Ethiopia: Why tarnish the enemies from within? When you can vilify the outsiders looking in! [Ethiopian Herald Editorial Style]

In the perspective of the Ethiopian Herald new editorial piece called ‘Far be it from peddlers of skirmish to prove disciples of peace’ published today on the 1st January 2021. This editorial I will discuss here today and specifically the aspect of which it vilifies outsiders. Where the editor or writer targets Westerners or United States of which is not surprising.

Where it really started for me was this passage: “Watching the drama of imposing one’s selfish and egoistic national interest on the fledgling exhibited by some westerners is once more leading the world down the lane of catastrophic destruction. This bad scenario is eclipsing emerging countries’ optimism of catapulting to self-dabble-ensured development. To add an insult to injury, humbugs of the above mentioned brand destabilize the victim country fomenting religious, ethnic and instigated-political conflicts” (The Ethiopian Herald, 01.01.2021).

It is really unique and precious of the editorial to state things in this fashion. As there is no concern or care for the ones looking into the matters and the conflict, which have been prevalent since November 2020. It is like nobody should question, condemn or even pick a side in it. Except if they pick the side of the government and believes all of their information leaked to the state media. If you do that, I can assure you are not selfish and is a righteous man. Just like the ones who is promoted by the state and the narrow-minded individuals who wants to be useful fools for the FDRE Government Communication Service. Because, that is what they are… and the Ethiopian Herald is no difference here.

Yes, foreign interference in other conflicts has caused harm, destruction and devastation. However, at this point with famine, starvation, humanitarian blockade and several of other issues in the Republic. Clearly, the state and it’s allies has caused more than enough damage on its own. Secondly, the state is the ones who using means of which is respectfully right to stop or try to silence. As the Tripartite Alliance haven’t acted in good faith or continues to do so. No, it has used all means to win this war and no boundary has been set. That’s why they don’t want independent investigations and only wants to vilify the enemy. Just like they writer is mocking the West in this here piece.

Hardening their hearts the affluent nations, especially those categorized in the conceptual west, are seen going astray from human and moral rights. Commoditizing everything, they eye on optimizing returns from the debris of their entire destructive sprees. They use countries reduced to rubbles as bogeyman to flog similar aspirants of self-growth to the straightjacket they prepare aiming at meeting own gluttonous ends” (The Ethiopian Herald, 01.01.2021).

I don’t know if this writer eats words or has a beneficial relationship with his thesaurus. Because, men usually flaunts words like this when they try to impress the significant other. However, here it is a continuation of the previous passage. As everything the west touches is destructive and has a terrible end.

I would think a government with Ministry of Peace and a Human Rights Commission would be concerned about violating codes of war and the Geneva convention. If not violating any of the ratified conventions, the Republic is supposed to adhere too. Nevertheless, the West is the problem and not that the Ethiopian government have to follow any of the international conventions it has promised to follow. Secondly, the civil war created by the regime of Addis Ababa at his current time is something they have to answer for. As the truth will linger out eventually, just like the truth about the Iraqi war was revealed. Therefore, the editor or the Ethiopian Herald shouldn’t be singing songs of greatness just yet.

At this juncture, it is appropriate to mention the damage westerners inflicted on ancient nations like Iraq and Syria, boasting histories written in brighter inks. In doing so, westerners have caused the death, maim, affliction and displacement of people of these countries” (The Ethiopian Herald, 01.01.2021).

I agree that the Western powers and the involvement in the conflicts of Syria and Iraq haven’t brought any positive results or case for any good. Nevertheless, there been other actors involved in it too. There been both sides, but also other influences, which has caused more harm and damage. As well, as individuals who wanted prestige and keep influence in these nations. Therefore, the West is to blame for a lot of destruction, but not all. That is to give all blame and sing the song of Akon “Put the Blame on Me” as loud as you possibly can.

Cascading this to the Ethiopian case, mastering a preemptive move Ethiopians should refrain from turning a prey to booby-traps designed by opportunists to lure them into bait. As the adage runs “if you fool me once shame on you but if you fool me twice shame on me,” they must learn addressing things with a cool head as currently witnessed in the law-enforcement operation and the dilemma of entering into Tigray or not” (The Ethiopian Herald, 01.01.2021).

It is just like yesterday Operation Law Enforcement was commenced. We all know it has been 13 months and counting of conflict. Where the Tripartite Alliance has used any means possible and projected all war-crimes on the enemies. That is why the editor is speaking of fooling and using George W. Bush rhetoric against Westerners. Which is very rich and dumb, as the point his trying to make is weak at best. Because, his not making a righteous case and a justified war. Only, that the West is not supposed to shield the starving, the suffering or the ones in the cross-fire in this conflict. However, the West is just supposed to support the government that bombs own town, villages and civilian areas of the capital of Tigray. Since, that is what a fool does… well, how about that right?

