Ethiopia: TDF-OLA continues to advance [towards Debre Birhan]

The Tigray Defence Force (TDF) and Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) is speculated to have achieved plenty of miles and territory, as they closing in on the strategical town of Debre Birhan, as that is only 132,7 kilo-meters away from Addis Ababa or Finfinne.

In the second front in Afar Region there is reports that the TDF is fighting remaining Ethiopia National Defence Force and Afar Regional Special Forces aroundn the town of Mille, which is the main road to Djibouti. While the Debre Birhan is closing off another feeder road and vital route to the capital. This will be besieging the capital, in manners of which the state has done the Tigray region for months. With this in mind, the TDF-OLA is directly blocking the A1/A2. That something the Republic cannot afford in the long run.

The ENDF and the government can still get supplies by air and to Bole International Airport. However, it is closing in as pockets of territories are taken not only in Oromia, but in other regions as well. On the 7th November the TDF already took control of Mekane Selam and by doing so. They cut off the Dessie – Bahir Dar route. Therefore, the routes are becoming closed in and the Republic is feeling the damage.

We should expect the government and ENDF to be in panic mode, if this happens. There is already reports of possible internet blockade. It is reported that social media is being slowed down. The state is excusing leaks of a national exams, but this is happening as the TDF-OLA alliance is moving forward.

This will hurt the Prosperity Party and their allies, which isn’t able to stagnate the momentum. Neither, the international community or the African Union Envoy who just visited Mekelle to talk peace with Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). These talks are clearly not enough. The U.S. Department asking for the TDF-OLA to ceasefire isn’t listened to either. Not strange that these hasn’t adhered to that, as the siege of Tigray haven’t ceased and neither has state given any positive signals in concerns with it’s hostilities within Oromia. Therefore, both parties had no grounds to trust the government or it’s allies in this matter.

What is striking is that the TDF-OLA alliance, tactics and strategy is working. Even when the ENDF is importing equipment on the daily. Have weapons specialists flown in the to the Republic. Also, the extravagant purchases of drones and other military equipment. The ENDF has even been forced to force conscription and taking away youths from areas, which the government still controls. In the middle of the night filling up buses to send youths to the front. The state is sending anyone and able bodies to the front.

If these strategic movements and these territories falls into the hands of TDF-OLA. Than the capital is closer to be encircled. The ENDF and the current government would feel the pressure. The battles and the front-line isn’t just somewhere far up north. Neither is it far away with the usage of Amhara regional special forces or the para-military group “Fano”. No, it coming close to home and where power resides.

This should be a warning to Abiy, as the shelling and artillery is over Debre Birhan anytime soon. It is just speculated and rumours of the arrival of the TDF-OLA. That wouldn’t be shocking anymore. As these two collectively is striking at targets from more than one angle. This gives them an advantage and also more flexible usage of their troops. Therefore, expect news to come and that this is soon under control of these armies.

When that happens… know that the ENDF and other Regional Special Forces might retreat or even join the TDF-OLA. Just like there been reports of Oromo Special Regional Forces leaving the Republic to fight with them.

If that happens… the fall of Addis Ababa will happen even quicker. Time will tell and if this is all true. We know the state comes with propaganda … and want the enemies to look weak. They want to look like they have control, but that is hard to believe, as the TDF-OLA is advancing. That’s why we have to follow and see what next move the armies does in the coming days. Peace.

Ethiopia: A Joint Press Release by Salsay Weyane Tigray (SaWeT), National Congress of Great Tigray (Baytona) and Tigray Independence Party (TIP) regarding the joint report by EHRC and OHCHR (08.11.2021)

Ethiopia: Agew Liberation Front (ALF) – Press Release (05.11.2021)

The Agew Liberation Front Organization’s press release with the committee of Agew on the current political crisis and the future of the Agaw people have been evaluated widely. The world knows that the war has continued for one (1) year since the war started by fascist Abiy and his delegates. It has been a long time since the jerseys of Shewa Mafias thought it was decided to be thrown away; although it is confirmed that the people of Agew will take the war as a good thing; especially the Amhara (Christian) group has been fighting for years to destroy the people of Agew rather than the people of Ageaw. However, this war is considered as good for the people of Agw. Our current review meeting, especially the opportunity to self-administration, the discussion is added to the discussion. From now on, 4 decisions have been made for our people (for the people of Agaw and the government of Agew)
1/ The people of Agew have been decided to put the Agaw government in the future. The decision has been made to make the people of North Agew and West Agew as a play of fascists for the people of Northern Agew and Western Agew. Since it has been made for years to be a game of fascists, this is the right thing for the West Agew (Awi Agew) with the power of unity of the forces of North Agew A decision has been made for the two Agaw people to take the same seat by the understanding that the armed struggle is continuing with Metkel and Gumuz.
2/ It has been decided that the Agew people and the Agew government have been using oppression on our people for more than 30 years and the government of Agew Liberation Front Organization should be issued an order to pay cash and imprisonment to those who were in power in the previous region 3 or not. It’s been a while.
3/ Agew Liberation Front has played a big role in a year and the armed struggle will continue strong. It has been decided that the fascist group and others who are fighting to become fascists will not rise again until the fascists reach their grave.
Agew Liberation Front (Agew Liberation Front)
Lalibela Agew

