Ethiopia: FDRE have a dream of the Red Sea Part IV – Abiy saying the silent part out loud, again…

Ethiopia is an island surrounded by water, but [it is] a country that is thirsty. The whole surrounding of our country is water, but we are thirsty. Why? While there is plenty of rain, underground water, …the Indian Ocean down there and Red Sea up there…why is water our problem while we are surrounded by water?” – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali (14.10.2023)

Eritrea and Asmara are you ready for this? That’s what I am wondering about. The Ethiopian Prime Minister isn’t even subtle about it. Not that his known for being so. His a warlord and an ally in the war of the Tigray region. So, Asmara and Addis Ababa have been close over the recent years. However, with these sorts of statements. Well, Shabait and other entities within Eritrea would react with remorse and buyers remorse at that.

Just hear more from the PM!

You[Ethiopia] were 50 million then; by 2030 you will be 150 million. A population of 150 million can’t live in a geographic prison” he underscored. “If we don’t talk about the Red Sea issues, we will as much not talk about wheat, green legacy, tax collection…[if we have accomplished all these] and lose it due to [not discussing] Red Sea, it’s meaningless. So let’s discuss it. If we decided It is not the time or it’s not useful, we will drop it. But why are we scared of discussing it is the thing, because no one is scared of us when it comes to the issue of the Nile. No one” (Abiy, 14.10.2023).

It is just so compelling now. The man is saying it and isn’t even blinking an eye. The Prosperity Party and the PM is issuing threats. His saying it out loud and that is the beginning. As the State and the Authorities are preparing the people mentally of the needs. That they need the Red Sea and stop being landlocked. This is the new prestige project after going after the Tigray and Amhara resistance…

Certainly, the PM knows the cost and his an ally of Eritrea. They have worked together and shared intelligence around the table. These has knowledge and know the gist of things. It would be bloody and a massive suffering. The advantage on some instances is for Eritrea, as they are already inside the territories and has armed battalions in the Tigray region. Therefore, to start a war over the Red sea would be detrimental.

If you thought the wars and conflicts against the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA), Tigray Defence Force (TDF) or Amhara Popular Front (APF) would be bad for the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF). The ENDF would meet another level of warfare from the Eritrean Defence Force (EDF). As they are well trained and has already assaulted civilians in Tigray. They know the lands and has knowledge that was given them. Theses army commanders knows the strengths and weaknesses of the ENDF. That’s why an issued war over the Red Sea would be devastating…

Abiy says he wants to discuss it. However, it has been slowly brewing for years. The creating of NAVY logo and dry-dock training just shows it. The ENDF and the FDRE wants it badly. However, it is not granted to them. That’s what is frightening here, as Abiy is a warlord and he thrives in conflict. He prefers bullets and blood. His not a man of peace, but tries to act that’s the end goal. While the real end goal is consolidation of power.

Now the next goal is the Red Sea. After all the internal conflict and crisis from within. He needs an outside problem that he can solve, which also be by the barrel of the guns. The guns will smoke, because I doubt the Eritrean as a sovereign would allow Ethiopia to conquer or get anything that’s theirs now. Peace.

Ethiopia: FDRE have a dream of the Red Sea Part III – Abiy saying the silent part out loud…

We see it as a taboo to discuss the issue of the Red Sea even in the parliament. The Red Sea and the Nile define Ethiopia. They are the foundation for our development and downfall. We require substantial discussions about the Red Sea” – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali (11.10.2023).

We have seen this one coming. It has been daunting on us. The Addis Ababa who wants a NAVY and wants to be “sea-born”. The landlocked nation of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia wants to have it’s own ports and be able to get imports through vessels. Not only have trade agreements and be at will of other nations.

That is what is happening here. Over the last few years there been a shift and possible movements on this front. The Prosperity Party and the Prime Minister has flaunted this sort of ideas over a long time. It isn’t new and it has been visible.

