State of Emergency Fact Check released today the common misrepresentations of Ethiopia’s law enforcement operation in Tigray Regional State. (November 28, 2020)

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Misrepresentation#1: Ethiopia is embroiled in brutal civil war. 

Ethiopia is not embroiled in a brutal civil war; it is undertaking a law enforcement operation that will salvage the nation from descending into a civil war. 

The law enforcement operation has limited, clear and achievable objectives. Its main objective is to bring TPLF criminal clique to justice. As these criminals are armed to the tooth, it was absolutely necessary to deploy the National Defense Force in this law enforcement operation. The operation will come to an end soon. 

Misrepresentation#2: Ethiopian forces have indiscriminately bombed towns in the Tigray region.

The National Defense Force in their rule of engagement have avoided combat in cities and towns of the Tigray region. The forces have rather been cutting through rough terrain to ensure that no destruction and civilian causality ensue during confrontation with the TPLF militia. So far, our defense forces have been successful in providing the maximum protection to civilians. 

Misrepresentation#3: Ethiopian forces are aerially bombarding Mekelle.

The TPLF clique has been continuously fabricating accusations that the Federal Government has carried out aerial attacks in cities and towns as well as civilian locations. The National Defense Force aerial engagement has been precise and targets only TPLF’s military depot, weaponry and arsenals. It has not targeted civilian facilities such as hospitals, schools and residential areas. The force has avoided explosives in populated areas.

Misrepresentation#4: Ethiopia has vowed ‘no mercy’ in its operations in Mekelle city.

The out of context translation of a colonel’s interview has sparked international alarm with unsubstantiated accusations against the Ethiopian Government of ‘war crimes’.

The government has indicated on several occasions that there is no intention of targeting civilians. Following the 72-hour window given to the TPLF clique to surrender peacefully, the federal government indicated that it will proceed to the final phase of the rule of law operations in Mekelle in a strategic manner aimed at isolating and apprehending the clique. 

To the contrary, military intelligence indicates that the TPLF forces have been preparing to undertake severe crimes against humanity in Mekelle city, with the intention of falsely accusing the federal government in their last-ditch attempts for the international community’s undue interference in this law enforcement operation. 

Officials Brief Atlantic Council on Law Enforcement Operation in Tigray (November 28, 2020)

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The Africa Center of the Atlantic Council hosted a private roundtable with Ethiopian Attorney General Dr. Gedion Timothewos, Senior Policy Advisor Mamo Mihretu, and Ambassador to the United States Fitsum Arega.

The event served as an opportunity to discuss the ongoing law enforcement operation in Ethiopia’s Tigray region in order to bring ring-leaders of Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) to justice.

The event was opened by Africa Center Director of Programs and Studies Bronwyn Bruton, followed by introductions from Africa Center Senior Fellow Gabriel Negatu and moderation by Africa Center Senior Fellow Cameron Hudson.

Dr. Gedion provided opening remarks to frame the conversation around the Ethiopian government’s law enforcement operation against the TPLF Junta in Tigray, following the attempted seizure of military assets by TPLF forces earlier this month.

Participants, representing the US government, Congressional offices, think tanks, and not-for-profits, then directed questions to both Dr. Gedion and Mihretu about limiting civilian casualties in the region; the conflict’s economic impact on Ethiopia; coordination with humanitarian agencies; and repatriating refugees who fled to neighboring Sudan.

Africa Center Senior Fellow Cameron Hudson concluded the discussion reflecting on hope for peace, stability, and justice while pledging to maintain regular discussions regarding operation in Tigray under the auspices of the Atlantic Council.

Communiqué on the Visit of the African Union Envoys to Ethiopia (November 28, 2020)

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The African Union Envoys to the Democratic Federal Republic of Ethiopia, His Excellency Joaquim Alberto Chissano, former President of the Republic of Mozambique, His Excellency Kgalema Motlanthe, former President of the Republic of South Africa, and Her Excellency, Ellen Sirleaf Johnson, former President of Liberia, undertook their first mission to the Federal Republic of Ethiopia from 25 — 27 November 2020.

The Envoys were received by the Right Honorable Dr Abiy Ahmed, Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia, who welcomed the initiative by His Excellency Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa, and Chairperson of the African Union, to support the Republic of Ethiopia, during this challenging period.

