Services – ‘A statement by the Federal Government of Ethiopia peace talks main committee’ 24.08.2022).

For anyone who has defended and wanted as much as possible humanitarian aid to get into the Tigray region. The ones who wanted that… will now see the fuel being used in war. It will be beneficial and be helpful for movement of troops and possible vehicles or mechanical divisions of the TDF.

This here will play along to the narrative of the dangers of humanitarian assistance to the Tigray region. Even if it is a one time incident. We know that humanitarian assistance has been raided and looted in Afar region by other entities too. That happened so it could reach or get to the ones in need in Tigray. Therefore, this isn’t anything new, but just makes everything harder.

The looting of the WFP in Mekelle will only amplify the outrage of Addis Ababa. Which we know is there and they want to stop everything moving into Tigray. That’s what the road-blocks, the checkpoints and the hurdles any convoy has had over the last two years. Therefore, this isn’t making it better.

The TDF did a gamble, possibly the last resort… but was it worth it? Time will tell… the WFP, the UN Organizations and stakeholders all have to sort this one out. While the one in need and the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding isn’t getting any better by doing this. It is only getting worse… that’s the tragic part here and the innocent usually dies first in war together with the truth. The truth here is that the TDF had most likely no other choice, but it doesn’t make right…

Just like it was never right of the Addis Ababa regime or the Tripartite Alliance to block the roads, stop the humanitarian assistance from entering and helping the Tigray region in the hour of need. However, they did that and created a man-made famine, which a vast amount of hte population of Tigray is facing now. In addition to the war, which is now being fought on several of fronts. Peace.

Ethiopia: A plane with an uncertain ending…

The Air Force is at full preparedness more than ever before to safeguard sovereignty of the nation, according to Deployment Department Head of the National Defence Forces Maj.-Gen Tesfaye Ayalew. According to Maj.-Gen Tesfaye Ayalew, the airplane was heading to Tigray carrying arms intended to terrorist TPLF in the sky over North of Humera at last night at 10:00 PM while shot down by the Air Force” (Fana Broadcasting Company – ‘Ethiopian Air Force Shoots Down Airplane Encroaching Airspace Via Sudan’ 24.08.2022).

The defense explained that a plane belonging to the historical enemies of our country, who are known for their incessant desire to weaken our country by not biting each other, was shot down when it unloaded weapons” (Redwan Hussein, 24.08.2022).

Two government officials has to different stories about the same plane. This being Deployment Department Head of National Defence Forces Maj. Gen. Tesfaye Ayalew and National Security Advisor Redwan Hussein. These two fellows, which should have the information and possible intelligence on the matter is telling two different stories about the same plane.

One is saying the plane breached the territorial integrity and is a well-known one. That the ENDF Air-Force shot over Ethiopian Airspace after entering from Sudan. That’s the story of Maj. Gen. Tesfaye.

The other story is that the same plan was unloading weapons on Mekelle airport. As the airport staff was unloading weapons, the ENDF Air-Force shot it down and destroyed it.

First of all of this… one was shot in the air after crossing into the territory from Sudan. While another was while it had landed and was unloading cargo (weapons) at Mekelle airport. That’s not the same and isn’t even close.

This is some sort of magic. It is really unique that the ENDF Air-Force is able to destroy the same plane in two different locations. Secondly, one is done in the air and the other on soil.

When the government officials are coming with two stories here. That make it seem unbelievable. Not only from a neutral standpoint, but a factual regard. A plane cannot be destroyed in the air and on the ground. It would be either or… and it cannot be both… that’s impossible.

So, if this is a ghost plane, imaginary or pure fiction it’s hard to tell. Nevertheless, when they are not coming with consistent story-telling. It doesn’t make it seem like a legit thing. They are not even able to be consistent on the story they are spreading. That’s an epic failure of propaganda, which possibly was planned to be used to stop air-drops of humanitarian assistance and aide to the war-torn region. Because, shooting down a plane would make it seem like a dangerous air-space for friendly and neutral bodies to operate in…

This story or stories just tells how you need your tongue in check and ducks in a row. When it doesn’t make sense, it’s most likely not true. It just shows what sort of stories the Addis Ababa regime is willing to tell. They have told lies before and tried to use deceptive means for their gains before too. So, no one should be fooled, but understand what sort of game they play.

I would expect this story to be used as a warning and as a means to stop air-drops of humanitarian assistance. Also, to signal the Tripartite Alliance of a big “victory” in the new offensive. Peace.

Ethiopia: Government of Tigray – External Affairs Office – Press Statement (24.08.2022)

Ethiopia: The Full-Scale War has returned to the Tigray region

The return of war was eminent last week. As the reports of troops moving and encircling the Tigray region. There is now reports of starting attacks on the Southern Border. This being in the Raya of Tigray towards Kobo of Amhara Region. This is where the reports of movement of troops was last week.

There is reports that the Afar Regional Special Forces, Amhara Regional Special Forces, Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) with troops and mechanical divisions are part of it. In addition to that there are reports that the Amhara Para-Military Group “Fano” is also part of the offensive. While there are speculations that the Eritrean Defence Force (EDF) will attack towards the Adigrat.

However, it is now official a full blown war. The Humanitarian Truce is over and the meetings for possible peace-talks are also ceased. The ENDF did attack already last week and after they had stationed and been able to deploy enough troops. They have returned to the battlefield, as their goal it seems to reach Alamata inside Tigray region from the South.

