Opinion: Abiy can go back to 1992 for a favourable agreement on the usage of the Assab or Massawa ports…

The Government signed a ports and transit services agreement with the State of Eritrea on 20 January 1992. According to the agreement, the ports of Assab and Massawa in Eritrea shall serve Ethiopia as transit ports for surface transport of goods originating from and destined for Ethiopia. It was provided in the agreement that the contracting parties shall endeavour to take all measures necessary for the expeditious movement of traffic and to avoid unnecessary transit delays of goods passing through their respective territories. The parties have agreed to simplify and harmonize transport and transit documents and procedures to facilitate the smooth flow of goods in transit. Similar agreements were signed for the road, air and communication services between the two countries” (…) “For years, Ethiopia’s foreign trade enjoyed constant access to the sea and foreign markets mainly through theports of Assab, Massawa, and Djibouti. The port of Assab, which has seven general cargo berths and well equipped handling facilities, alone handled over 75 percent of the country’s sea-borne dry cargo trade that flows via the Red Sea Corridor while Massawa and Djibouti shared the rest. Coffee, the main Ethiopian export, was mostly shipped via Assab, enjoying the preferential tariff and other advantages the port used to offer. The nation’s crude oil import is shipped in via this port and the products are distributed from there to the hinterlands by road after refinement. Petroleum products needed for use in the Eastern Regions of Ethiopia are trans-shipped through the port of Djibouti” (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development – Transit transport system in Ethiopia, 06.02.1995).

As the warning lights are going off and the Horn of Africa might seem more conflict. The warlord of Addis Ababa is never finished. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali who aren’t finished with the internal conflict in Amhara. Is trying to settle grievances in Tigray and has problematic affairs elsewhere in the Republic. That man is trying to forge another narrative and make reasons for an invasion.

An invasion of Eritrea, either for the bounds of owning ports or “Afar Unity”. Suddenly he cares about the people of Afar. The people he didn’t mind or work hard to defend when the internal war was going on in the Tigray region. That time it was the front-lines and several of zones was damaged in the Afar region. A region that was hit hard and also suffered as a consequence of the war in Tigray. They also fought and stood tall in the midst of adversity. However, now after the conflict, he suddenly cares about them and want their loyalty.

Yet, it is all for the megalomania of Abiy. He wants the prestige and greatness. No matter what agreement or favourable tariffs. That doesn’t really matter. He wants to be crowned king and be the greatest ruler. Even if he rules over dust after burning down the whole empire. He don’t mind death and massacres. Not as long as his the King and they are his peasants. That’s all that counts in the grand scheme of things.

Abiy will use Massawa and Assab as reasons for conquest. Even if it is re-starting an old conflict with Eritrea. The ownership question isn’t really that important, but he will fight over it. Just so he can be sovereign and be supreme. He will order soldiers and hope for allies to tag along. Because, he need troops and need mechanical divisions to create enough fronts to have an advantage. While he still fights in Amhara region and never been able to stagnate or silence the Oromo Liberation Army. Therefore, Abiy is going overboard and over reaching. He doesn’t have the capacity, but he don’t mind.

Abiy wants the glory and the tales that he “built” and “annexed” a Great Ethiopia. In that picture he needs a palace and access to the Red Sea. For him it doesn’t matter at what cost or consequences. No, that is just results of his orders. There are other people who will pay the price of their lives and livelihood. As long as he can stand by the waterfront and proclaim the divine power or ownership of it.

While a stranger and a random bloke would be happy for the agreements made in the past. Which favours the Ethiopian exports or imports through these ports. We know the FDRE has made agreements with Djibouti and used that as main ports for years now. However, Abiy wants to change that and have total control of it. Not just being a silent partner and a trading partner. He wants a say… even when Eritrea has allowed and accepted great terms. As this is beneficial for both nations. Peace.

