Somalia: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation – Press Statement (04.04.2024)

Ethiopia-Somalia: Diplomatic tensions escalates with the visit of a Puntland delegation to Addis Ababa…

BREAKING NEWS: The Federal Government of Somalia has closed Ethiopian consulates in Garowe and Hargeisa, and has expelled the Ethiopian ambassador in Mogadishu. The move comes as relations between the two countries are at the lowest point over Addis Ababa’s 1st Jan. 2024 sea access deal with the Somaliland region” (Garowe Online, 04.04.2024).

Ambassador Mesganu Arga hosts #Puntland delegation to ‘enhance bilateral ties’ Ambassador Mesganu Arga, the State Minister of Foreign Affairs, welcomed a senior ministerial delegation led by Puntland’s Minister of Finance, Mohammed Farah Mohammed, at his office today. During their discussions, both delegations explored “collaborative opportunities in trade, investment, energy cooperation, and joint infrastructure projects to strengthen and expand the ties between the two regions.” The Puntland delegation underscored the “enduring and fraternal relationship” between Puntland and Ethiopia, “recognizing Ethiopia’s support and collaboration, particularly in security and education sectors.” The deligation also expressed the new government of Puntland’s aspiration to fortify its bilateral relations with Ethiopia, emphasizing the importance of focusing on trade, infrastructure development, and economic cooperation” (Addis Standard, 03.04.2024).

The Ethiopia government interference and collaboration with separatists and breakaway regions of Somalia is causing further tensions between the nations. The Federal Government of Somalia has now closed the Ethiopian consulates in Garowe (Puntland) and Hargeisa (Somaliland). While also making the Ethiopian Ambassador person-non-grata. This means expelling the ambassador from the Federation. Therefore, there is a need for mediation between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa now.

The Presidents needs to talk and figure this one out. Yes, the Ethiopian government has involved itself in internal matters in Somalia. That it has done by signing the Memorandum of Understanding with Somaliland. As well, as letting the delegation of Puntland get an official working visit in Addis Ababa. They are now acknowledging them in spite of will of Villa Somalia or the FGS. This is the second time this year alone.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali is playing a game of tearing apart and pinning people against each other. His hostile means are targeting Somalia and that so he gets his ports. It is all a gamble to have the right allies and have friendly favours with corruptible leaders within those realms. That’s why his willing to trade with Somaliland and now courtesy call with Puntland delegation days after it suspended working with the FGS. The timing is just peculiar.

The Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud has now more trouble ahead of him after the amendments and changes of the Constitution. HSM has now to gather diplomatic strength and efforts to solidify his power. Because Puntland and Somaliland is differing with his reign. He is now losing weight and cannot sustain his role as the President over these regions. That’s why the Ethiopian interference is causing him more harm.

Abiy and HSM needs to talk. There is a need for mediation and the IGAD should know its time. The organization needs to react and show its value. That’s if the IGAD has any political currency or forums that can force these to the table. Because this is just causing more friction and tension between the capitals.

The Ethiopian leadership cannot act superior or like it hasn’t done anything wrong. Especially when it does it so casually. They just interpret the windows of opportunities and doesn’t consult with Mogadishu. Therefore, the Somali government have to ad-hoc react and does so with rebuke of the Ethiopian activities. The Ethiopian government wouldn’t have accepted if the Somali government hold talks or co-operated with the TPLF during the conflict in the Tigray region of late. However, that’s what Ethiopia does with separatists and regions who are in conflict with Villa Somalia. That’s why there is a pattern and a need for change here.

The Horn of Africa needs stability, but right now it is only causing more instability. We are seeing the Villa Somalia and the FGS acts on the foreign interference by Ethiopia, but haven’t directly served or found measures to act upon Hargeisa or Garowe. That’s what is striking here. Internally it is weak and lack direction, but quickly acts upon outsiders looking in. President HSM doesn’t look wise doing this, but his allies had to do something.

PM Abiy is causing more trouble in the region. He is playing with fire and seemingly doesn’t care about the consequences, as long as he gets what he wants. That’s how this looks and the next coming days will show what was the outcome. Because, right now…

The rising tensions between Mogadishu and Addis Ababa is warning sign. The Horn of Africa deserves better and the leaders have to talk. Peace.

Ethiopia: Salsay Weyane Tigray – Renewed Attacks Threathen Tigrayans! (01.04.2024)

Ethiopia: Assimba Democratic Party (ADP) – A press release from Assimba Democratic Party (ADP) regarding current issues (25.03.2024)

According to the Pretoria agreement, the bloodshed war that was going on in Tigray region has been stopped and the people have been waiting for a year and five months but ethnic cleansing is still going on by the armed forces of Eritrea and Amhara.

The Eritrean army that is still doing ethnic cleansing in different Tigray regions especially in Irob, Gulemeheda, Zalambesa, Egela, Badme and other regions of Tigray understood the withdrawal of Eritrean forces recently after receiving recognition from FDRE prime minister and said that the Tigray states that they can continue with the Eritrean Army in a discussion with the people of Tigray. ADP strongly condemns the speech because it is not in accordance with the interest of our people and clearly shows their hatred and contempt for the people of Tigray.

The conditions on the ground are as follows.