We can go back to June 2021 when Dina Mufti said the state planned to build military bases by the Red Sea. That is putting Eritrea under pressure and only them. As it wasn’t the Gulf of Aden and then Djibouti would be questioned. No, this is Ethiopia telling about the possibility to build a base and be stationed on Eritrean soil.

The landlocked nation spoken of launching a navy back in 2018 and in 2021 there was talk of setting up a Navy base, but Ethiopia has no territory by the sea. They did though in May 2021 launch a logo and a uniform for a new marine unit or navy of the FDRE.

The FDRE has dry-docks and the biggest is 73 kilometres outside of Addis Ababa is Modjo Port and Terminal. It is an inland port, which is dry and a continuation of the Ethio – Djibouti Railway-line. That’s where the Ethiopian Navy will train and that’s the news of the Ethiopian Federal Police Commissioner General Demelash Gebremichael on the 1st June 2022.

Therefore, the things that the PM is speaking off… isn’t new and there been in the works. The ideals and belief that its FDRE right to the Red Sea. Only shows there is a difference between Addis Ababa and Asmara. This is a brewing conflict between the nations. It would be yet another time that the PM goes against a former ally. He has done so in Amhara region and this would be the second ally of the Tripartite Ally in the War of the North. Without the EDF in the Tigray region, the ENDF wouldn’t have had as much firepower or ability to invade region. Therefore, after all the internal conflicts in Ethiopia. It is hard to see the abilities to beat or even destroy EDF in Eritrea.

It is a worrying sign that the PM speaks of this. He is now continuing the idea and we can wonder how they will implement it. Either by war or by dialogue. We can wonder if Eritrea wants to cease sovereignty to Ethiopia and give them parts of Assab ports. By all estimations and such, we cannot see the PFDJ and President Afewerki willingly to give away or be friendly to share the ownership. That’s taking away the independence and we know that’s one of the most valuable assets the PFDJ has.

This means it has do be done by force. It isn’t like any of the neighbours will just give the assets and the waterfronts away to Ethiopia. They will not do so easily and without a cost. That is a worrying and especially with someone as erratic and wildcard as Abiy.

The dream of the Red Sea is getting closer and we should be worried. Peace.

Ethiopia: Permanent Mission of Ethiopia to the United Nations – Press Release (11.10.2023)

Ethiopia: Joint Press Release from Salsay Weyane Tigray (SaWeT), National Congress of Great Tigray (Baytona) and Tigray Independence Party (TIP) – Irresponsible Decision of the United Nations Human Rights Council (11.10.2023)

Ethiopia: Shabait is starting to lecture Addis Ababa…

Five years ago, in September and October 2018, the border between Eritrea and Ethiopia reopened after 20 years of hostilities, the people of both countries met in a very happy spirit, economic and commercial activities began to sow life, and transportation routes connecting ports. It was a snowstorm. If the atmosphere had continued like that, what would five years of progress have been like?” (Shabait, 06.10.2023).

Yesterday Shabait, the Ministry of Information published an Editoral called “What would 5 years of progress look like?”. That was so interesting, that I had to dive in. It shows the sentiments that are now in Asmara. We can clearly see the message and the rhetoric which is used. There is a narrative that wants to feaster and we know this from the past too.

Now, the Eritrean government is trying to signal the Ethiopian one. As Shabait continues: “The plot was not hidden. Despite the threat, however, the peace initiative was given priority without apology and compensation for the atrocities committed against the Eritrean people. It was a demonstration of the goodwill of the people and government of Eritrea for peaceful neighborliness and friendship. As part of this initiative, at the opening ceremony of the Omhajer-Humera border, His Excellency President Isayas Afewerki exposed the plot of division and said, “Why are you preparing for war? You don’t need war.” He advised the TPLF leaders to be aware of the conspiracies of the hegemonic forces and to be wise” (Shabait, 06.10.2023).

