Ethiopia: Eskinder Nega calls for a continued war in Tigray

In the first press conference since his release from prison. Party Leader of Balderas Eskinder Nega has called for total extermination of Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and continue the warfare in Tigray region.

He has dismissed the forced stopping of advances of the Tripartite Alliance in Tigray region. As well, as the Ethiopian National Defence Force (ENDF) not moving forward from Alamata. Therefore, the Balderas party head is closer aligned with NaMA, than others within the political sphere.

We know the ENDF have continued to use drones in the Tigray region, as they have not moved troops or mechanical units further into the region. In Western Tigray the Amhara Para-Military Group “Fano” has continued it’s rampage and campaigns with Eritrean Defence Forces (EDF). These has not slowed down. Therefore, the Balderas party leader is calling for extermination of the TPLF and total war in Tigray. That’s his mission and this is why his displeased with the recent actions, which ironically lead to his release from prison as well.

It is clear that Nega is aligned with NaMA and Ezema at this point. They are ready and want to fiercely get rid of their mortal enemy. These parties doesn’t want the war to end and real talks to happen. They are already mentally ready to annihilate and use all force to silence them. That’s the sort of drive they have and it’s very obvious.

Eskinder Nega have been a political prisoner, but shows that Balderas could just have been a distant cousin of NaMA or former Amhara Democratic Party (ADP). Nega wants war and this is his cry for it. As he haven’t seen it or been part of it. He has been behind bars and have only heard reports, if even that.

It shows that his a warmonger and a possible war-lord himself. As he calls to quit the ceasefire and stopping of direct combat between the Tigray Defence Force and the ENDF. He wants total war and a final end of the TPLF leadership as well. That’s his mission and his truth.

It shows that it isn’t only a sentiment in the fascists of Amhara, but also elsewhere where the hatred and the mentality to destroy is alive. As the Balderas and Nega wants it too. He wants more bloodshed, more suffering and continue the plights of the Tigrayan people. Instead of trying to find common means to an end. He wants to wage war and end his enemies.

That the sort of leader Nega is and it shows. Balderas and NaMA should just forge an politicial union. They have the same ideals and it’s evident by now. It’s disgraceful that this is the first message Eskinder Nega delivers to the public. However, it just shows his heart or lack of thereof, as his only interested at furthering his own gains by the possible sacrifices of others. Peace.

Ethiopia: Oromo Legacy Leadership and Advocacy Association (OLLAA) – Statement by OLLAA on Reaction of Various Parties to the Release of Political Prisoners (11.01.2022)

Ethiopia: Federal Supreme Court – Charges Withdrawn by the Public Prosecutor on January 6th, 2022 (10.01.2022)

Ethiopia: Oromo Federalist Congress (OFC) – Statement from OFC leaders upon their release from wrongful imprisonment (11.01.2022)

Ethiopia: Oromo Community of Minnesota – Oromo Community of Minnesota Statement on the Release of Oromo Political Prisoners (09.01.2022)

Ethiopia: International Oromo Laywers Association (IOLA) – International Oromo Lawyers Association’s Statement on the Release of Political Prisoners (09.01.2022)

Ethiopia: Tigray External Affairs Office – Press Statement on Airstrikes on Internally Displaced Person (IDPs) Camp (09.01.2022)

Ethiopia: Congress for Somali Caucus – Press Statement on Worsening Drought in Somali Region (09.01.2022)

Ethiopia: Ezema disowns the PM’s pardoning of some political prisoners

The effects of the Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali is clearly backfiring in some circles. As the Vision Ethiopia Press Release dismissed him and hit back at him. That is the ones representing many of his Amhara region allies. Today, the Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice (Ezema) dropped a statement and it’s obvious what they feel about the release of Oromo leaders and other political prisoners who has been behind bars for about 18 months or longer.

So, it is interesting what is said here. I have used two types of translation of the statement and changed the ones to make sense. So, it is badly translated, but better with a little translation from Amharic than nothing. The message is still very clear.

To ensure the coexistence of Ethiopians, it is important to bring together the areas of our country that are the first victims of this war and to make national peace. However, the people around the area are carrying fresh corpses, the bloodshed, the raped mothers, sisters and children have not recovered from their suffering and displaced people are not returned to their homes, suspected of crimes and war. It is a very sad and painful truth to drop charges and pardon people under the shadow of the law. The government should not only refrain from this action but also apologize publicly” (Ezema, 09.01.2022).

Here Ezema is blaming the political prisoners for all of the crimes, violence and extra judicial killings. They are also pinning the Prime Minister here, which is very evident. The party is blaming the ones who comes from prison who was political prisoners of conscience. That is so outrageous, as it is damning them and still pursuit of their cases. While the state didn’t make a due process or sentence them. They kept them in prison and charged them, but never properly produced or conducted cases. These political leaders was behind bars for the simple reason of being dissident and in opposition of the current regime. That has been clear from the start.

As Ezema continues:

Dear Ethiopians gathered under your mother’s flag, we must never forget that you are not discouraged by your mother. From strengthening your country; Do not hold back from supporting the victims. We are in a dilemma because of various wrong political decisions. Despite the relentless suffering of our poor people, decisions that will prolong the suffering will be made here and there. The struggle is bitter and the journey is exhausting. After all of this we need to get out of this mess, we need to make radical changes. On the one hand, we call on all parties to be vigilant and correct their erroneous decisions, and on the other hand, we call on all parties to do their part so that the process of national consultation is not diverted by a few forces and does not lead to political turmoil. With less sacrifice, we can achieve a huge victory and keep our eyes on the ball” (Ezema, 09.01.2022).

It is really striking that the Ezema is going all out here. Saying the ones freed will cause more harm and be a decision for the government. They are saying this is spiteful to the ones suffering and the ones who has become victims of the current state. That is really the message and these aren’t opposition leaders, but arch-criminals and dangers to society. This is the only message I am getting out of this.

What is not to forget, not long ago of Ezema was the illegal party of Ginbot 7, was seen as a militia and a terrorist group before allowed return in 2018. Now years later, the same party and members are saying others are causing harm and destruction. That is really showing how quickly things changes in power and with influence. As Ezema is with the table of the Prime Minister and been an ally in war.

Now, they are displeased and unhappy with the recent events, which is surprising and shocking. Ezema has been an ally of the Prime Minister. Just like all the Amhara counterparts and Eritrean supporters of the war as well. These are now unhappy and showing their disdain.

This sort of text only shows how far things have come and Nega shouldn’t sleep to well at night. As things turns fast. The PP and PM has shown force before and suddenly relieved people of power. That can easily come his way too. This is why these sorts of statement, which undermines the Prime Minister and his policies. Will not help him in the long run, unless he thinks he can sway the PM and change his ways. Peace.

Ethiopia: Vision Ethiopia – Statement on the Amnesty Granted to Terrorist and Extremist Leaders by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed of Ethiopia (07.01.2022)