Ethiopia: Gambella Liberation/Front – This Needs Immediate Action!!? (06.11.2021)

With big surprise, it has came to attention of the Gambella Liberation Front/Army’s leadership that there’s an individual by name Akok Ujulu and some individuals with invisible hands, who either have established another Liberation Movement with a similar name to GLF or purposively tryied to hijack the GLF entirely with all its political ideology, programs, as well as its political credibility.
Akok Ujulu is currently wandering around disiminating false information to representatives of parties in partnership with our party against the fascist regime of Abiy Ahmed by deceiving and claiming that he’s a member/representative of the GLF, when the reverse is true since he is not known as a member by the party leadership, supporters, and its military personels fighting with the Prosperity-led regional government on the battle fields.
While both the chairman and his deputy were busy on ground in Africa recruiting young fighters for armed struggle, to achieve his evil objectives, Okok was busy in D.C/ USA and sneakly and secretly presented his ungrounded evidence to Ambassador Berahane G/Kristos who represent TPLF, including other political parties representatives that he is chosen to represent GLF, whereas the GLF Chairman, Gatluak Buom Pal and Vice chairman, Gatluak Pal Tharjiath do not know about Akok Ujulu’s current political stance with an exception that he and Obang Metho are known by the Gambella people to be the diheart supporters of Abiy Ahmed’s undemocratic and centralized system of governance.In addition, he is neither known to have formed an armed politcal party nor a member of the GLF (Gambella Libration Front/A. Seeing Okok representing the GLF did not only surprised the movement’s leadership but caused a confusing political environment in Gambella population and within our partners in struggle at large.
These being mentioned, the GLF supporters, political and military leadership would like to urge the group of intellectuals and Ethiopian community members who organized the anti- Abiy’s pre- transitional government establishing allied armed forces to reconsider this issue and contact the GLF leadership to fix the problem before other pre- transitional government establishment steps are taken.
Final, we would also like to extent our message to public to remain calm until this issue is resolved. Factually, please understand that Akok Ujulu was not allowed to represent “Gambella Liberation Front/Army” in such a historical event or sign a document that should have been attended/signed by party leaders or who is officially assigned.
Abiy and his puppets must quickly GO!!!
The GLF leadership!!!

Ethiopia: The PM’s message of cleaning the “leaves”

The last one is the hardest part where the baby is born. This is a challenging time where heroes are born. The children of Ethiopia have risen from end to the other. The trials strengthened us. Our challengers have shown us other ways. We have twice as many friends who have turned their back on us. Gathering of leaves doesn’t make them clean. Gathering of the wild leaves is keeping the forest invisible. There is a sacrifice to be paid. But that sacrifice will save Ethiopia and put it on the rock” (Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali, 06.11.2021).

Prime Minister Abiy is clearly speaking in riddles, as he wants to clean the leaves. We know this is in association with Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and Tigrayan people. The state is already addressing this and mass-arresting this ethnic group. The authorities are going after and targeting the Tigrayan people. While calling all eligible people to the front and joining the army.

The Prime Minister is clearly sowing distrust and wanting to empty forest of the leaves. He wants a total war and nothing left to chance. The PM wants to annihilate and avenge the lost in the war. The Head of State is following a pattern and vilifies one group, as he wants to get rid of this. That is not only ethnic cleansing, but genocide. This is what he wants done and his statements says so.

There has already been several of high ranking officials who has stood for similar messages. They have said similar things and wanting to get rid of all enemies. Therefore, the international community should understand this and when the PM has this idea. Don’t expect him to care about humanitarian assistance and the starvation happening in the Tigray region. The same state has no issues with civilian dying in the air-strikes in the republic. They are willing to kill Tigrayan to prove a point. So, we know there is no middle-ground and concern for the lives at stake. The state has created a famine and isn’t willing to help the convoys to enter or operate within the Tigray region. So, he clearly cleans the leaves as we speak…

The PM message should be amplified,as this message is disgusting and destructive. It is a dangerous sentiment and shouldn’t be put in the whirlwind. Since, the PM is spreading these words and willing to say so. This man can say anything for his own benefit and bury others. That is what the PM does and now his trying to reinforce it.

