Ethiopia: The Federal Government is sending out another “War-Cry”

War Cry: a cry used by a body of fighters in war” ( “War cry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/war%20cry. Accessed 31 Oct. 2021.).

Today, as the Tigray Defense Force (TDF) and the Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) has both advanced their forces within the Amhara region. The TDF has entered Kombolcha and OLA have captured Kemise. The allies are able to strike real harm and danger in the region, which has been vital to the warfare in the Tigray region. It is also the ones that has been allied with the Federal Government and served with militias to attack the opponents of the state. Therefore, today’s message is epic when you know the troubles, which is ahead for the Federal Government.

The war-cry is from the FDRE Government Communication Service and it’s called “Let’s fight the terrorist and the messengers together!”. This was published today on the 31st October 2021 and after the fall of these strategic towns in the Amhara region.

The message started with this:

The main aim of the invading TPLF terrorist group and came to Wollo is clearly known. The main purpose of this herd was to rob the city and to get heavy weapons from our defense forces. Our brave defence army and all our security forces who are ready to pay their sacrifice and are fighting to cover this enemy’s target” (FDRE Government Communication Service, 31.10.2021).

We are seeing the typical projection of the ENDF and the FDRE, which it has done through the whole war since the start of “Operation Law Enforcement” in November 2020. In a war, the victor usually captures the weapons, ammunition and whatever equipment the losing army has left behind. That is why the Taliban got whatever the foreign forces left behind recently in Afghanistan. This is common in any war and isn’t something to take as “savage” method. The ENDF would have done the same, if they could…

They continue:

In Wollo, especially in Dessie and its surrounding areas, they are pulling the force that says they have an enemy from where they are. In order to achieve its evil aim of destroying Ethiopia, he has put our security forces from the front and back by using the traitors that support the destruction of Ethiopia in Dessie city. The TPLF supporters who are in the city have made a lot of efforts to achieve the target of the terrorist group. They didn’t value that they lived with the people for ages” (FDRE Government Communication Service, 31.10.2021).

Here the FDRE and ENDF are projecting again. The ENDF are the ones that is using artillery and air-strikes against civilian targets. The Tripartite Alliance have done atrocities and crimes against humanity. Secondly, the ENDF and their allies have killed innocent civilians, because of who they are and what ethnic background they have. Therefore, the FDRE have now to claim this was done by the TPLF and the TDF, which it cannot prove. This is disinformation and disgraceful, because we know what the Tripartite Alliance did. They are claiming the TDF did the destruction and such, when the state have started to besiege these areas too. Where they are getting the same treatment, as the Tigray region with no basic necessitates and utilities.

Next up is this:

The government is asking for the last time that the institutions and individuals who are spreading false information on social media and other methods and that are the purpose of the terrorist group should be saved from this. He will take legal action in the next way. The military is making the necessary sacrifices by organizing and strengthening itself. The government calls for the people to fight together as part of the army and bury the herd” (FDRE Government Communication Service, 31.10.2021).

Here the FDRE is asking yet again the people to take up arms and join into the conflict. We know this drill and the FDRE has done this for months. The Amhara region has trained their civil servants and others to prepare for the war. Therefore, this message is a continuation of this. It is not shocking or surprising, but what can untrained civilians do to a advancing troops?

The people are just supposed to continue to sacrifice itself in the warfare made by big-men who underestimated the TDF. The TDF haven’t used the tactics of weaponized starvation or a man-made famine. Therefore, the FDRE is terrorising the innocent civilians of the Tigray region and the surrounding areas, which has taken over by the TDF.

In their message, they have “wise” words to the International Community:

The international community also calls on the government to stand with the people of Amhara and Afar region by condemning the invasion by TPLF terrorist group. The international community should understand the efforts the Ethiopian government is making to save the country from disintegration. Even today, the whole community should support our defense force and the whole security structure that is being carried out carefully by paying sacrifices for the country” (FDRE Government Communication Service, 31.10.2021).

