Ethiopia: Global Society of Tigray Scholars and Professionals (GSTS) – Letter of Complaint on Breach of Research Ethics by Prof. Ann Fitz-Gerald (30.05.2022)

Opinion: The man who has blocked humanitarian assistance for months, begs the international community to strengthen their support…

During the 15th Extraordinary AU Humanitarian Summit, I reiterated Ethiopia’s commitment to ensuring assistance reaches those afflicted by natural & man made disasters. It is imperative that partners scale up their support for humanitarian services across the continent” (Abiy Ahmed Ali, 28.05.2022).

The Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali is bold and really a living hypocrisy. Yes, at the recent weeks there has finally been allowed some trucks or convoys into the Northern Regions of the Republic. As the Ethiopian government have blocked, put bureaucratic hurdles and ensured that nothing has entered the war-torn region. Alas, of late and after the truce there has come a little in. While it is far from what is needed and a man-made famine has been created. That is what the PM is responsible for and his government have vilified “wheat-aid” and whatever humanitarian assistance in the past.

So, that the PM says this at the African Union Humanitarian Summit in Malabo says something. Like we are supposed to forge the millions who are struggling and starving. Because, the PM wanted to prove a point against the regional government in Mekelle. That is the gist of it all.

It is really something that he says this now. After all the heartache, pain and suffering he has inflicted on a region, which is a war that is ordered in his name.

His reported to have said this:

““Therefore, a lot of work is being done with partners to reduce the risk of natural disasters.”

Abiy further noted that strong drought prevention measures are crucial as previous droughts in the region have shown its worst impact. “Ethiopia will strengthen its efforts to withstand the challenges of climate change by planting billions of seedlings a year under the green legacy program. Accordingly, despite the global economic crisis the country continues to provide unreserved humanitarian assistance to millions of refugees and internally displaced persons (IDPs), he emphasized” (The Ethiopian Herald – ‘ Premier calls for more humanitarian support to Africa’ 28.06.2022).

His acting like his a saviour and has the answers, which is striking when his government is burning the republic from the inside. The government his running and operating is causing the suffering. The PM and his henchmen is in-charge of the insecurity, food-insecurity and the newly internally displaced people. It’s his wars, “Law Enforcement” Operations and “Rule of Law” campaigns that causes this. Where civilians are arrested, detained, kept incommunicado and tortured. Dissidents are targets and arrested too. That’s what is happening in the Republic and on orders of the PM.

Yes, his planting green trees and trying to forge a “green legacy” but what he will be remembered for is his “Medemer Terror”. The violence, the brutal wars and conflicts done in his name. The assassinations, mass-murders, massacres and others happening on his watch. The bloodshed has been done in his name and he is behind a silent killer called starvation or man-made famine. That’s all his work. The score card is sinister and evil. So, it is really striking that a man who rules like this.

Speaks like that at an international setting. Trying to forge a positive narrative. Like we don’t know what is happening in Ethiopia. We haven’t seen the atrocities of the state in Ogaden, Oromia, Amhara, Afar or Tigray regions for that matter. We know and the injustice will linger on for long. The reign of Abiy will damage a generation and he will be at fault.

This is the sins of Abiy and he has to carry them. Peace.

Ethiopia: 3 more journalists arrested [Sabontu Ahmed, Bekalu Alamrew & Meaza Mohammed]

It is now reported that three journalists has been arrested, detained and it’s a total crackdown on free speech in the Republic. The amounts of journalists arrested of late is 22 in 2022 alone. That just shows what the Prosperity Party and the Federal Government does to shield it’s message. As they are not accepting any dissent or any sort of critic of any sorts. This is why the Prime Minister and the authorities are targeting media houses and journalists at large.

The latest three known arrests are these and this is the timeline of their arrests. While the two first was announced yesterday. The latest has happened only this morning. Therefore, the system at large is going after journalists who isn’t performing after the government narratives, but is addressing the issues as they see fit. That’s why they are targeted and arrested. Because, we are not seeing any arrests in the government friendly press, but in the rest of them.

Here is the timeline:

On the 26th May they arrested Sabontu Ahmed of Finfinnee Integrated Broadcasting, and 27th May they arrested Bekalu Alamrew of Ethio Forum. Roha Media editor Meaza Mohammed was detained by Addis Ababa police this morning on the 28th May 2022.