The ones defending the PM here is in the wrong, unless they want to be “génocidaires” and people who participate in it. They want to support this and the willingness to vilify a whole group. That is like targeting someone for their appearance or religion and not their acts. Yes, the TPLF can be assessed on its past and also for their crimes in office. Just like anyone else, however, the PM isn’t doing that here.

He wants the forest cleaned of leaves… that is the sacrifice of the children of the Republic. This is what he does and it’s despicable. The world should recognize this… and not take this into account. As the PM and his government is doing this. They are using the National State of Emergency not only sending untrained civilians into battle, but they are using this time to arrest Tigrayan citizens as well. Therefore, expect more damage and more pain. More lives taken and a more destruction as the people are caught in the cross-fire and the PM is causing more harm than ever before. Peace.

Ethiopia: Regonal Network on Peace and Stability (RENOPS) – Civil Society group urges African Union and government in the region to immediately appoint a mediation team to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ethiopia (05.11.2021)

Ethiopia: Press Release by the United Front of Ethiopian Federalist and Confederalist Forces (05.11.2021)

Ethiopia: Yesterdays OCHA report on the Conflict is damning…

Another week or another month and OCHA is dropping updates on the humanitarian assistance in Ethiopia. This is the story from the OCHA Situation Report of 4th November 2021. We know the Prime Minister Abiy has trouble with “wheat aid” and doesn’t trust “NGOs”. Therefore, the ratio and the damage his government does is huge. The lives are at stake and his government continues the blockade of humanitarian assistance to the Tigray region. There is no hold on the tragic situation that isn’t becoming anything better with every day that goes by.

Highlights of the report of 4th November 2021:

“The restrictions imposed on the delivery of humanitarian supplies into Tigray via the only route through Afar (Semera-Abala-Mekelle) is still in place. Since 18 October, no convoy movement of trucks with humanitarian supplies have moved into Tigray.  Some369 trucks are on hold in Semera, pending authorization from the authorities to proceed. Overall, 1,114 or 15 per cent of the trucks needed have entered the region since 12 July. An estimated 100 trucks with food, non-food items, and fuel must enter Tigray daily to meet critical humanitarian needs. Similarly, fuel needed for the humanitarian response has not entered Tigray since early August. Sixteen fuel tankers (45,000 liters/each) in Semera are waiting for permission to move. Only 12 trucks of fuel (approximately 282,000 liters) entered the region since 12 July. This is enough to carry out humanitarian operations for one week only.” (OCHA, 04.11.2021).

“The movement of humanitarian workers in and out of Tigray via Afar road, and since the suspension of UNHAS flights on 22 October, has been restricted. On 29 and 31 October, 14 humanitarian workers travelling from Semera to Mekelle were denied transit at the Serdo checkpoint where further authorization letters and permissions were asked for. The movement of humanitarian workers within Amhara and Afar regions has also been restricted. The suspension of UNHAS flights also affected the availability of cash required to maintain humanitarian operations. Cash was last transported to the region on 16 October. The humanitarian situation in Afar and Amhara regions is rapidly deteriorating as conflict expands in multiple locations.In Amhara, intensive fighting and hostilities in and around Dessie and Kombolcha in South Wello Zone on 30-31 October resulting in increased humanitarian needs with large number of IDPs reportedly moving towards Kemissie and Ataye. Dessie and Kombolcha were already hosting a large number of IDPs from nearby Habru and Kutaber Woredas. Regional authorities reported that the vast majority of displaced people are living with the host community, while the remaining are living in crowded collective centers, including schools. Armed clashes also reported in several areas in North Gonder, Waghimra, and North Wello zones” (OCHA, 04.11.2021).