The Prime Minister briefed the AU Envoys on the current military operations, and among others he highlighted the following:

1) That the operation, which is essentially of law-enforcement nature, would not last long;

11) Operationalize the Multiparty Provisional Administration of Tigray to enable service delivery;

111) establishment of a high-level committee of Federal stakeholders to assess and respond to essential humanitarian needs, and the identification and announcement of a humanitarian assistance corridor;

iv) readiness to receive, rehabilitate and resettle citizens who have fled;

v) commitment to rebuild public infrastructure; and

vi) unwavering commitment to create a democratic

Ethiopia that is inclusive without domination or repression of one group by another.

The Prime Minister also reiterated his commitment to dialogue.

The AU Envoys also met with Her Excellency, Sahle-Work Zewde, President of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia, and the Multiparty Provisional Administration of Tigray.

The Multiparty Provisional Administration of Tigray also briefed the AU Envoys.

President Ramaphosa expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for receiving the AU Envoys. The President also thanked the AU Envoys for their swift action in undertaking the AU mission to Addis Ababa. The President reaffirmed his commitment and that of the AU to continue working with people and the government of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia through its current security challenges.

27 NOVEMBER, 2020

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Meets AU Envoys (November 27, 2020)

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Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed received at his office this morning former President of Liberia Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, former President of Mozambique Joaquim Chissano, and former President of South Africa Kgalema Motlanthe – the designated Special Envoys of Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa and Chairperson of the African Union.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed expressed his profound gratitude to the African Union Chairperson, President Cyril Ramaphosa for the utmost concern and understanding shared in Ethiopia’s efforts to end impunity and bring the TPLF criminal clique to justice.

According to Prime Minister Office, the premier also appreciated the Special Envoys for their visit to Ethiopia, in elderly concern, reiterating the well-meaning endeavors of African brothers and sisters who are equally hopeful for a prosperous and stable Ethiopia.

Ethiopia appreciates this gesture and for the steadfast commitment this demonstrates to the principle of African solution to African problems, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed noted.

During the discussions, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed briefed the Special Envoys on the background to Ethiopia’s rule of law operations currently underway in the Tigray region.

The Prime Minister discussed at length the patience with which his government handled the provocations and destabilization agenda the TPLF orchestrated for more than two years. Recounting the numerous attempts by the federal government to engage peacefully, he reiterated that the premeditated attack on the Northern Command of the Ethiopian National Defense Force, which constitutes high treason under the Criminal Code of Ethiopia, was the final straw which forced the federal government to act in protection of the constitutional order of the country.

Prime Minister Abiy expressed the Federal Government’s constitutionally mandated responsibility to enforce rule of law in the region and across the country. Failure to do so would nurture a culture of impunity with devasting cost to the survival of the country, he emphasized.

During the discussions with the Special Envoys, Prime Minister Abiy Anmed further reiterated:

  • The Federal government’s utmost commitment to the protection and security of civilians during the rule of law operations, demonstrated in the National Defense Force’s avoidance to engage in combat within cities and densely populated areas, by weathering rough terrain instead;
  • Establishment of high-level committee of Federal stakeholders to assess and respond to essential humanitarian needs of citizens in the region;
  • Identification and announcement of a humanitarian assistance route for the provision of necessary relief materials to citizens in the region coordinated through the Ministry of Peace in collaboration with UN agencies;
  • Readiness of the federal government to receive, rehabilitate and resettle citizens that have fled, by setting up four camps established to rehabilitate returnees before resettling them back into their original locales;
  • Efforts underway to operationalize the constitutionally established and multi-party Provisional Administration of Tigray, in towns and cities under Federal command to enable provision of government services;
  • Determination to apprehend and bring to justice the TPLF clique and their operatives who also perpetrated the grave crimes against humanity in Maikadra;
  • Commitment to rebuild public infrastructure destroyed by TPLF militia, including communication facilities;
  • Unwavering commitment of federal government to create a democratic Ethiopia that is inclusive of all without domination or repression of one group by another.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also underscored his immense gratitude to friends of Ethiopia who are engaging constructively during the federal government’s rule of law operations and expressed his commitment to dialogue with civil society and community representatives in the Regional State of Tigray as well as political parties operating legally within the region.