We are seeing a familiar means to an end. They continuation of vilifying Tigray and the TPLF. That has been done endlessly and the Shabait has blamed the conflict on Tigray. It has been the mission all along and justify the invasion the region from the Tripartite Alliance. Therefore, this Editorial was no different. What is more striking here is how Ethiopia should be gleeful over the secretive agreement made between Abiy and Afwerki. As the public and the world doesn’t know the details of it. Therefore, it is a bit far fetched to praised and acknowledged completely when you haven’t shed a light on the arrangements between Asmara and Addis Ababa. This is why there are speculations of a war-pact and not a peace-deal per say. Because, later Eritrea wasn’t only willing, but has been a key ally in the war in Northern Ethiopia.

I am sure that Prime Minister Abiy won’t take this tone kindly. A man who is a man who swiftly changes faces and allies. He can one minute love-bomb someone and later he can assassinate you. So, Afewerki and allies should know this and take the memo from what is going on in Amhara region, which was one of the allies in the conflict in Tigray. Therefore, the lecturing is telling, but a contrasting one at that.

Shabait continues: “Even after the second invasion was contained, it was decided not to allow federal troops to enter Tigray. A solitary ceasefire was imposed to deliver humanitarian aid. They also used this opportunity to prepare for the third wave instead of peace. After the workers carried enough food, aid, and weapons for the war, a third wave of land grabbing was launched. All these opportunities for peace were arrogantly rejected and the last massacre of the people of Tigray, “If we do not occupy Arat Kilo, we will not enter Asmara”, was banned by a disarmament treaty after weakening hundreds of thousands of youths” (Shabait, 06.10.2023).

We are just seeing the reality here. That’s how Eritrea perceive it and their grievances are clear. They weren’t happy with the Cessation of Hostilities (CoH) and the Pretoria Agreement, which where detrimental to the warfare in Tigray. They needed a prolonged war to end the mortal enemy of Asmara and annihilate the region if possible. Just as a revenge and a means to be superior in the region. That’s what Eritrea partly wanted and their mission wasn’t over. This is why they have continued to station troops and not left annexed territories in Tigray. Even if the CoH or Pretoria Agreement states that it should. Therefore, if Eritrea really wanted peace and wanted non-interference from the TPLF and Interim Regional Administration of Tigray. It would have retreated completely and given back territories to them. However, we know that this haven’t happened yet.

Shabait ends with: “Today, as the Ethiopian people reflect on the cost of this futile wandering, this bitter experience is expected to generate a broad mind that will generate wisdom, strategic thinking to bring about lasting peace and stability. If lessons are learned from the suffering and heavy and unjust losses, they will contribute to peace and growth that will cover up the tragic losses and bitterness” (Shabait, 06.10.2023).

We know Asmara feels betrayed by Addis Ababa. They didn’t do the mission and didn’t finish Tigray off completely before signing the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement. That one ended the war suddenly and the EDF wasn’t prepared for that. This is why the Shabait has lecture the Ethiopian authorities about stability and lasting peace, which is ironic as the Eritrean government is unelected and everyone who stands in their way is gone missing, detained or dead. Therefore, the peace made in Asmara is questionable grounds. That is not where you want to learn to build institutions or democratic values. The regime in Addis Ababa better go elsewhere than seeking advice from advice on these matters. Unless, they want to have for life conscriptions and take away people rights for “slave-labour”. Then we know where they have some wisdom to share.

This Shabait Editorial proves there things in the making. Things are not how it was just a year ago or more. There is tension between Asmara and Addis Ababa. I wouldn’t say that… if the text didn’t say what it says. It is telling and sign of the changing tides of Abiy.

The friendship of Abiy and Afewerki is maybe falling apart too. That’s why, because at this moment… these are two that are running the nations and their actions are the vital ones. Peace.