So, when you see this. You just know that all press are under fire. The state is going after anyone who is willing and who isn’t following the party line of the Prosperity Party. If you stand in their way or dares to question their behaviour. Than you can easily get arrested and detained by the authorities. This will be done without any forewarning and without direct charges. We don’t know what the journalists are arrested over. However, it is most likely in connection with the new “rule of law” campaign in Amhara region. As they have started with the injustice and impunity there, as the Federal Government have done in other regions in the recent years. Peace.

Ethiopia: Shabait tries to revise the history on how the Tigray Conflict started…

Sometimes it must be really boring to work for dictators and warlords, as one part of your job and detail is to make fiction into history lessons. That’s what is happening in the case of today’s published article or pieces of information from the Ministry of Information or the Shabait. That Eritrea wishes to this isn’t shocking or surprising. They just want to whitewash and ensure people believes their story. Alas, that doesn’t make it true or believable. As there are records out there proving another case. Which I published and the Addis Standard published in January of 2021. So a year and about half later. The Shabait hopes people are forgetful and can sprinkle some distorted lies over the matter.

No one should be shocked by this. That’s why it’s has to be proven and showed how it’s wrong. Yes, the tripartite alliance of Asmara, Addis Ababa and Bahir Dar wants to blame the leadership of Mekelle. That’s necessary as they need to perceived as vicious and calculated, in such a manner that the “Operation Law Enforcement” was needed to bring down the leadership of the TPLF. Therefore, texts like Shabait is to imprint that story. However, the more you repeat it doesn’t make true either.

Here is what was important in the Shabait story published today:

o The origins of the war, the TPLF’s sole culpability, as well as, the grave danger to regional peace and security that it posed were never ambiguous by any stretch of imagination.

o The fact is the TPLF launched pre-meditated, massive and coordinated attacks on all the positions of Ethiopia’s Northern Command on the night of November 3, 2020. TPLF wrongly believed that it could neutralize the Northern Command, and seize all its heavy weaponry which constituted 80% of Ethiopia’s total arsenal in its ‘blitzkrieg’.

o In launching its war of choice, the TPLF’s twin objectives were to seize power in Ethiopia and to pursue its hostile agenda “of territorial expansion” against Eritrea” (Shabait, 27.05.2022).

First off, the portrayal of the conflict triggered by the TPLF’s War of Insurrection was, and continues to be, distorted by crafting a new, fallacious narrative. To this day, the war continues to be described in neutral terms, and at times as if it was launched by the Ethiopian Federal Government, in virtually all main stream media outlets and in executive/legislative branches of most western governments. Indeed, the unanimity and “tunnel-vision” of western media outlets belie an over-arching US strategy that has evidently used all its networks and alliances to impose the “Revisionist Narrative”” (Shabait, 27.05.2022).

When you read this you start to wonder… could this be true? Is this the real story? Have I heard something else? Yes, you have and the stories of the ones involved ahead of the invasion of Tigray and the “Operation Law Enforcement” was well prepared. That was very clear and the planned forces was across the border to sooner or later invade.

That story I have told before… here is what I wrote back then and the sources I had, which is credible ones. Just read this part.

The Prime Minister Ahmed Ali Abiy and the whole Federal Government have blamed the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) for attacking and initiating the war. Alas, moving troops to the borders and deploying soldiers across the borders of Tigray. Shows, that the preparations happened way before time. Like some has speculated that the Prime Minister Abiy and President Afwerki had this planned already on the 12th October 2020.

This meeting has said to have done this: “President Isaias visited Ethiopia, during which he visited a number of projects, including a hydro-electric dam and coffee plantations. He also went to the Bishoftu air-base – home to the Ethiopian air force. Both leaders took time to see each other’s key military assets ahead of the current conflict.” (Martin Plaut – ‘Timeline: How the President Isaias – Prime Minister Abiy relationship developed’ 09.11.2020).

With the knowledge of that. The revelation of Adamu says a lot today.

Commissioner Abere Adamu said:

Because it is history let me tell you what happened during this time. At the time, Amhara region police and Temesgen [Tiruneh] who was the president of the Amhara Region, already knew that this thing was going to happen, especially TPLF’s preparation, as they were next door to us. Therefore we have already done our homework, and accordingly deployment of forces had taken place in our borders from east to west. The war started that night after we have already completed our preparations” (Addis Standard, 04.01.2021)” (Minbane – ‘Ethiopia: Tigray – The Army all prepared before the attack on the Northern Command’ 05.01.2021).

If you want more of this and a deeper insight to the statements. You can check the references directly. Some might be repetitive, but it will be deeper and more quotes from the likes of Abere Adamu who really told the story of it.