Yes, the TDF did invade and went outside of its regional state. Just like the Tripartite Alliance and their armies did as well when they invaded the Tigray region. The international community is supposed to support this “warfare” and continued conflict. The FDRE is saying the TPLF/TDF is disintegration of the Republic. While the ENDF and it’s allies has targeted and used the ethnic conflict to target all of one kind. Therefore, the ones who is disintegrating the Republic has been the Federal Government. While the IC is also supposed to standby the patriotic fight of the ENDF.

The message ends with:
“The community that is giving a strong response to the call for a nation-wide attack should continue to strengthen the support shown by both human power and bravery. There is no freedom without sacrifice!” (FDRE Government Communication Service, 31.10.2021).

The FDRE and ENDF have targeted one group, one ethnicity and everyone who just happens to be that. The Federal Government and their allies went after one political group, but targeted everyone in their way. The FDRE calls it’s a nation-wide attack. While we are supposed to forget the ENDF and allies was prepared before the Northern Command was attacked. The ENDF and allies … was encircling the Tigray region with mechanical brigades and such ahead of it.

The FDRE and ENDF has failed their enterprise and they have to call it all a sacrifice. The FDRE has wasted an ample opportunity to elevate the Republic. Instead the government squandered the opportunities and went to war. A war they are looking like loosing at the very moment. That is why they are asking, yet again for the sacrifice of the people. Peace.

Ethiopia: The TDF is advancing in Amhara region

Tigray forces have taken control of the town of Kombolcha in blow to Ethiopia PM Abiy Ahmed’s government after weeks of fighting and have brought a fuel dump and an airport in the strategic city under their control – with pictures” (Somali Guardian, 31.10.2021).

Tigray Defence Forces has not only captured Kombolcha today, but they captured Dessie yesterday. This was the area of the ‘final’ offensive from the Tripartite Alliance. The Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) must be weakened to it’s core. The TDF must have mustered all skills and tactical manoeuvres.

The ENDF Air-Force has since mid-October been having steady air-strikes over Mekelle and also outskirts of the capital of Tigray region. While continuing the blockade and siege of it. Therefore, not allowing the needed humanitarian aid and basic necessitates to enter. The man-made famine and weaponized starvation in the region. Therefore, the state have not only gone after their enemies, but taken everyone involved into it as well.

We can expect more of this, as the state have already arrested Tigrayans with a vengeance. There been closure of shops and businesses who was owned by this ethnic group. The hate-speech has been on the rise, as an effort to “win the war”. That says a lot about the methods and the means to an end.

This here shows how the TDF was able to use guerrilla tactics and smaller-arms against an full artillery brigades. The TDF has crushed the Tripartite Alliance, which is a feat. The ENDF has lost the ‘final’ offensive and the briefly trained soldiers wasn’t capable to beat the TDF. Secondly, the ENDF was run by old-school generals and the former Tigrayan Generals was either arrested or deposed off. Therefore, the state took a bad bet there.

We don’t what is happening next. This “Operation Law Enforcement” was supposed to end quickly after a brief offensive in November 2020. Alas, the ENDF and the government underestimated the opponent and their ways handling the war. If they had the control which they showed in the early days. Than they wouldn’t have acted like their doing right now. The ENDF and the allies have clearly not planned for this. The TDF has outsmarted them on the front-lines and damaged their brigades. Therefore, they have for months weaken their manpower and ability to “win the war”. Peace.

Opinion: I want whatever Ned Price is smoking

The United States is gravely concerned by the expansion of combat in northern Ethiopia. We reiterate our call for the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) to withdraw from the Amhara and Afar regions, including halting its advances in and around the cities of Dessie and Kombolcha. We urge the TPLF not to use artillery against cities and recall our strong objections to the ENDF airstrikes in Mekelle and other areas of Tigray which have cost countless lives. There is no military solution to this conflict, and all parties must begin ceasefire negotiations without preconditions” (U.S. State Department Spokesperson Ned Price – ‘Expansion of Combat Operation in Northern Ethiopia’ 30.10.2021).