“Gaps: (all clusters)

  • Lack of humanitarian supplies entering Tigray, including food and medicines due to bureaucratic impediments and limited access via the only route (Semera-Abala-Mekelle corridor).
  • Restricted movement of humanitarian workers in and out of Tigray due to bureaucratic impediments, and within Amhara and Afar in part due to the fluid security situation.
  • Lack of fuel in Tigray to transport supplies, distribute food, water and other life-saving assistance, relocate displaced people from schools, and improve IDP sites, forcing partners to halt or significantly reduce operations.
  • Lack of cash in Tigray to pay salaries for staff, including teachers, health workers, and contractors, and to implement humanitarian programs.
  • Limited access to some areas due to ongoing fighting and insecurity. Low funding amidst the huge number of IDPs in Northern Ethiopia and mounting needs.
  • Lack of electricity and telecommunications in Tigray and parts of Amhara and Afar causing delay or lack of reporting and information on the situation.
  • Limited presence of partners in some areas of Northern Ethiopia, and limited coordination capacity among existing partners.
  • Lack of land, and construction materials in the local market, to construct alternative shelters for IDPs.
  • Lack of commercial commodities in the private market in Tigray and Amhara leading to price increases.
  • Insufficient GBV case management and mental health and psychosocial support services and lack of child protection services in some areas.
  • Insufficient storage capacity and transportation of commodities in Amhara.
  • Lack of equipment, sprayers, pesticides to effectively control Desert Locust infestation and other agricultural diseases” (OCHA, 04.11.2021).

Yes, we know the FDRE government is on overdrive using the JIT Report to say it isn’t weaponizing starvation or blocking humanitarian assistance. However, this report and all the others over the 1-year conflict proves the current affairs. The man-made famine and the starvation, which is made with intent. As the state have blocked access and ensured the humanitarian assistance cannot reach the people in dire need. That hasn’t changed and the state is continuing to ensure the people are suffering with a vengeance. This is very clear and it’s tragic, but the FDRE isn’t wiling to show some heart and affection for its own. They are taking away lives and making unbearable.

This is the result of Abiy and his “yes-men”. They have made this result and should be held accountable for these actions, which have cost lives and will continue to cost more deaths. That is the reality here and it’s horrific that things have turned this way. Peace.

A Breakdown of today’s FDRE Government Communication Service Statement (04.11.2021)

Today, the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Government Communication Service published a statement with the headline: “Terrorist TPLF And Its Puppets Being Encircled By Joint Forces”. You cannot make these things up, but that is where we are on the 4th November 2021. They are publishing this sort of text on the anniversary of the attacks on the Northern Command. It just shows what sort of horrific enterprise the war has become to the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF).

Early in the statement it says this: “Ethiopians from all corners of the country are heading to the war front. Ethiopians who love their country are joining the struggle in droves with a winning mentality, heroism and determination. The desert lions – young Afar warriors and special forces– in coordination with the National Defence Forces have been meting out heavy punishment on the enemy that has tried to invade their region. The people are united behind and supporting the efforts of the National Defence Forces to defeat the enemy in all fronts” (FDRE Government Communication Service, 04.11.2021).

We know the Federal Government have called to arms and promised to bury the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). This has been the “war-cry” of the Prime Minister and everyone else. All the loyalists and Amhara high-ranking officials have said everyone should participate in the war-effort. The youth are supposed to register and enlist into war. The state have started to register all weapons and said all able bodies should go to the front.

As it continues: “TPLF and its puppets are being encircled by our forces. As the saying goes; “a rat that strays far from its hole is nearer to its death”. The state of emergency declaration have galvanized the people and all state organs to make sure that will be the fate of TPLF. The false propaganda, the Ethiopian government has used famine as an instrument of war, that the TPLF has been using to deceive the international community has been proven false by an independent and international investigation” (FDRE Government Communication Service, 04.11.2021).

Well, the FDRE and the ENDF have to sound mighty. They have to act like it is in control and have the full advantage. However, if everything was under control. The FDRE wouldn’t have issued a National State of Emergency and asked for all eligible to join the front. It would have reassured the citizens and let them do their daily duties. Alas, that is not the case and the situation is much more grim. Because, no sane person will issue “martial law” and call it a holy-day. Neither will it issue a martial law and act like you have all control. If the state had everything under control it wouldn’t need those measures and stipulations in the first place. That is just a mere fact that the stare and it’s team is forgetting here.

Secondly, if they are in hole and such. Why aren’t the ENDF and all of its all powerful allies able to block it? Why are they able to advance and cause more damage to the troops? It calls things false propaganda when the report is flawed at best and lacks proper investigations into the matter. As the JIT was blocked from access and the EHRC wasn’t helping it either. The FDRE wasn’t transparent and neither was all the actors on the front-line. Therefore, to say it’s all propaganda is a lie, but coming from the FDRE must be a token of respect. Since the PM is a well known liar and a deceiver. This is why it isn’t shocking that they deem others as “fake news”.