Ethiopia: Tigray Legacy Advocacy Group – Urgen Concern: Expiration of UN Human Rights Experts’ Ethiopia Mandate Extension Deadline – Implications for Human Rights and Global Responsibility (05.10.2023)

A look into Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnon UNGA Speech

I would like to reaffirm that the Government is committed to consolidate peace and stability throughout the country. We continue to pursue dialogue for sustainable and peaceful solutions” – Demeke Mekonnen (23.09.2023).

The Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen held his speech yesterday at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and it is worth noting. As the FDRE is in serious conflict within its own borders. There is full fledge conflict and lack of resolutions where they have made agreements. The Prosperity Party and the Prime Minister Abiy is busy trying to conceal the actions, but the truth is more sinister.

With the knowledge of that and the bloodshed in several of regions. There is no silence of the guns. Neither is there any sort of activity that shelter any sort of normalcy. The war-cries and the brutality of the state is lethal. There is no end in sight of conflict or violence. Only more and more bloodshed. Where ethnicities are turned against each other and the state is using it’s resources to silence the opposition once and for all. The game of annihilation and total destruction is part of the gameplay, which is people’s lives, regions and areas that is burned to the ground. That’s what is happening and this is why his speech is important. Because, this is the sort of headlines and stories the PP and PM wants to tell. Not the reality in Tigray, Amhara, Oromia or the Ogaden for that matter. No, they don’t want the truth of the aftermath of conflict in Afar either.

To ensure accountability, reconciliation, truth-telling, and healing. Ethiopia is finalizing its Transitional Justice Policy. Nation-wide consultations on Policy Options for Transitional Justice have been effectively conducted in all regions across the country. Through the National Dialogue Commission, Ethiopia has also embarked on inclusive dialogue to address past and present societal concerns. We are confident that this would contribute to realizing a prosperous future for all citizens” (Mekonnen, 23.09.2023).

We know that this is how they have portray it, as the dialogue has been one-sided and been in the vision of the Prosperity Party. There is no genuine reconciliation or efforts being made. That’s only done for headlines and not for the regions that are torn apart because the Prime Minister wants to consolidate all power. The Prime Minister is busy scheming and ordering wars. While his government is speaking of peace. That duality doesn’t make sense and is only done as a cover for the acts being made. The Dialogue Commission is as helpful as the Ministry of Peace. Both are just tools to mask and to cover up the devious acts of the government. Therefore, the Deputy is only serving the interests of the state and not the citizens.

Ethiopia continues to honour its responsibility by promoting regional integration to advance peace, stability, economic cooperation, and people-to-people ties. We are working to materialize the development potential of our region” (Mekonnen, 23.09.2023).

It is like the Deputy Prime Minister hope no one knows what it is doing. The FDRE is entangled and has brought violence outside its own borders. The conflict of the North has brought Eritrea in and they have never left parts of the Tigray either. Therefore, the FDRE and the PP isn’t fostering peace, but bringing more conflict in the region. The spiral of warfare and internal conflicts is endangering the region. While also hurting Ethiopia. As the burning flames and victims of scorned people will leave pain for the next generations to come. It is a lost generation now in Ethiopia that is fighting to keep Abiy in Office. As he is battling on every front and not even trying to create a peaceful atmosphere. That’s why nearly every corner of the Republic is hurting and his trying to build himself a massive palace. This the acts of the PM and his government.

That’s why reading this scripted speech from the Deputy Prime Minister is infuriating. The lives are taken and they are taking of peace. They are acting like they are trying to make things better, but they are sending troops, drones and mechanical divisions. They are arresting civilians and others are harassed just because of their ethnicity. That’s what is going on and the bloodshed continues like there is no tomorrow.

This is just tragic and the Deputy Prime Minister will most likely face none to little pushback for his speech. Because, no one really cares. However, towns, villages and homes are burning. Families are losing loved ones and others are lingering in detention without charges. While other are abducted, kidnapped and kept incommunicado. There is information blackouts, ceasing of banking operations and such too. If the FDRE fears an insurgency, they take all steps and uses all means to silence the opposition. Regardless of the price and the possible ramifications. That’s the inclusive dialogue the PP and PM is bringing. Peace.