The United States have to condemn and set the record straight. That is what happened here… but with doing so. They are stopping the ones and saying the ones who are fighting for survival to drop their weapons. The U.S. is telling the army and allies who is fighting against “génocidaires” and the ethnic cleansing in their home region of the Tigrayan region. Alas, it is justified war, as children, families and everyone there is touched by the siege, blockage and lack of humanitarian assistance. The man-made famine and weaponized starvation in the midst of air-strikes should say everything about their cause.

Now, Ned Price and the U.S. State Department says: “slow down and take it easy. It is time to talk now and let bygones be bygones”. Well, I hate to say it too you. But shouldn’t the same be said to the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) and the whole Tripartite Alliance as well? Alas, they have used means of which could be deemed as crimes against humanity. These forces has destroyed heritage sites, raped woman, burned villages, destroyed factories, schools and hospitals. The Tripartite Alliance has been behind countless of massacres and at that point. The U.S. state didn’t say these words or in such a manner.

The Tigray Defence Force is just supposed to follow the words of T.I.:

No more stray now I’m straight,

Now I get it now I take time to think before I make mistakes just for my

family sake,

That part of me left yesterday

The heart of me is strong today,

No regrets I’m blessed to say the old me dead and gone away” – T.I. on ‘Dead and Gone’ (2008).

To be straight myself. The ending of the U.S. Statement is a joke, as they target the TDF who has respected the “Prisoners of War” in this warfare. While the ENDF and the authorities has extra judicially killed them. That is the vast difference. The authorities have detained and arrested civilians for being an ethnic group and it just happens to be Tigrayan.

That’s why it’s weird Ned Price had to write this: “We reiterate our call for all parties to protect civilians and end human rights abuses and violations of international humanitarian law. Those responsible for such abuses and violations must be held accountable” (U.S. State Department Spokesperson Ned Price – ‘Expansion of Combat Operation in Northern Ethiopia’ 30.10.2021).

This is implying that the TDF and such also have to follow these standards. By what has been reported during this war. The TDF haven’t been an achiever in this manner. No, it is the Tripartite Alliance and the ENDF who has targeted civilians and used all means to win the war. Therefore, this statement could have been uttered directly towards them. This is really trying to implicate the TDF and its allies as they are advancing.

We know the Ethiopian state and authorities have projected their crimes upon its enemy. That has been done since day one of the conflict and the recent days isn’t anything new. It is only the naive who believes all of this. Yes, there is no innocent party in a war. Yes, there are devastation and destruction during wars. However, the strongest party and the ones with the resources are the ENDF and it’s allies. They can air-strike and use drones, which hits civilian targets and other public areas killing innocent civilians. While the state can later claim it’s an “arms factory” or “terrorist location”. Nevertheless, the dead cannot speak and secondly, the proofs isn’t validated by the claims of the state. This is why you have to take that with a little bit of scepticism.

So, if the U.S. State Department wants to be sincere. They should look into the facts of the matter. The State Department is crying wolf as the TDF is advancing. The TDF have had no other choice, as the Abiy government wouldn’t have helped the Tigray Region if they stayed on the borders of the region. No, he would have starved them… just like he does now. It would have been no difference. Abiy and allies have blocked the Tigray region for a long time before the November 2020. This shouldn’t be forgotten and it planned ahead of the attack on the Northern Command too. So, the U.S. Department of State should take some more information into consideration.

Yes, the TDF going into the Afar and Amhara region was a needed enterprise. They did it because the Tripartite Alliance gave the TDF no other choice. Why should the TDF just stay put after the Tripartite Alliance have violated their region for months? Because for the state, the war was fine and a smooth operation when they did their crimes in Tigray region. However, now people are crying wolf when the TDF has entered the others. Why shouldn’t they? Instead of just being defence, why not go offence?

So, this crying wolf will do no good and will not create peace. It is just like the U.S. State Department didn’t see how the Tripartite Alliance did their “fake ceasefire” when they were forced to withdraw from parts of the Tigray Region in June 2021. Therefore, if the U.S. State Department is sincere… they should remember that as well. However, that is too much to ask apparently. Peace.

