Ethiopia: Eritrean Media Outlet claims the PM had preplanned the Tigray War…

The ancestors used to say, ‘‘The flour that is lost, struggles with the wind”. The blunder we’ve been seeing in recent weeks also fits this ancestral proverb. We heard a lot of surprising talk. We also heard a lot of unsurprising talk” (Center for research and Documentation, 21.10.2023).

The Center for research and Documentation, an Eritrean Regime Media outlet published yesterday a piece called: “Let everyone know the truth!”. It’s the first of two parts. So, the media house from Asmara is planning to unleash more intelligence or information from the regime. Because, this is the sort of thing they release when they want to show other people’s dirt. That’s what is happening now and they are aiming at the Ethiopian Prime Minister’s head with this one.

One key statement is this one: “Ironically, the prime minister had planned the war in Tigray in advance and chose to ignore the advice of the Eritrean government” (Center for research and Documentation, 21.10.2023).

This is not shocking or appalling, no it is just another Sunday. As the news in 2023 isn’t really news. We knew this long time ago and the Amhara allies revealed it a long time ago, actually. The Tripartite Alliance had pre-planned the war and was stationed across the borders of the Tigray Region. Mechanical Divisions and troops was moved to encircle the Region. In such a way that it could quickly invade and conquer it. That was done in coordination between Addis Ababa, Gondar and Asmara. They all knew and was ready to aim their guns at Mekelle. They Eritrean Regime’s Media Outlet can act surprised and like its revealed a secret, but its not. Just finally speaking the truth for once.

In addition, the Eritrean Regime’s Media Outlet says this too: “After he began to cover up the conflict in Amhara Region, the PM did not hesitate to seek military assistance from the Eritrean government. The Eritrean government strongly opposed the call and issued a clear warning that there was no need for war in Amhara Region and that the federal government was exacerbating the conflict. However, the prime minister did not learn from the past destruction and chose to wage a new war in Amhara Region. It should be clear here that the Eritrean government has never failed to advise direct dialogue between the leaders of Amhara and Tigray regions” (Center for research and Documentation, 21.10.2023).

They are out for his head. The Asmara leadership and PIA are tired of the rhetoric of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. The PFDJ friendly media house wouldn’t write this sort of thing if not. They are not only saying it’s the PM’s fault, but that he begged for help. As he needed their military assistance in yet another conflict. It wouldn’t be shocking if he did, because the Tigray War has hurt both the National Army, Regional Special Forces and everyone who is armed under the FDRE Military Banner. While they have lost also lots of soldiers in Tigray and the other waged internal wars. The Amhara conflict is just stretching the resources and manpower even more. While they have little to no new ways of getting battle-ready soldiers to fight against the FANO/Amhara Popular Front (APF). In the same regard it doesn’t have the capacity or the ability to dismantle and get rid of the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA). Therefore, the call for help to Asmara makes sense, as it is yet another big conflict, which needs recruits and boots on the ground.

The piece ended with this: “On the other hand, the PM has been giving offensive propaganda to the US and European governments that ‘‘Eritrea is undermining the Pretoria Agreement’’ to tarnish the name and image of the Eritrean government. However, it is a market secret that the prime minister has been violating the Pretoria agreement and working to hide the unquenchable hatred between the peoples of Tigray and Amhara. Without being stopped here, he has been openly working to prevent any peace process between the leaders of Eritrea and Tigray. He chose this infantile approach because of his narrow plan of ‘‘to secure Oromo power, the people of the north must be eaten’”(Center for research and Documentation, 21.10.2023).

If you don’t believe there is brewing fallout between Afewerki and Abiy. These sorts of pieces shows it. That the rhetoric of having historical rights to Assab Port and waging war to get it only creates more enemies. A Prime Minister that has already several within his realm and he doesn’t need to have some outside too. However, this wouldn’t be first or the last man he betrays to consolidate power. That’s what the Ethiopian Prime Minister does… and he has perfected it in his own erratic ways.