It continues: “But those that were busy working hand in hand with the enemy in propagating its false narrative are doubling down their efforts in spreading rumours and lies in their effort to save the enemy from the popular wave that is speeding up its demise. Their goal is to spread misinformation and fear in order to erode the trust between the people and the leadership. Organizations like Facebook that has been used to spread violence now has shown its true colours by deleting our Prime Minister’s message” (FDRE Government Communication Services, 04.11.2021).

What is striking here is the sentiment. We know the FDRE and its bodies have blocked, silenced and had a war against all information leaking about this war. The state have tarnished and suspended several of international media outlets. Before the State of Emergency, the state even issued orders of blocking all international media content on broadcasting companies within the Republic. Therefore, we know the Ethiopian authorities doesn’t appropriate or have the patience with foreign coverage of the conflict. They want their own narrative and nothing else. This why everything that doesn’t fit the narrative composed by the PM or his handlers is “lies and propaganda”. While what his ministries and entities are producing is propaganda, as it is unsubstantiated claims and without evidence, but with a clear bias to uphold one party interest. Therefore, they cannot accept Facebook’s own action to take down the PM’s message, as they deemed it inciting violence and breach of “terms of service”. That is the sort of thing the FDRE does and they act like victim, which it isn’t and anyone else would get the same treatment by the social media company.

The statement continues:Their supporters in the NGO community are campaigning to have their schools closed by fabricating a non-existing security risk. They spread unfounded rumours that leaders in the government are applying for visas. Breaking all diplomatic norm, they are agitating for their diplomats to be called home under the false claim that Addis Ababa is surrounded.= by the enemy. All this is coordinated with the aim of creating suspicion and doubt with in the public and the defence forces” (FDRE Government Communication Services, 04.11.2021).

The FDRE should understand the NGOs, the diplomatic corps and their messages to their citizens inside the Republic. This will undermine and show the lack of control, which the FDRE will not take accountability for, as this means it would state it’s losses and lack of territorial integrity. We can understand that a arrogant and blatant war-lord of Abiy’s calibre wouldn’t state this. That means he would be humble and show humility. No, that’s not his kind and his FDRE cannot be honest about the growing issues and security risks. Since, the ENDF and it’s allies has lost territories and lost on the front-lines. If the ENDF was as strong as it was when the war stated last year. Than the state wouldn’t issue a State of Emergency. This just proves the diplomatic corps are right to leave or flee, send warnings and it’s done to secure the citizens of the envoys in the Republic. That should the FDRE understand, but it is butt-hurt by the security warnings instead.

The Government Communication Services continues: “The government wants to warn these parties that are busy with activities that are aimed at destroying the nation, to cease and desist from their destructive behaviour. This cannot be taken lightly since it is an existential national security threat. The government will not hesitate to take appropriate action on those who refuse to refrain from these actions immediately. Our people, realizing that we are in the final chapter of saving Ethiopia, should continue their heroic struggle. Our unity is the only guarantee for our survival. Therefore, we should ignore these falsehoods and evil narratives of our enemies and continue to work together for the salvation of our beloved country” (FDRE Government Communication Services, 04.11.2021).

What is funny is that this comes after the same Republic says the diplomatic corps are sending out bad warnings and creating suspicion about the ENDF. While the same FDRE is saying this is now an existential national security threat, but the others shouldn’t create any suspicion. The FDRE cannot have it both ways and this is their survival campaign, which is a national security threat. That’s why the international community and diplomatic missions are trying to send their people into safety. The FDRE is even selling the same message, but isn’t saying it directly.

It ends with: “The government asks all Ethiopians, friends of Ethiopia and media in friendly countries to report accurate information at the appropriate time to our people. We all need to stand together and write an eternal golden history to silence our enemies that are drunk with temporary victories. Standing together, we will repel the designs of our historical enemies. For us, Ethiopians, dying for our sovereignty, unity and identity, is an honour. There is no Ethiopianness without sacrifice” ((FDRE Government Communication Services, 04.11.2021).

The FDRE wants their narrative and nothing else. We are supposed to feed of their hands and take it all as truth. Like we are some naive fools and idiots who cannot read through the lines. That is the sort of followers and cult the Prime Minister has made for himself. This is why he wants the same for everyone else.

We are supposed to believe that this is a small victory after the ‘final’ offensive in October. It clear that ENDF isn’t that great when everyone is asked to enlist and join the front. That is not the message of greatness. Time will tell and this was a real propaganda piece. Peace.

Ethiopia: Oromo Legacy Leadership and Advocacy Association (OLLAA) – Ethiopia Declares State of Emergency amid Growing Pressure from International Community (03.11.2021)