That the Shabait tries to rewrite the story shouldn’t be acceptable. However, everyone should have an ear to the ground and open eyes. As the ones who have waged this war and participated in the genocide. Wants the victims to be the problem and the reason for their own deaths. They don’t want to take responsibility of their part of the war and the start of it.

We should expect to see more of this. Don’t be shocked, but prove their wrong and rebuttal. Because, they trying to forge a narrative and make the victims of this conflict the villains. Which I have stated before, the TPLF has the ills of the past and had in their hay-day responsibility for dictatorship, violence and injustices, which they should answer for. However, this recent war… the tripartite alliance has more to answer for. They are the ENDF-EDF-FANO invasion of Tigray, which is blocked to this day. A war that is still adding pressure and pain, endless suffering and a famine. That is something the Shabait will not take the accountability for… Remember that. Peace.

Reference:

Addis Standard – ‘NEWS ANALYSIS: AMHARA REGION POLICE CHIEF REVEALS HOW REGION’S POLICE FORCE GUIDED FEDERAL STEEL-CLAD MECHANIZED FORCES TO JOIN “WAR” IN TIGRAY’ 04.01.2021 link: https://addisstandard.com/news-analysis-amhara-region-police-chief-reveals-how-regions-police-force-guided-federal-steel-clad-mechanized-forces-to-join-war-in-tigray/

Minbane – ‘Ethiopia: Tigray – The Army all prepared before the attack on the Northern Command’ 05.01.2021, link: https://minbane.wordpress.com/2021/01/05/https-wp-me-p1xtjg-fz0/

Shabait – ‘TPLF’s War of Insurrection: Fundamentals of the Conflict and Chronology of Events’ 27.05.2022, link: https://shabait.com/2022/05/27/tplfs-war-of-insurrection-fundamentals-of-the-conflict-and-chronology-of-events/

Ethiopia: 2 more journalists arrested today [Temesgen Desalegn & Yayesew Shimeles]

A managing director of Feteh Magazine Journalist Temesgen Desalegn has been abducted by an armed forces of government today in Addis Ababa. He is known for his weekly critiques of the government based on factual informations” (Lisanework Yirsaw, 26.05.2022).

Journalist Yayesew Shimeles was reportedly taken away by security forces around 1PM local time. His lawyer told Addis Standard that he was taken to Sostegna police station in Arada Sub- city” (Addis Standard, 26.05.2022).

The continues crackdown on the press and media houses with no breaks or stop. This is just shows what sort of regime that is in Addis Ababa. The supposed “reformists” and Prosperity “Gospel” Party is selling old tricks and bargains. As they are targeting anyone who questions their reign and their policies. Anyone can be a target and be in custody. That’s the proof of the recent weeks.

The state can turn on anyone and they can become felons as well. That is what is happening here. Not just journalists, but citizens and activists. In Ethiopia right now… if you are openly dissenting against the throne and his court. Expect to be court-side or be brought into custody. You will be detained long without any official charges or court-dates. There will be no trial or mercy on you.

These two are now facing the law and being produced on a much later date in court. Where the charges and the alleged criminal conspiracy is shown. Because, right now, there is a free-for-all of arrest of anyone who questions, critic or dissent from the party-line of the PP. That is the gist of it all and nobody is safe. Peace.

Ethiopia: Ethio-American Development Council (EADC) & Ethio-Canadian Network for Advocacy and Support (ECNAS) – Open Letter to Dr. Abiy Ahmed Ali, Prime Minister of Ethiopia (25.05.2022)

Ethiopia: Global Society of Tigray Scholars and Professionals (GSTS) – On Africa Day- GSTS Calls All Africans to Say No to Genocide on Tigray (25.05.2022)

Opinion: Abiy needs to learn how to face the music…

In a letter to the magazine Mr Abiy’s office said they are ”dismayed” with the way he has been represented as well as the portrayal over who started the country’s civil war. It describes his depiction as a ”character assassination” and accuses it of echoing the narrative of the TPLF – the regional party that has been fighting federal troops in the north. It has requested the magazine give an explanation. There has been no immediate comment from publication” (Ameyu Etana – ‘Ethiopia unhappy over Abiy’s portrayal in Time 100 list’ 24.05.2022, BBC Afaan Oromoo).

We the ruler of Addis Ababa prefers to be seen in a favourable light. He prefers that people praises his every move and decision. That is how Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali wants it. The man is not used to scrutiny or real questioning of his office.

The wartime and warlord is used to get away with murder. The man of all seasons can burn every region of the Republic. While he goes to parties and rallies, if not having publicity stunts growing trees or green fields of magnificent crops. While the people are starving of lack of food, either by the humanitarian blocked in the North or drought in the South.