It is not a cool head or a wise man to see the children, woman, old and the ones suffering dying for one man will to consolidate all power. For one man to use the army to “unify” everyone under his banner and party. So, that everyone can be cultic and use dangerous rhetoric to get rid of enemies not only in Tigray, but in Oromia as well. Where the state has never addressed the concerns or the manner of which it has arrested, silenced and even silently killing anyone who dissent to the current regime. Therefore, it would be a fool to trust a government who kills their own to stay in power.

Furthermore, precluding those whose hands are besmirched with blood, sitting around a horseshoe table ironing out political differences and coming up with a consensus and a resolution is called for so as to bar divisive entry point to hypocrites and charlatan media houses. Our country Ethiopia is endowed with bountiful resources and motivated workforce. Combining the two and ensuring peace this ancient country of indigenous wisdom could materialize its ambitious leap to prosperity” (The Ethiopian Herald, 01.01.2021).

Well, we know the Prosperity Party and the Prime Minister will not have proper dialogue or even talks, which will matter. Just like he didn’t have sincere elections or polls for that matter. Where he only had an official exercise in a grand selection and hand-picking ceremony to legitimize his reign. Therefore, the ones believing the talks or dialogue would be short-sighted. This will be as useful as the Inter-Burundian dialogue after election in 2015 or the recent ones pulled off in Cameroon. The state will do the same charade and mockery in Ethiopia. The media houses will only take the talking points of the state and say it happens. They will not dissect the lacking representation or the lack of real parties involved. Since we know this is insincere at best.

When he says the Ethiopian nation is filled with resources and workforce, I don’t doubt that a second… but saying that will generate peace is well… not what it takes or what is at stake here. There will not be prosperity when you forge a war and when you leave plenty of parties behind. That is what is lost here to the editor and the government he supporters. Some will earn profits on the blood, sweat and tears. There will be created an elite and plenty who eats on the plights of the chosen few. However, the general population and the groups who has been vilified will be left behind. They will have all the reasons of the world to revolt and wanting to revolutionizing the system. As it was unfair and unjust from the get-go. That’s why the resources or manpower doesn’t matter. When you are not including or letting people participate on equal grounds. As we know the agenda of this government isn’t for all, but for the ones who anointed by the current leadership. Peace.

Ethiopia: Oromo Liberation Front/Army (OLF-OLA) – Drone and Air Strikes on Civilian Targets have continued Unabated! (01.01.2022)

Ethiopia: SebHedri International Civil Society of Tigray (SICS) – SICS position on Tigray’s decision to withdraw its force from Amhara and Afar (29.12.2021)

Ethiopia: Joint Press Release by Tigray Nationalist Parties (27.12.2021)

Ethiopia: Tigray External Affairs Office – Press Statement on the latest atrocities against Tigrayans at Abala, Afar (30.12.2021)

Ethiopia: Oromo Liberation Front/Army (OLF-OLA) – Sustainable Peace can never be achieved through Terrorism and Misinformation! (29.12.2021)

Ethiopia: Oromo Legacy Leadership and Advocacy Association (OLLAA) – OLLAA Condems Attacks against Civilians in Wollo Zone and Reports of Extrajudicial Executions and Arbitrary Detentions throughout Oromia (27.12.2021)

Ethiopia: The Global Society of Tigrai Scholars (GSTS) – GSTS Position Statement on the Responsibility to Protect (R2P) – (23.12.2021)

A look into Prime Minister Abiy’s “Christmas Message”

Yesterday, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali published a statement called ‘Our decisions are based on long term benefits not shortsighted’. I will look into what his saying and comment on what I see as interesting takes, as the warfare isn’t over in the Tigray region or anywhere else in the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. Therefore, this text is a pretext for the continued war in Tigray and towards of the rest of enemies of the Prime Minister.

Abiy begins with “”‘National Unity in Diversity’ campaign has achieved its goal by eradicating the TPLF terrorist group from Amhara and Afar regions. The government has given an order to the ENDF to remain at the places it has liberated. We have decided this based on long term benefits rather than being shortsighted. A strategy that will not lead to Ethiopia’s victory will only embolden our enemies; it will be a lifeline to the terrorist groups. A military decision that is shortsighted will only immerse us in a long war with no end” (Abiy, 24.12.2021).

We are now seeing a clear intent of keeping all territory and not leave like the other parties did. This shows the intent of continuing the war. He speaks of victories, but he ended the “Law Enforcement Operation” and was finalizing that in end of November 2020. So, now in late December 2021 his ending another campaign called “National Unity in Diversity”. This just shows how early he proclaims victory and we can wonder how long he will prolong the agony.

Our people know that the problem in the north came as a result of the changes that were being seen. It was after the changes began to be seen that the TPLF started to use its region as a fort to cause problems because it believes in the idea that “the Ethiopia it can’t rule must be destroyed”. In order to avoid the loss of human lives, to avoid damages on properties, to avoid insecurity and strain on the economy, many attempts were made to peacefully resolve the problems. But the TPLF terrorist group could not see a peaceful path but instead was focused on the path of destruction” (Abiy, 24.12.2021).