Ethiopia: Statement from Tigray National Political Parties Forum [Salsay Weyane Tigray (SaWeT), National Congress of Great Tigray (Baytona) and Tigray Independence Party (TIP)] – A Comprehensive Peace Proposal for the Resolution of the Ethio-Tigray War (28.10.2021)

Opinion: Debretsion Gebremichael is preparing for a transition…

The future political path of the country will be decided in deliberative stage in which all concerned will participate. After considering options, we will play our share in implementing the best alternative. We believe the transition will be orderly with a collectively reached agreement. The details will be revealed during deliberations and in process. It is a decision time. Everyone should play their share” – Dr. Debretsion Gebremichael (Video Message, 27.10.2021).

We know that the Tigray region is being besieged. The Tripartite Alliance have targeted and closed the borders into the region. The Ethiopian National Defence Force Air-Force have been delivering air-strikes for days now in both Mekelle and elsewhere too.

The state and it’s allies have created a man-made famine, open starvation and blocked humanitarian aid to get in. The state has stopped the basic necessities and it is endangering civilians. This has been done deliberate for months … and the the areas surrounding the Tigray region is getting similar treatment too now. So, the state is punishing everyone, because one party decided not to become a part of the Prosperity Party and stay as one unit.

The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) President Debretsion Gebremichael is delivering this statement and message close to the one year mark of the civil-war. The Tigray Defence Force has entered Afar region and the Amhara region. While parts of the Tigray region is still under control of the Tripartite Alliance. They are using their force there. Alas, the warfare is far from over. The wars are happening on the front-lines outside Tigray now.

The ENDF and it’s allies has started another big push and ‘final’ offensive against it in Mid-October. Alas, this doesn’t seem to stop the TDF or their allies. They have been able to keep the front-line and even being able to operate in the nearby areas of where they had entered in the past. Therefore, the ENDF and Tripartite Alliance haven’t won or crushed the TDF, even when they have had this offensive for about 2 weeks with little to no results.

That’s maybe why the TPLF President says these things now. To prove a point and from a point of strength. As his armies and allies are not weakening, but able to achieve results in the midsts of horrific hardships. The state and it’s allies is unforgiving and easily uses the air-force and authorities to get advantages. Nevertheless, the risks are still high.

Debretsion Gebremichael is really thinking ahead here. As the TDF and others has joined forces with him. The TDF/OLA isn’t the only one, but several of other liberation armies/militias has joined this effort. It is not like his alone and on an island. No, he has allies, just like the state does have as well. Though, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali risk of issuing this war has backfired. Instead of saving his reputation and getting a quick victory, which he promised last year. He has instead gotten a prolonged war where his only losing slow.

Prime Minister Abiy must be furious that the clip went online and become the talk of the town. Because, that stops the impression of his power and abilities in office. Since Debretsion shows his influence and his reach. That’s why his message is being dismissed and his location being mocked. The state apparatus is even trying to claim his place of footage is from a United Nations container. Just the continued vilification of the humanitarian assistance, which the state wants to block by any means. There is no stop … in doing that and this was another instance of that.

That he speaks of a transition of power is an early step. Some might say it is hubris, but the TDF and his party has survived a brutal beating. The same has the whole population of the Tigray region for months. So, that’s maybe why to sell a little bit of hope. As the stagnation, but ability to hold areas outside the region proves what they willing to do. We don’t know how much strength and manpower the TDF has in comparison to the Tripartite Alliance. Alas, it is only with time we will see what the TDF is able to do. As well, as all their allies as well. The Tripartite Alliance haven’t proven their supremacy and greatness since they fled Mekelle in June 2021. Therefore, he feels superior and that they can move forward yet again.