It is the Eritrean army that destroyed Algeria’s decision by invading Tigray again.

According to Algeria’s decision, there are no Tigray regions that are banned to Eritrea.

The Tigray regions that are under the Eritrean army have been captured by force but they have never been Eritrean regions in their history.

The decision of Algeria can’t be implemented because it is against international law because a small number of Erobi ethnic groups is divided into two.

In the occupied Tigray territories, human rights violations are still being carried out by invaders, conducting settlements and expelling Tigray people from their homes.

In addition to this, the armed forces of Amhara who are invading western and southern Tigray have not returned when they have to return to their homes. According to recent information, the Tigray special force will return to their homes without entering the mentioned Tigray territories, the people are in great danger. Also, there are bodies that say the Tigray army should disarm, we have raised another threat among the people of Tigray.

ADP has issued the following statement to solve the problems listed above.

1. The Eritrean army has violated the Algerian agreement and invaded the Tigray regions and committed ethnic cleansing so the agreement has to be dissolved.

2. The Algerian agreement has to be cancelled by breaking the stone that was set by the international law that a small number of nations cannot be divided into two, because it is a contract that can be divided into two.

3. The invading Eritrean army and Amhara armed forces should leave Tigray completely and leave immediately.

4. The federal government and the Tigray regional administration should work hard to get back to their homes displaced from Tigray regions including Sudan.

5. Before the displaced people return to their homes, the invaders around should leave the Tigray regions and the Tigray army should enter the regions and the security situation is settled.

6. The army of Tigray should disarm after the invaders of Eritrea and Amhara have completely left Tigray.

Asimba Democratic Party (ADP)

March 16/ 2016 E.C.

Mekelle

Ethiopia: Salsay Weyane Tigray – Salsay Weyane Tigray Calls for Action to Address Continued Tigrayan Exodus! (25.03.2024)

Ethiopia: Global Society of Tigray Scholars and Professionals (GSTS) – GSTS Condemns Federal Government’s Threats of Renewed War and Proposal of Resettlement of IDPs and Refugees without Full Restoration of Tigray Territorial Integrity and Administration in Contravention to the Pretoria Cessation of Hostility Agreement (23.03.2024)

Ethiopia: Alliance of Tigray Associations in Diaspora (ATAD) – Tegaru Diaspora Call to Action (16.03.2024)

Ethiopia: Salsay Weyane Tigray – Salsay Weyane Tigray Calls for Inclusive Interim Council in Tigray (18.03.2024)

Ethiopia: Caucus of Opposition Parties – If you can’t get rid of the usual politics of conspiracies, there will be no sustainable and reliable solution (15.03.2024)

A recent statement given by the Ethiopian National Discussion Commission regarding the call for discussion

Ethiopian National Consultation Commission on 29/06/2016 E.C. The Ethiopian Electoral Board and Ethiopian Political Parties Joint Council has called on March 7/2016 to announce the preparation of a discussion platform for discussion on “Most fundamental national issues”. Although our Caucus has repeatedly expressed our stand on different platforms regarding our participation in the commission activities based on the questions we have presented regarding the commission. We found it important to make a statement on this issue.

The commission’s preparation and approval of the proclamation 1265/2014 that gave birth to the commission is based on the interest of the ruling party, not including the parties given by the joint council of Ethiopian political parties, the commission’s formation and the election of commissioners was not done according to the criteria set out in this proclamation. Therefore, the commission has shown the lack of legal and public responsibility that was placed on it’s mission. It is not hidden from the commission that we have taken a common stand saying that we have made a peaceful struggle so that we have no tolerance in this situation and that we have made it clear that we will make a peaceful struggle to fix this and that we have taken an open stand with Ethiopian political parties joint council and the minister of justice.

However, instead of giving appropriate and convincing response to the questions we raised and the remarks we made, we understood the effort that the commission put in to cover up the questions raised in our country’s politics is not only fulfilling the needs of the ruling party/government but also to create a division among the members of the Caucus. This is also the common stand taken by the deputy commissioner of the Caucasus members. -The way OLF and OFCO, presented it shows that the commission is not looking for answers to our questions and concerns, the fact that the three parties of the Caucus have been separated from each stage as a victory.

In addition to these, as the commission helped us with the reporter magazine, the overall political, economical and social integration of our country, I will start the discussion even after two years, the three regions that are the center of our politics – Amhara and different areas of Oromia in “conflicts”, in Tigray, because of the “current situation” he did not do the necessary thing. It is not necessary to explain the political reasoning of the non-participation of these three regions; it is clear.

The commission’s statement explains that it is only 7/7 out of the current twelve/12 regions.

In this tangible reality and situation, discussing about the most fundamental national issues has no meaning beyond a phase, so we are informing that our caucus members will not participate on Saturday’s stage, for an honest, participatory, inclusive, reliable and democratic solution for lasting peace and stability, for our peaceful joint struggle, the owner of the issue, the Ethiopian people, stakeholders, the media. We invite the diaspora community and the members of the international community who love Ethiopia and its people to give your full support.

A caucus of political parties.

February 06/2016, Addis Ababa.

Ethiopia: Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) – Accountability for Perpetators of State-Sponsored Crimes Under the Banner of “Koree Nageenyaa” (11.03.2024)