This is worrisome and shows what’s on the horizon. That the PFDJ and the PIA allowed this text to be published says a lot. They are even planning a follow up and you can wonder what else they plan to say. Because, this is already going in on tarnishing the Ethiopian Prime Minister and his role in the Tigray War. That’s compelling and shows how the alliance between the nations is fragile and possibly breaking apart.

We just have to follow and see, but this here… is just showing how friendship can turn into bitter enemies. Brothers in Arms can turn their arms against each other. Just like the Abiy turned his arms against FANO. The Fano who helped him to wage war in the Tigray region. Peace.

Ethiopia: Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) – The Prosperity Party-led government of Ethiopia has continued its barbaric mission of killing innocent people at their homestead (18.10.2023)

Opinion: Abiy needs to keep his head over water [and forget about the red sea]

““To keep your head above water” is a colorful expression that means staying out of debt. A company seeks to keep its head above water during economic hard times. A man who loses his job tries to keep his head above water until he finds a new job” (VOA Learning English – ‘Keeping Your Head Above Water, 17.11.2013).

It is time that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali learns some self-control and restraint. I know that ship has sailed and he wants so badly to renown as “king”. Regardless of just that… the man needs to re-think and re-calibrate. The wheels are already falling off and his Republic are in danger as it is…

The Ethiopia that was rising before his reign is now lost. The financial impact of endless internal conflicts comes back to haunt him. The distress and lack of foreign stimulus will also hurt. The state will suffer as the bullets, drones and lives are taken too. In a few years time… a lost generation will try to find their ways out of this quagmire and we have no clue how this will end.

The PM are a megalomaniac. He wants to be praised and honoured. The PM wants the prestige and be grand. That’s why he speaks of peace and dialogue, but orders the wars. He is the man behind the conflict and that’s because he wants all power consolidated to him. No matter which corner of the Republic or who he trespasses. As long as his the victor and the others are weakened… he has won and can return in glory.

The PM is warlord and don’t have it confused because of the Nobel Laureate back-in-the-day. The Nobel Committee had no clue or obviously was ignorant of who this man was before giving him the Peace Prize. They couldn’t phantom or understand at the time.

Abiy has flaunted the idea of having a port and ending the times of being landlocked. The dream of the Red Sea. The way of getting seaborne and rule on both land, air and sea. That’s the dream and this is why he even sought to build a navy. Not only to own a port for the sense of easily import of goods or trading exports. No, it is also of military and strategic reasons. The way of making an empire.

Abiy wants to be crowned king and end his legacy on the stories of greatness. He wants to be a leader to inspire after his death. That’s what he wants and he wants vast achievements, but until now he has only created more chaos and more enemies. Sooner or later he has turned on allies and he could do it again. The ones that got him to office has been discarded too.

The PM only wants to be historical and give the FDRE what it “lost”. However, it isn’t for him to decide and for others to give him. These are sovereign nations and they will not budge. If it is Somalia, Somaliland, Djibouti or Eritrea. None of them will trade or give away their assets. These are national treasures and these shouldn’t be for sale. Neither should it be given to Ethiopia either.

That’s why the PM is losing here and the only way he would get it is by issuing another war. It wouldn’t be out of his realm. Though it would be the first time he does outside his borders and with his army. Yes, he invited the Eritrean to violate his sovereignty and partake in the destruction of Tigray. He did that… but that doesn’t mean these armies will allow the ENDF to conquer or enter Eritrea for personal gains. Neither does Djibouti or Somalia accept this. None of them will allow or accept it.

The ENDF has also been destroyed by the endless war and conflict in the Republic. It is most likely to damaged to carry another conflict now. As it is busy in Amhara to end the Amhara Popular Front (APF). While it has never ever been able to get rid of the Oromo Liberation Army/Front (OLA/F). That’s just telling and you can wonder… if the ENDF would be able to overpower or conquer someone else now. When it has lost as much as it has over the years.