This war is slow process, but have huge ramifications. That is shown both in Mekelle and in Addis Ababa. As the PM and his government isn’t as sought after or respected as it used to be. The state finances and costly war is becoming a huge problem for Abiy. Not only the loss of equipments, ammunition and prisoners of war. The state itself has lost reputation and the IMF cannot even state the future of the Republic either. That is warning of how dire things has become and the state would never foreseen this when they issued the “Operation Law Enforcement” in November 2020. Now, the time is up…

Debretsion Gebremichael message can either be seen as hubris or as a warning shot. It is hard to speculate what the outcome will be. Whatever it is… the war is issued and prolonged. It doesn’t seem to stop and we can just be in sorrow of how many innocent lives that is taken in this spoils of war. Peace.

Ethiopia: Oromia Liberation Front/Army (OLF-OLA) – High Command – Self-Defense is a Natural Right! (27.10.2021)

(OLF-OLA High Command Press Release)

Through its successive operations over the past months, the OLA has begun to successfully reverse the Prosperity Party led genocidal campaign on the Oromo people and free a large swath of territory in Oromia from suppression. Other wars taking place in Ethiopia have their roots in the dictatorial mishandlings and inta-power struggle within the now defunct EPRDF camp. As different factions wage war to occupy and/or cling onto power through the barrel of the gun, our people have been caught in the crossfire and are paying the ultimate price.

Specifically, our people in Wollo have been living through this brutal civil war for three reasons. First, there are some who have fallen prey to Prosperity Party (PP) propaganda campaign that paints Tigrayans fighters as a foe. Second, extreme Amhara nationalists of the Gondar and Gojjam shade have been pushing the war in the Amhara region from Gondar to Wollo, and finally, whatever the source of the war, our people were forced to engage as they do not have a government that can protect their safety and security in the midst of a civil war being fought in their neighborhoods.

OLF-OLA would like to reiterate again that the genocidal Prosperity Party army and its allies including the Amhara Special Forces, Militia and Fano should not get any form of support from our people in Wollo. Assisting these forces will be forgetting the recent ethnic cleansing in Shewa Robit, and the ongoing PP campaigns in Wollega, Guji, Borena, Matakat, Gindeberet, Wollo and many other places across the country.

Our people in Wollo have the natural right to defend themselves against any incursion that comes on their turf. To mitigate the effects of this civil war, our people should organize, arm and defend themselves. Popular self-defense is part and parcel of the Oromo struggle for freedom and national self-determination. Therefore:

  1. We urge some members of our community who have fallen prey to PP propaganda to dissociate themselves from a ‘government’ whose days in power are numbered;
  2. We would like to remind our people, friends of our struggle and the international community that the PP-led government of the Ethiopia bears the ultimate responsibility for the crimes committed in this conflict against our people in Wollo;
  3. We call upon our people in Wollo to continue to join your own OLF-OLA and the Wollo branch of OLA to emancipate yourself from living as a second class citizen inside the Amhara region;
  4. We call upon soldiers and decent commanders within the PP army to stop fighting for a war with no cause other than keeping one man in power. At the very least, we ask you spare your own lives by leaving the army of a ‘government’ on the brink of collapse;
  5. We call up on the international community to support our struggle for freedom and self-determination, and for the stability of the country and the region;
  6. Dictators divide and rule oppressed peoples. We call upon all oppressed communities to be cognizant of Abiy’s divide and rule tactics, and to stand in unison with your brothers in arms;
  7. We would like to remind everyone that the solution to the political malaise rocking Ethiopia lies in true recognition of the peoples’ demand for self-determination, and not through keeping an individual or a group in power;
  8. The only mechanism to extricate the people of the country from civil war is by creating a platform of democratic self-governance in which respect for the rights of an individual, and peoples can be simultaneously and sustainably ensured;
  9. In the absence of any semblance of a government that can protect the safety and security of the people—a prevailing condition almost everywhere in of today’s Ethiopia—the people will have the natural right to organize and defend themselves.