Ethiopia: FDRE Government Communication Service – Statement of the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia Regarding the first anniversary of the signing of hte “Agreement For Lasting Peace through a Permanent Cessation of Hostilities” (06.11.2023)

Ethiopia: Global Society of Tigray Scholars and Professionals (GSTS) – Condemning Continued Ongoing Misrepresentation and Disinformation on Human Rights Situation in Tigray by the EHRC (04.11.2023)

Eritrea: #RevealTheirNames – Supporting Bereaved Eritrean Families: Revealing the Names of Fallen Eritrean Soldiers (02.11.2023)

Ethiopia: Joint Statement by the Embassies and Mission of Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Japan, The Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Sweden and The United Kingdom – On the One Year Anniversary of the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (02.11.2023)

Ethiopia: Tigray’s own “The Nuclear Boy” aka Mehari Yohannes reported to be in Exile…

“Those who keep asking ‘how we survive as a Republic Tigray without port, like any land-locked states, we have options to buy port service from those who own it. But if they refused to let us, well, we will see about that .…” – Mehari Yohannes, Tigray Independent Movement (15.05.2020).

It has now been reported that the political leader, the founder and the chairman of Tigray Independence Party (TIP), Mehari Yohannes is now living in exile. The reports that is online is that his currently living in India. However, nothing has been said for certainty. Though some sources say his there for “furthering education”. The reports said he left Tigray region because of the political and security challenges that it faces. Meaning he feared for his own life and livelihood.

Mehari Yohannes has been a maverick in the political spectrum. Though very little can be said about his achievements or his concrete policies. Some said his a “fortune teller” and a man who could read the “grapevine”. Regardless if that is true or not. His party haven’t achieved that much and need support together with other parties to make significant headlines.

We can with certain say that after the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement there haven’t been genuine peace and neither strides for change. The current Interim Regional Administration (IRA) have little powers and uses it stifle dissidents. Therefore, TIP and other Opposition Parties haven’t been allowed to demonstrate or protest the failure of rebuilding after the Tigray conflict. Neither has all the parties of invasion left territories or allowed things to return to normalcy. Meaning the region is hit with starvation, lack of resources and it’s basic needs after the conflict.

With that in mind, it isn’t strange that “the Nuclear Boy” left the scene. He went into safety and found a safe-haven. Where he can now spew his rhetoric and ideas over YouTube or anywhere else online. Meanwhile he don’t have to worry about getting touched or detained for his political stances.

A man whose always “Tigray First” and puts that ahead of everything else. A political leader that certainly has a following, but how big is uncertain. Not like there is level playing field or the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) have opened up the gates. Therefore, it is hard to know how popular someone really are and how big the party really is.

Alas, what we do know… is that him together with his alliances in Baytona and Salsay Weyane has been helpful. It has also made him more prominent and a voice to be reckon with.

We can just wonder how long he can sustain himself in exile and what sorts of funding that will keep him there. As a politician and a leader of a party. It cannot be easy living thousands of miles away. Especially, when the “Tigray First” and the battle for “Independence” is far away.

He who is one who has fought against and wanted the TPLF out of power for so long. While only accepting it, as long as the Tigray had more power within the EPRDF. Now that is gone… he and others hoped it was their turn.

However, the TPLF isn’t giving way and won’t go away that easily. They haven’t had power and been political savvy for decades without a reason. That’s why TIP has to be smarter and it could be costly to run away. Regardless of that, his safety does matter and so does it for everyone else.

He was lucky that he was able to flee. Other couldn’t or have no option to do so. That means he has some privilege. Which we can wonder where he got that from. Peace.

Ethiopia: Enat Party, All Ethiopian Unity Party (AEUP), Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Party (EPRP), Amhara Ghinoians Movement and One Ethiopia Democratic Party – Jointly calls out for help amidst famine and starvation in the Nation…

The rulers of today should have learned from the past. The Ethiopian people are in trouble, famine and problems by rulers who don’t care about the problems, hunger and poverty. In the past few years, especially in Somali and Oromia due to the drought caused by many of our people have died of hunger and problems. Our farmers have died of cattle. The Ethiopian people didn’t want to feel the damage the drought caused to our country’s “road to prosperity” or it is considered to be one of the ways to reduce the population. Today, in the war that happened in the northern part of our country, the power of the manufacturers is waging war, wasting poison and harvesting seasons for years in war, loss of peace, on the instructions of the veterans, slaughtering of oxen and eating, burning of grain fields, … Tigray, Amhara region, Afar, … Underestimate them, he has made the people weak. How can you produce in a place where there is no peace even if there is no drought? The people of Tigray and Amhara are starving because of the ongoing war and drought in Amhara region. A large number of our people have died because of hunger and are dying” (Enat Party, All Ethiopian Unity Party (AEUP), Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Party (EPRP), Amhara Ghinoians Movement and One Ethiopia Democratic Party, 13.10.2023).