The federal government once again expresses its gratitude to President Cyril Rampahosa and the esteemed African elders and Special Envoys that imparted their wisdom, insights and readiness to support in any way they are needed.

FM Demeke Holds Talks with German’s Chancellor Advisor (November 27, 2020)

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Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Demeke Mekonnen, met with Jan Hecker, Foreign and Security Policy Advisor to the German Chancellor in Berlin today.

Demeke provided a briefing to the advisor about the current situation in Ethiopia in general, and ongoing law enforcement operations in Tigray in particular.

He said the operation in Tigray is aimed at bringing criminal elements to justice, according to office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Ethiopia has opened safe route for international humanitarian agencies to deliver assistance to people in need, he said, adding the operation will be completed swiftly.

Government Committed To Respond To Needs of Citizens In Tigray Expeditiously: PM Office (November 26, 2020)

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In a statement issued today, Prime Minister Office indicates that the Federal Government is committed to responding to the needs of citizens in the Tigray Region expeditiously.

In partnership with the relevant agencies, the government will continue to extend protection and humanitarian assistance to those in need, the office said.

Following a technical committee assessment of needs on the ground conducted over the past week, the humanitarian support to internally displaced Ethiopians in the Tigray Region is being extended through the coordination of the Ministry of Peace and other Federal stakeholders, it is indicated on the statement.

Accordingly, distribution of initial supplies of food, medicine, clean water, and non-food items have begun in areas that are under the control of the Federal government, addressing the basic needs of displaced citizens currently in camps outside of their locales.

The committee is also overseeing the establishment of four camp sites to begin receiving and supporting citizens that have fled, before voluntarily returning them to their communities.

Based on the assessment conducted by the technical committees, the need for daily subsistence support for vulnerable communities has also been identified and the distribution of core relief items will start until life returns to normal.

This humanitarian assistance will now be further reinforced with the opening of a humanitarian access route to be managed under the auspices of the Ministry of Peace.

The government stands ready to support all Ethiopians that have fled to return to their communities and is committed to work with UN agencies and other humanitarian organizations to protect civilians and help those who need it, the statement indicated.

FM Demeke Conveys Message from PM Abiy to French President (November 26, 2020)

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As part of his tour of Europe, Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Demeke Mekonnen met with French President Emmanuel Macron.

During the discussion held inside the Élysée Palace in Paris today, Demeke delivered a message from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to the French President.

The Government of Ethiopia had made all needed efforts for more than two years to maintain the sustainability of the reforms with the required speed and quality, he said.

Despite government’s efforts to resolve the problem through discussion, the TPLF junta had repeatedly committed evil acts, causing harms to the public and the government, he said.

Demeke said the main objective of the law enforcement operation in Tigray regional state, which is now at its final phase, is to prevent the atrocities being committed by the TPLF clique.

Ethiopia’s efforts to resolve its domestic affair by itself is commendable, said President Macron, adding protection should be given to civilians during the operation.

He also called on the government to scale up its efforts of facilitating delivery of humanitarian assistance to people in need, according to office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

President Macron finally said his government is ready to strengthen the level of cooperation between Ethiopia and French.

FM Demeke Briefs UK Officials on Law Enforcement Operation In Tigray (November 26, 2020)

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Demeke Mekonnen, Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs met with David Quarrey, the UK Prime Minister’s International Affairs Adviser and Deputy National Security Adviser.

Demeke on the occasion said the TPLF clique caused massive damage on the people and the government of Ethiopia, while the country is undergoing promising reforms.

Accordingly, the ongoing strong law enforcement operation in Tigray regional state is aimed at preventing further damages and bringing perpetrators to justice, he said.

Quarrey for his part said the stability of Ethiopia has a significant contribution for the stability of the region and UK wants the country to be a guardian of peace in the region.

He also stressed the need to give protection to civilians and allow access to humanitarian relief for people in need.

Demeke said Ethiopia will wrap up the operation shortly by giving utmost protection for civilians and facilitating access to humanitarian assistance for people in need.

Demeke also met with Dominic Raab, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of UK for a briefing about the situation in Tigray regional state.

He gave reassurance to Rabb that the Government together with the international agencies is working tirelessly to address the humanitarian situations with more humanitarian corridors opening up to reach those in need of humanitarian assistance.