Victory to Oromo People!
OLF-OLA High Command
October 27, 2021

Ethiopia: Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) – Only Honest, Genuine, and All-inclusive National Dialogue Can Solve the Country’s Political Crisis (25.10.2021)

Only Honest, Genuine, and All-Inclusive National Dialogue Can Solve the Country’s Political Crisis

A statement from the Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) In response to the latest call for national dialogue by Ethiopia’s ruling party

It is to be recalled that in the last three years and beyond, the Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) has been repeatedly calling for a meaningful national dialogue to help resolve Ethiopia’s deep rooted and ever worsening political crisis. For instance, upon the ascendance of Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed to power, OFC pleaded with him to convene a national dialogue forum where the country’s outstanding political issues to be negotiated and a common road map to be charted so as to ensure a successful democratic transition.

Since then, at every opportunity during the meetings in person or media appearances, OFC’s leadership have been making an impassioned appeal for dialogue and negotiation to save the fragile transition and the country from descending into further chaos. Unfortunately, our pleading fell on deaf ears. When the 2020 election was postponed, OFC called upon the government and other stake holders to seize the opportunity to build a national consensus towards facilitating environment for a credible election. In connection with this, we prepared and submitted a detailed proposal as part of MEDREK. Sadly, instead of listening to our call, the ruling party responded by cracking down on our party, closing down our offices and imprisoning our leaders.

When the country’s worsening political crises led to the breaking out of war in Tigray, OFC once again called upon the warring parties to end hostilities and sit down for a negotiated settlement of the dispute. However, the ruling party and its supporters responded with adverse media campaign aimed at ostracizing and intimidation of our party.

Furthermore, when the government announced to hold election, OFC warned that the country’s situation is not conducive to conduct a free, fair, and credible election. Strongly advised holding a meaningful national dialogue should come first. Once again, the government ignored our plea and went ahead with its sham election that excluded major political parties including OFC and disenfranchised large portion of the electorate. Consequently, the election brought neither legitimacy nor stability as the ruling party hoped to achieve.

Just recently, at the conclusion of the 2021 election that failed to deliver both durable peace and democratic governance for the country, OFC made its position to the ruling party in a form of a press release titled “An election that is not fair and not inclusive cannot deliver democracy”, and once again called for an all-inclusive national dialogue that can lead to an all-inclusive transitional arrangement that can have a mandate to chart a common roadmap that can in turn lead to a stable an all-inclusive government.

Lately, the ruling party has begun talking about the importance of a national dialogue, which many have dismissed as ‘too little too late’. But we say better late than never and strongly advice that it should be honestly and genuinely conducted. At this stage for national dialogue to bring Ethiopia back from the brinks, it needs to fulfill the following conditions.

1. At this time in point wars commenced to settle law and order in the country came to threaten the overall existence of the country, should be stopped and warring parties sit and convey an all-inclusive national dialogue.

2. The national dialogue needs to be convened by an impartial and credible external body acceptable to all parties, recognized and supported by the international community. Here, it also must be noted that given the present political situation of the country, perceived, it is difficult to find a credible domestic entity that is impartial and acceptable to all parties.

3. The national dialogue should be truly inclusive of all political blocks including the opposition armed groups, if it is meant to meaningfully address the issue of peace – the country’s most urgent need. To enable representation of all groups, legal and security hurdles must be removed.

4. All imprisoned political prisoners must also be released and allowed to take part in the process.

In summary, it is OFC’s assessment that trust deficit among elites is one of the major contributors to the current crisis and a non-inclusive gathering in the name of national dialogue convened by partisan entities could only serve to further erode trust making the ability to solve conflict through dialogue impossible even in the future.

Therefore, although OFC had been at the forefront of calling for a genuine national dialogue, unless the process meets these minimal standards, ones again, we strongly feel this half-hearted process would make our participation meaningless and the whole exercise futile. OFC cordially calls for all Ethiopians and the international communities support our effort.

Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC)
Addis Ababa: 25 October 2021

Ethiopia: Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Putting the record straight on UN aid planes and airstrike in Mekelle (23.10.2021)

Ethiopia: Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) – Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffths statement on Ethiopia (22.10.2021)

Ethiopia: Tigray External Affairs Office – Press Statement on the Air Strikes on the people of Tigray & UNHAS Flight (23.10.2021)