The Prime Minister does like everyone else in this conflict project it on it’s enemies without any proof and alleged all war-crimes on others. That’s what he has done all along and this here is showing it yet again. It isn’t the TPLF who ordered the war, but the ENDF and allies who was ready to attack the region and encircle it. Therefore, Abiy tries to rewrite this fact and his Amhara allies had move troops, para-military militia and others to invade the Tigray region ahead of November 2020. So, this storyline is the state manufacturing history to benefit itself.

Our army has remained in Tigray for eight months. It has sacrificed itself so that the economic, political and social services could be carried out smoothly. It has tried all its best to facilitate the rehabilitation of infrastructure, reinstating of public services and the accessibility of humanitarian services. While doing this our army was paying the ultimate sacrifice in two ways. First, it undeservedly received a bad name by the enemies and its media supporters’ propaganda. Second, it was backstabbed by the region’s community which was also a victim of propaganda” (Abiy, 24.12.2021).

Here the Prime Minister claims the state has cared for humanitarian assistance and the infrastructure of the Tigray region, alas, we know that is far from the case. The state have blocked humanitarian assistance and has air-striked infrastructure in the region. The ENDF and allies haven’t cared about this and not even tried to make clear corridors for humanitarian assistance to the ones in need. The state has continued blocking of needed assistance and continued blockage of utilities as well. So, it is striking that the PM speaks of propaganda. When his FDRE creates lots of it and here the PM tries to create his own narrative too. While claiming to be the saviour of Tigray while his forces has violated it since early November 2020.

The government is prepared in all battlefronts to face this existential threat which is multifaceted. The place where we can defend our existence and our sovereignty is not only at the ground level battle. There are many other fronts other than the military where we must fight. The decision the government makes is not shortsighted but takes into consideration all battlefronts. Our first objective was to eliminate the terrorist group from Amhara and Afar. And we have achieved this almost one hundred percent. And we have posted our army at strategic locations to oversee the movement of the enemy” (Abiy, 24.12.2021).

If you believes that the Prime Minister cares about peace or talks. Just read these sentences and you know his expecting more warfare. This man doesn’t care about the conflicts or the concern of the war. He will continue the war on all the fronts and he will ensure all of his enemies are silenced. The PM will use his power and office to get rid of the ones standing in his path. That’s why the conflict isn’t only in Tigray or the other regions, which the PM has mentioned, but it is also happening in Oromia where the state has targeted civilians and leaders there. Therefore, we know his going to make the ones standing in his path suffer.

There are many reasons that led us to this conclusion. First, when there is a threat to the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country, the ENDF has the constitutional right and responsibility to take measures by moving into Tigray at any time or any moment. Second, we do not wish to enter into the traps that the TPLF and its supporters prepared to accuse the government and the army. The mothers of Tigray must ask the terrorists who have brought all this mayhem upon them and who have forced them to sacrifice their children in vain. Third, Ethiopians have removed this terrorist from their back with a bitter battle. The people of Tigray also have the will and capacity to remove this terrorist through a struggle. Ethiopians and the government are ready to support the people of the region if needed” (Abiy, 24.12.2021).

That the PM speaks of the constitutional order, when his regime didn’t have an issue to postpone and have an illegal sixth year without an election. So, when he uses words like these I question them, as he uses the law to his advantage and his benefits. Just as the state media has demonized the mothers of Tigray and he uses them in his statement too. While his supposed to care for the children of Tigray. The ones his been starving and neglecting through the whole conflict. We are clearly seeing the PM will “free” the region again and we know what that will mean.

The last piece of his statement says this: “Our principle is to ensure Ethiopia’s holistic victory, ensure territorial integrity and sustainable victory of Ethiopia in each of our decisions. From now on the terrorist forces will no more threaten us as they wish. We won’t say they won’t try but as long as we keep our unity Ethiopia will be victorious. Ethiopia’s victory is based not on the weakness of the enemy but on the strength of our unity and collaboration. We must maintain our unity more than ever.”” (Abiy, 24.12.2021).

The unity the PM speaks of …. is a bit far-fetched, when his administration and government works against it. When the PM speaks of unity it seems like a lie. As the PM cannot be sincere, as it is only for his Amhara allies and not the rest of Federal Republic. The Prosperity Party and PM isn’t making things better and the victory isn’t all that.

The unity he speaks of… isn’t what it seems and the people should know that. Just like his ‘medemer’ mission and the terror he has unleashed on the public. That will seemingly not stop and his actions speak of itself. He can use nice words, but the decisions he has made has thwarted all of these words. Therefore, these sorts of statement is only for the blind believers of the PM. Peace.

Ethiopia: FDRE Government Communication Service – Statement (24.12.2021)