Efforts are also under way to support those refugees who fled to Sudan to return and settle peacefully in their home country said Demeke adding that accessibility won’t be much of an issue now that more areas are liberated from the hands of the TPLF junta.

Foreign Minister Demeke Meets With His Belgian Counterpart Sophie Wilmès (November 26, 2020)

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Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Demeke Mekonnen conferred with his Belgian counterpart Sophie Wilmès in Brussels.

On the occasion, Demeke explained to Madam Wilems the significance of the law enforcement operation in the Tigray Region to bring to justice the TPLF Junta that openly attacked the Northern Command of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces on November 4, 2020.

Demeke talked about the two and half year long efforts made by the government to encourage the TPLF leadership to be a constructive force to the reform and democratization process.

He highlighted the unlawful deeds committed by TPLF Junta and the further destabilization acts it took in many parts of the country by aligning with extremist elements.

He emphasized, in this light, the primary responsibility of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia to maintain the rule of law, protecting, and defending the Constitution and ensuring peace and security of its citizens.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belgium, Sophie Wilmès Wilems on her part has welcomed the delegation and congratulated Demeke for assuming his new position.

She then expressed her government’s concern about the humanitarian situation and its possible spillover impact in the broader region adding that that her government is keenly following AU-led efforts and dialogue needs to happen.

Demeke also explained the collaboration that is being made with international humanitarian organizations to operationalize basic assistance to the society in the areas where the operation is being conducted.

He told his counterpart that the government is delivering basic services to the people in liberated areas who are in need of assistance.

He also emphasized for the understanding of the international community about the efforts underway to keep law and order in the country and in this regard called for the support of the Belgian government to play a fair and balanced role in its current position of non-permanent member of the UNSC.

Ethiopia and Belgium have a long history of diplomatic relations since 1906, when the Government of Belgium first opened its embassy in Addis Ababa, making it the 5th country to do so.

PM Announces Commencement of Final Phase Of Rule Of Law Operations In Tigray (November 26, 2020)

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Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has announced the commencement of the final phase of the rule of law operations in Tigray regional state.

His announcement came following the end of the 72-hour deadline granted to the criminal TPLF clique to surrender peacefully to the National Defence Forces.

Taking advantage of the 72-hour deadline, thousands of Tigray Special Forces and militia members have surrendered to the National Defence Force, said the Prime Minister in a statement this morning.

Many young people in Tigray, realizing the TPLF’s evil intentions, have also refrained from engaging in TPLF’s destructive ambitions, he indicated.

“Although this may have been a decision taken in the last hours, it is nevertheless a responsible decision that is expected of citizens,” the Prime Minister stated.

He said the 72-hours deadline was issued by the federal government to demonstrate that the intention of the operations is to enforce the rule of law per the laws of the land.

“If the criminal TPLF clique chose to peacefully surrender, the campaign would have been finalized with the least amount of damage. To this end, we have provided the opportunity for peaceful surrender on numerous occasions in the past weeks,” he said.

Moreover, the objective of the deadline was to provide protection for those that finally understand the criminality of the TPLF clique and distance themselves for the group, the Prime Minister stated.

He said the last peaceful gate which had remained open for the TPLF clique to walk through have now been firmly closed as a result of TPLF’s contempt for the people of Ethiopia.

However, he said “thousands of members of the Tigray militia and Special Forces that have come to realize the destructive nature of TPLF have utilized the gates of peace and surrendered peacefully.”

“The Ethiopian National Defence Forces have now been directed to conclude the third and final phase of our rule of law operations,” PM Abiy said.

According to the Prime Minister, great care will be given to protect innocent civilians from harm during the final phase of law enforcement operation.

He said “all efforts will be made to ensure that the city of Mekelle, which was built through the hard work of our people, will not be severely damaged.”

“All precautions will be taken to ensure that heritage sites, places of worship, public facilities, development institutions and residential areas will not be targets.

The Prime Minister also called on the people of Mekelle and its environs to disarm, stay at home and stay away from military targets, and take all necessary precautions.

He also urged them to do their part in reducing damages to be sustained because of a handful of criminal TPLF elements, by exposing and handing over the criminal clique over to law enforcement agents.

The Prime Minister assured the people that the National Defence Forces have carefully devised a strategy to bring the TPLF criminal clique to justice, without harming innocent civilians, heritage sites, places of worship, development institutions and property.