The opposition parties are now calling alarm and the ones caring for Ethiopia should be worried. Because, we know that Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali is against “wheat aid” and everyone associated with it. It is destroying his narratives and rise of “prosperity”. While the truth is more grim and dark.

The constant conflicts and internal bickering haven’t created a positive atmosphere. He has planted some trees, but also spread violence across the board. Nearly every region has been hit by his massive plunder, blistering arrogance and usage of force. Nothing has been left untouched and that’s why the opposition are writing these words in 2023.

These words needs to be amplified, because it’s a stern warning and people’s lives at stake. They are dying of hunger, while the PM is busy exporting wheat. That’s the great tragedy here and it’s just like in the Soviets time. When the leader talked of great harvest, but let millions starve in parts of the Soviet Union. The same story repeats itself here, but in Ethiopia instead.

Just continue to read…

Continuous rulers of our country don’t learn from the past and present rulers that “a drum is beautiful when they see it, and disturbing when they hold it” because they repeat the mistakes and crimes of the past rulers, we have reached a point where we are now being creators for the people to rise against them and to take away their power by force. Today the war, drought, pestilence, displacement, the drought and hunger that occurred in Tigray and Amhara regions is taking away the lives of many of our citizens. This famine happened in the year Ethiopia exported wheat for the first time in history. The government of prosperity has turned its face away from our people in order not to degrade the appearance of a country that is led by prosperity and is working to make it look like nothing happened. Even our people who have not been affected by drought are facing the high cost of living and millions of people are starving” ((AEUP), Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Party (EPRP), Amhara Ghinoians Movement and One Ethiopia Democratic Party, 13.10.2023).

This statement from the opposition parties needs to be heard. Because we know these sorts of tales wouldn’t be told by the regime or the Prosperity Party for that matter. It just needed to be shared, as the consequences are so dire. The problems surrounding the government and all the turmoil it is facing. Amidst the drought, famine and starvation the nation is currently in. that is all a consequence of the warfare and conflicts. This all comes to a head now. The voices of the opposition needs to be heard, as they speak of things the Republic doesn’t want to say. That’s why I use my platform to amplify it, because it needs to be told.

This draught, famine and starvation needs to be told. Lives is at stake and the world needs to know now. Peace.

Ethiopia: Permanent Mission of Ethiopia to the United Nations – Press Release (11.10.2023)

Ethiopia: Joint Press Release from Salsay Weyane Tigray (SaWeT), National Congress of Great Tigray (Baytona) and Tigray Independence Party (TIP) – Irresponsible Decision of the United Nations Human Rights Council (11.10.2023)

Ethiopia: Shabait is starting to lecture Addis Ababa…

Five years ago, in September and October 2018, the border between Eritrea and Ethiopia reopened after 20 years of hostilities, the people of both countries met in a very happy spirit, economic and commercial activities began to sow life, and transportation routes connecting ports. It was a snowstorm. If the atmosphere had continued like that, what would five years of progress have been like?” (Shabait, 06.10.2023).

Yesterday Shabait, the Ministry of Information published an Editoral called “What would 5 years of progress look like?”. That was so interesting, that I had to dive in. It shows the sentiments that are now in Asmara. We can clearly see the message and the rhetoric which is used. There is a narrative that wants to feaster and we know this from the past too.

Now, the Eritrean government is trying to signal the Ethiopian one. As Shabait continues: “The plot was not hidden. Despite the threat, however, the peace initiative was given priority without apology and compensation for the atrocities committed against the Eritrean people. It was a demonstration of the goodwill of the people and government of Eritrea for peaceful neighborliness and friendship. As part of this initiative, at the opening ceremony of the Omhajer-Humera border, His Excellency President Isayas Afewerki exposed the plot of division and said, “Why are you preparing for war? You don’t need war.” He advised the TPLF leaders to be aware of the conspiracies of the hegemonic forces and to be wise” (Shabait, 06.10.2023).