Ethiopia: Joint Press Release from Salsay Weyane Tigray (SaWeT), National Congress of Great Tigray (Baytona) and Tigray Independence Party (TIP) – Press release from three political parties of Tigray regarding ICHREE (22.09.2023)

Ethiopia: Abiy only knows death…

The Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali who haven’t been longer in office than since April 2018. He surely has used those years in bloody affairs. There is no hope or deeper progress in the nation. The PM and his party only knows how to lie and conceit the reality. They are able to deceive and sell stories that aren’t true. While speaking like they have the tools or the government programs to change it all.

In this regard, Abiy doesn’t know how to build. Abiy only knows how to destroy. Abiy doesn’t know how to lead, but only knows how to order. Abiy don’t know how to let people live, but only knows how to ensure people’s demise. That’s how Abiy is running Ethiopia.

It is tragic, it is dark and it’s grim. We are in September 2023. All the hurdles and obstacles that was in the way of Abiy when he entered into office. Has only been amplified and the answer from him is always violence. That being of the lethal nature or of the brutal force of detaining civilians to scaremonger or intimidate anyone who opposes his leadership.

Abiy will let villages, churches, mosques or anything burn for his throne. He don’t mind if whole districts or towns are shattered to pieces. The PM can blackout regional states and ensure their connection is as close to zero as possible. He can order and ensure that the international community or the aid organizations aren’t allowed or fear to enter as well. That’s how he runs things and his thirst for blood is real. Especially, if the leaders of a region isn’t following his every whim and being loyal to his every changing ideas.

Abiy wants people to speak of imaginary trees and the greener pastures. The prosperity of the nation. While under those trees and six feet deep, are the remains of the ones who either fought for him or the ones who was victims of his reign. There are so many lives taken because of his rule. The Medemer Terror is real and its been implemented across the board.

The PM isn’t a man of peace. The Nobel Peace Prize was a mockery of the reality. It is a warlord and a man of the guns. A man who can arrest, kidnap and silence anyone who isn’t blindly loyal. If you are the wrong tribe or of the wrong creed. Expect that state to either go after you or someone close to you. They can order the arrests and the extra judicial killings. Can make up make-shift camps and keep people behind bars indefinitely. Suspend people’s rights and take away their livelihoods, if not their only basket of hope. Just because Abiy has a mistrust and wants to prove a point.

That’s how Abiy operates and his proud of it too. This is why it’s so many fires burning and none of them seems to lack wood. There is a new supply around the corner and Abiy has the fix. The fire will burn and people will be scorned.

Abiy knows only executions, murders, massacres and genocidal tactics. He knows the benefit of weaponizing food aid and weakening a group of people. The PM has seen the benefit of doing it and can easily do it again. The vilification of the created enemies and the ones who opposes his reign. That’s what he does… when his armies and his authorities are mercilessly silencing anyone and everywhere. There is no one that cannot be touched or killed. Not in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia (FDRE).

The Prosperity Party and PM Abiy is always ready to pull the trigger. They can send drones, mechanical divisions and troops to ambush or annihilate someone who is the way of Abiy’s supremacy. That’s what is important. The vast importance of keeping the ego and the prestige of Abiy. No one should ever stand in his way and if they do… well, expect death.

That’s all your getting with Abiy. Death. Nothing sincere, nothing deep or concrete for the future. Only the last breath. Only the final straw and the casket drop. You are only getting undertakers and the ones ensuring a final goodbye. There is no sweet memories or hope for the future in the hands of Abiy. There is only death.

Blood-thirst of Abiy seems to never end. There is a need for new enemies and new ones who has to die. That’s how he gets his vibe and get the passion to drink another coffee in the morning. Peace.

Ethiopia: Congress for Somali Cause (CSC) – Abiy’s Reign of Atrocities in Somali Region (21.09.2023)