We know that Abiy wants to be the statesman and seen as a visionary. His supposed to be a reformist and a man of peace. That’s why he has opened the Ministry of Peace and signed a secretive agreement with Eritrean President Isaias Afewerki. Therefore, he wants to be seen as a man of change and someone of the future. Though he in reality bringing the vicious and sinister past to the now.

That the Time Magazine speaks it’s peace is all natural. Abiy haven’t delivered what he wanted or how he wants to be perceived. He wants to be seen as great and only in positive connotation. However, the reality is far from that.

The warfare in Tigray has exposed his means to an end of consolidating all power. Abiy wants to be the supreme leader and the ones who doesn’t follow him. They are possible targets, enemies or people who needs to be silenced. That’s why he has targeted and aimed at Tigray. The same has also happened in Ogaden and Oromia as well. There is no similar acts in Amhara too. So, nowhere there is peace or possibility for unity. As anyone can fall out of favour or suddenly have the tides turned against them.

That’s why so many people have been arrested, detained, tortured and killed by the authorities in the span of time his been in office. As well, as his latest election “victory” was hallow. That was a predetermined affair and why he “won” the majority. So, when he doesn’t want dissent or anything like that. It’s because he has no pushback in any office or in the chambers of power. They are all pre-selected people who he has vouched for and knows will work for his cause.

Abiy cannot mange critics or activists speaking ill of him. Neither can he manage journalists speaking the truth about his reign. He wants to be a king with a palace and a prosperous reign. While he has wrecked the economy and issued a war he cannot stop. The warfare will be prolonged and cause more havoc in the Republic. The deaths of the North will be the destruction of him. Either by the bullets or the man-made-famine. That’s who he is now and the imprint of his time in office.

Prime Minister Abiy might see himself as a hero, but to everyone seeing how his authorities and state is acting. However, he is a villain and has to address the bloodshed his caused. The deaths and unceremonial hurt he has caused. For generations the term “Medemer Terror” should be as significant as the “Red Terror” because that’s what he has brought to the world. Abiy might see himself as a saviour, but that is only to his soul, but not to the whole Republic. Far from it… Peace.

Ethiopia: Reports of the Afar Regional Special Forces skirmishes within the Ogaden (Somali) region

Just as the skirmishes of the Issa-Somali militia in the Afar region has been silenced. They are now crossing the border and coming with retribution towards the ones who sought to cause insecurity in Afar region.

The Afar Regional Special Forces has now went into the Ogaden Region and directly in the Sitti Zone. This retaliation happens only a mere week ago since the Issa-Somali militia, which was sponsored by the Vice-President of the Ogaden region attacked Afar region. Therefore, things are spiralling out of hand. This is a civil war and a spat between regions.

Now there is direct conflict between Semera and Jijiga. There is clear indications of it now. The bloodshed on both sides are apparent. As the Afar Special Regional Forces are now deployed within the Ogaden region. As the Liyu Police tries to defend it. There is reports deaths and injuries, but not any verified numbers of yet. Still, the deaths are occurring and people are dying on both sides of the borders here.

Now there is a need for the Federal Government to intervene here. There is bad blood between the parties and their recent talks haven’t gotten anywhere. The Federal Government have to target the Issa-Somali militia and they also have to cease the operations of the Afar Regional Special Forces, which is now returning with vengeance.

This here will only further escalate the conflict. Both sides will have lost ones and the damage has been done. Afar and Ogaden needs peace. There is a need to solve this crisis before it turns even more vicious.

The leadership of both regions has to talk further and the federal government has to ensure peace. While the ones behind the slaughter and skirmishes stops. That there is no more need for warfare and destruction. As it only turns worse… and doesn’t get any better. Peace.

Ethiopia: Tigray Independence Party (TIP) – “Our war is a struggle for freedom to realize an independent and sovereign country by all measures.” (21.05.2022)

Our war is a struggle for freedom to realize an independent and sovereign country by all measures. The danger we are facing is one of the most decisive events in our long history as a nation; It is the highest turning point in history. Although Tigray’s history and aspirations as an ethnic group, its historical origins and its relationship with Ethiopia are reasons enough to become a country in its own right; The developments after the October 24/2013 invasion and the question of Tigray nationality have created complete moral and legal reasons. We have even been subjected to the blatant crime of genocide; The fact that “our country” was able to gather foreign forces to invade and destroy us is in itself; May it be fair to end the war we are waging by revealing the state of Tigray.

Tigray Independence Party