The FDRE and the Prosperity Party haven’t ushered in a new era, but it has given the world the “medemer” terror. A new plague and lethal injection into society. That’s what it has done and it’s deliberate too.

This PM isn’t coming in peace. His flaunting ideas of the Red Sea. However, his nation is in to much turmoil to be able to access or have the strength to beat someone else. It will be another futile enterprise and the peasants signing up for recruitment to the army are the ones paying the price for it. Peace.

Ethiopia: Enat Party, All Ethiopian Unity Party (AEUP), Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Party (EPRP), Amhara Ghinoians Movement and One Ethiopia Democratic Party – Jointly calls out for help amidst famine and starvation in the Nation…

The rulers of today should have learned from the past. The Ethiopian people are in trouble, famine and problems by rulers who don’t care about the problems, hunger and poverty. In the past few years, especially in Somali and Oromia due to the drought caused by many of our people have died of hunger and problems. Our farmers have died of cattle. The Ethiopian people didn’t want to feel the damage the drought caused to our country’s “road to prosperity” or it is considered to be one of the ways to reduce the population. Today, in the war that happened in the northern part of our country, the power of the manufacturers is waging war, wasting poison and harvesting seasons for years in war, loss of peace, on the instructions of the veterans, slaughtering of oxen and eating, burning of grain fields, … Tigray, Amhara region, Afar, … Underestimate them, he has made the people weak. How can you produce in a place where there is no peace even if there is no drought? The people of Tigray and Amhara are starving because of the ongoing war and drought in Amhara region. A large number of our people have died because of hunger and are dying” (Enat Party, All Ethiopian Unity Party (AEUP), Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Party (EPRP), Amhara Ghinoians Movement and One Ethiopia Democratic Party, 13.10.2023).

The opposition parties are now calling alarm and the ones caring for Ethiopia should be worried. Because, we know that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali is against “wheat aid” and everyone associated with it. It is destroying his narratives and rise of “prosperity”. While the truth is more grim and dark.

The constant conflicts and internal bickering haven’t created a positive atmosphere. He has planted some trees, but also spread violence across the board. Nearly every region has been hit by his massive plunder, blistering arrogance and usage of force. Nothing has been left untouched and that’s why the opposition are writing these words in 2023.

These words needs to be amplified, because it’s a stern warning and people’s lives at stake. They are dying of hunger, while the PM is busy exporting wheat. That’s the great tragedy here and it’s just like in the Soviets time. When the leader talked of great harvest, but let millions starve in parts of the Soviet Union. The same story repeats itself here, but in Ethiopia instead.

Just continue to read…

Continuous rulers of our country don’t learn from the past and present rulers that “a drum is beautiful when they see it, and disturbing when they hold it” because they repeat the mistakes and crimes of the past rulers, we have reached a point where we are now being creators for the people to rise against them and to take away their power by force. Today the war, drought, pestilence, displacement, the drought and hunger that occurred in Tigray and Amhara regions is taking away the lives of many of our citizens. This famine happened in the year Ethiopia exported wheat for the first time in history. The government of prosperity has turned its face away from our people in order not to degrade the appearance of a country that is led by prosperity and is working to make it look like nothing happened. Even our people who have not been affected by drought are facing the high cost of living and millions of people are starving” ((AEUP), Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Party (EPRP), Amhara Ghinoians Movement and One Ethiopia Democratic Party, 13.10.2023).

This statement from the opposition parties needs to be heard. Because we know these sorts of tales wouldn’t be told by the regime or the Prosperity Party for that matter. It just needed to be shared, as the consequences are so dire. The problems surrounding the government and all the turmoil it is facing. Amidst the drought, famine and starvation the nation is currently in. that is all a consequence of the warfare and conflicts. This all comes to a head now. The voices of the opposition needs to be heard, as they speak of things the Republic doesn’t want to say. That’s why I use my platform to amplify it, because it needs to be told.

This draught, famine and starvation needs to be told. Lives is at stake and the world needs to know now. Peace.

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)