Ever since the bombing of Dedebit on the 15th of August. There been a feeling and a tension in the air of a returned conflict. The ENDF and it’s allies only awaited for months to be ready and prepared for a new war. They didn’t launch the “humanitarian truce” out of concern to Tigray. No, they only stalled for time and barely let anyone enter under the siege. They didn’t let things back to normal or even allow humanitarian assistance to enter to be able to even cope or get anywhere close to the needs of the region. That’s why the region which is suffering from famine and starvation is hit with war as well.

That’s what the Federal Government, the National Government and the regime of Addis Ababa is serving the Tigray region. They are already in turmoil, under plights unknown to men and at a rate, which we cannot ascertain or understand. While that is going on… the bullets, bombs and soldiers are now coming for them again too.

The drones which is stationed in Afar region to haunt the possible positions of the Tigray Defence Force. Who are deemed to be stretched, not only on the Southern Front, but possible from all parts of the territory. As the ENDF and allies has several of entry points, which isn’t only in the air. They can attack from more than Amhara region and certainly with time… they will.

This here is continuing the conflict which was sparked in November 2020. After months under siege, with lack of basic necessities or even food. The Tripartite Alliance returns with a vengeance… and certainly they will not go away easily. That’s why mechanical divisions are sent, drones and brigades of soldiers. This is bound to be a bloodshed and be a merciless war.

As the annihilation of Tigray isn’t over in the eyes of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. Who speaks of peace, but orders war. A man who speaks softly, but brutally kills the ones crosses his path. That’s why this is happening.

The Warlords have returned, the war has resumed and Tigray will be burning. Yet again. Peace.

Ethiopia: Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) President Debretsion Gebremichael letter to the International Communty (23.08.2022)

Ethiopia: Government of Tigray – Statement from Tigray Army’s Military Command (24.08.2022)

Ethiopia: TDF mobilizing around Chercher in attempt to invade Zone 4 in Afar region

Reports coming in indicate that Tigray forces today have been moving heavily armed contingents to the direction of Zone 4 in Afar Region. It is reported that a force with heavy weapons passed through the town Chercher heading to the direction of Zone 4 in Afar” (Dahlion, 23.08.2022).

So, after days of mobilizing troops on both sides of the borders of the Tigray region. The Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) has encircled the Tigray region from Amhara (North Wollo), Western Tigray, Eritrea and within Afar region as well.

The latest report is that the Tigray Defence Force (TDF) is planning to retaliate or answer the new offensive. They are heading in the direction of Zone 4 in Afar from Chercher. Raphael Tewodros also reports this. So, the state media is also saying it.

This here shows how the war is entering the North Ethiopia again. After the last week bombing of Dedebit. While the reports of ENDF mobilizing along the border as well. Therefore, this is certainly a well planned attempt now.

If not trying to out manoeuvre the ENDF. The TDF had a hard time in their last offensive in Afar region. As they were struggling to compete with the Afar Special Regional Forces. I wouldn’t think it would go any better now. That’s why you have to wonder… why they are deciding this manoeuvre now. Peace.

Ethiopia: The ENDF warns media about reporting on future army operations

Addis Ababa, August 23, 2022 (FBC) – Ministry of Defense has denounced some local media outlets that spread of misinformation and uncorroborated information about the National Defence Forces, warning them to refrain from their actions, and threatens to take any necessary legal actions, alerting the society not to follow such fabrications” (…) “The army is ready to ward off any attack with determination and caution, however, echoing negative and false information and disseminating the movements of the army through various means of communication consciously or otherwise will not be tolerated, added the statement, according to the Directorate’s statement. ENDF strongly warned that those who continue this act carelessly will face legal action; and necessary measures will also be taken on those who endanger the security of the country by stealing the secrets of the army, promoting the terrorist group’s agenda, declared the statement” (Fana Broadcasting Company – ‘Defense Ministry Warns Media Outlets Against Spread Of Misinformation, Uncorroborated Information’ 23.08.2022).

Colour me not surprised as the people are leaking videos of movement of soldiers towards the border regions of the Tigray region. There is reports of movements of soldiers into Eritrea and possibly being stationed on the Tigray-Eritrean border. It is also reports possible movements of soldiers to the Afar region and Western Tigray. If that is all true. Than the acts of November 2020 is returning. A full fledged war and encircling the Tigray region from all sides.

That seems to be the reason why the ENDF don’t want any of the information out. The news of the movement of soldiers is taking away the surprise factor. The Tigray Defence Force (TDF) can be more prepared and ensure they have manpower or even installations, which can defend itself in the possible new front-lines. This is why the ENDF don’t want this news out.

The ENDF only wants their statements and press releases out. It don’t want leaks or information out that makes their mission more difficult. That is understandable….

However, the news and reports are coming out from the border regions. It is being verified by local organizations, news outlets and others who are seeing it. This is voices the ENDF and the Addis Ababa cannot muffle or silence. We know the ENDF don’t want any news out and only wants talks of the “Peace-Talks”. While there been news of mobilizing for a week now and also bombing of Dedebit area on the 15th August 2022. Therefore, we know something is up and the ENDF isn’t able to hide that.

That’s why the ENDF has come with this warning ahead of possible new “Operation Law Enforcement”. The ENDF and the allies of the FDRE prefers working in darkness and not enlighten people on it’s actions. While they will blame the victims or the ones who die. That’s how they are working and we shouldn’t be shocked by this in August 2022.

The ENDF is just doing what it’s told. The Prosperity Party and their allies in Asmara and Bahir Dar is just preparing for another offensive. That’s why the state wants utter silence and the international community to continue to look at the Ministry of Peace or the Ethiopian Reconciliation Commission, which is sort of working or delaying any sort of meaningful peace by any means necessary. Peace.

Ethiopia: Government of Tigray – External Affairs Office – Response to “The Guardian’s Hunger in Tigray pushing women and girls into sex work” (23.08.2022)