We are seeing a familiar means to an end. They continuation of vilifying Tigray and the TPLF. That has been done endlessly and the Shabait has blamed the conflict on Tigray. It has been the mission all along and justify the invasion the region from the Tripartite Alliance. Therefore, this Editorial was no different. What is more striking here is how Ethiopia should be gleeful over the secretive agreement made between Abiy and Afwerki. As the public and the world doesn’t know the details of it. Therefore, it is a bit far fetched to praised and acknowledged completely when you haven’t shed a light on the arrangements between Asmara and Addis Ababa. This is why there are speculations of a war-pact and not a peace-deal per say. Because, later Eritrea wasn’t only willing, but has been a key ally in the war in Northern Ethiopia.

I am sure that Prime Minister Abiy won’t take this tone kindly. A man who is a man who swiftly changes faces and allies. He can one minute love-bomb someone and later he can assassinate you. So, Afewerki and allies should know this and take the memo from what is going on in Amhara region, which was one of the allies in the conflict in Tigray. Therefore, the lecturing is telling, but a contrasting one at that.

Shabait continues: “Even after the second invasion was contained, it was decided not to allow federal troops to enter Tigray. A solitary ceasefire was imposed to deliver humanitarian aid. They also used this opportunity to prepare for the third wave instead of peace. After the workers carried enough food, aid, and weapons for the war, a third wave of land grabbing was launched. All these opportunities for peace were arrogantly rejected and the last massacre of the people of Tigray, “If we do not occupy Arat Kilo, we will not enter Asmara”, was banned by a disarmament treaty after weakening hundreds of thousands of youths” (Shabait, 06.10.2023).

We are just seeing the reality here. That’s how Eritrea perceive it and their grievances are clear. They weren’t happy with the Cessation of Hostilities (CoH) and the Pretoria Agreement, which where detrimental to the warfare in Tigray. They needed a prolonged war to end the mortal enemy of Asmara and annihilate the region if possible. Just as a revenge and a means to be superior in the region. That’s what Eritrea partly wanted and their mission wasn’t over. This is why they have continued to station troops and not left annexed territories in Tigray. Even if the CoH or Pretoria Agreement states that it should. Therefore, if Eritrea really wanted peace and wanted non-interference from the TPLF and Interim Regional Administration of Tigray. It would have retreated completely and given back territories to them. However, we know that this haven’t happened yet.

Shabait ends with: “Today, as the Ethiopian people reflect on the cost of this futile wandering, this bitter experience is expected to generate a broad mind that will generate wisdom, strategic thinking to bring about lasting peace and stability. If lessons are learned from the suffering and heavy and unjust losses, they will contribute to peace and growth that will cover up the tragic losses and bitterness” (Shabait, 06.10.2023).

We know Asmara feels betrayed by Addis Ababa. They didn’t do the mission and didn’t finish Tigray off completely before signing the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement. That one ended the war suddenly and the EDF wasn’t prepared for that. This is why the Shabait has lecture the Ethiopian authorities about stability and lasting peace, which is ironic as the Eritrean government is unelected and everyone who stands in their way is gone missing, detained or dead. Therefore, the peace made in Asmara is questionable grounds. That is not where you want to learn to build institutions or democratic values. The regime in Addis Ababa better go elsewhere than seeking advice from advice on these matters. Unless, they want to have for life conscriptions and take away people rights for “slave-labour”. Then we know where they have some wisdom to share.

This Shabait Editorial proves there things in the making. Things are not how it was just a year ago or more. There is tension between Asmara and Addis Ababa. I wouldn’t say that… if the text didn’t say what it says. It is telling and sign of the changing tides of Abiy.

The friendship of Abiy and Afewerki is maybe falling apart too. That’s why, because at this moment… these are two that are running the nations and their actions are the vital ones. Peace.