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.

H.E. Gedu Andargachew briefs the South Sudanese President on the current situation in Tigray (November 25, 2020)

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H.E. Gedu Andargachew, Security Advisor Minister to H.E. PM Dr. Abiy Ahmed, has delivered the Prime Minister’s message to the President of the Republic of South Sudan, H.E. President Salva kiir Mayardit today. He briefed the President about the ongoing situations in Tigray region.

H.E. emphasized that what the Government of Ethiopia doing is a law enforcement operation which is by any means a sovereign duty for any government. He also briefed his government’s plan to finalize the whole operation within a short period of time.

H.E. President Salva kiir Mayardit reminded Ato Gedu that South Sudan stands today as a sovereign nation because of what Ethiopia has done to it. For that, the President assured H.E. Ato Gedu, the people of South Sudan and his Government will always stand by the Government of Ethiopia.

H.E. Gedu has also met with the Country’s Intelligence Chief General Akol Koor and conveyed a similar message.

Ato Gedu also met with the commanders of the Ethiopian peace keeping UN contingent in Juba.

Courtesy to Ethiopian Embassy in Juba

FM Demeke Meets With EU High Representative (November 25, 2020)

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Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Demeke Mekonnen, yesterday held discussion with High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of EU Commission Josep Borrell in Brussels, Belgium.

During the meeting, Demeke provided a briefing to Borrell about the current situations in Ethiopia, according to Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

He said the horrific atrocities committed by the rebellious TPLF clique at different times posed a threat to the stability of the country and the whole region.

Demeke also explained to Borrell about the atrocities committed by TPLF clique in Maikadra and the law enforcement operation in Tigray, which has now reached at a decisive moment.

The Government will take utmost care and act responsibly to give protection to civilians and allow access of humanitarian assistance to citizens in need, Demeke said.

Stating that the current law enforcement operation is a domestic affair, Demeke said the Government will strengthen its efforts of ensuring rule of law without the interference of others.

Similarly, Demeke also conferred with his Belgian counterpart Sophie Wilmes on the current situation in Ethiopia and the bilateral relations between the two countries.

He briefed Wilmes about the progress of law enforcement operation in Tigray regional state.

Wilmes on her part stressed the need to carry out the operation by giving the necessary care for civilians.

Finally, they agreed to elevate the level of the historical relations between the two countries.

Federal Government Condemns the Atrocities Committed by TPLF in Maikadra (November 24, 2020)

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Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia
OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER
November 24, 2020 Addis Ababa

The findings by the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission on the grave human rights violations perpetrated by TPLF forces in Maikadra are heart-wrenching. The report is a confirmation of the earlier report by Amnesty International on the same incident.

The world has once again witnessed the atrocious crimes Ethiopia has to endure meted out by the TPLF criminal clique. As confirmed by the Commission, “the Maikadra attack is not a simple criminal act but is rather a premeditated and carefully coordinated grave violation of human rights.” The Commission’s finding confirms that the local TPLF security forces, in collaboration with a TPLF youth group called ‘the Samri,’ killed hundreds of people with full intent, a plan and preparation as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population.

As reported by the Commission, these are “grave human rights violations which may amount to crimes against humanity and war crimes.”

We call upon the international community to condemn these atrocious acts of crimes against humanity and its perpetrators in no uncertain terms. The Government will spare no effort in bringing the perpetrators to justice

FOREIGNPOLICY.COM: Ethiopia’s Government and the TPLF Leadership Are Not Morally Equivalent (November 24, 2020)

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Former Ethiopian Prime Minister H.E. Hailemariam Desalegn argues in his latest piece on “Foreign Policy” that those calling for talks [between the federal government and the TPLF junta] should understand that the very prospect of negotiating with the TPLF’s current leadership is an error—as a matter of both principle and prudence. He said “If the TPLF leadership is guaranteed the impunity it desires through an internationally brokered deal, the cause for justice and sustainable peace will be severely harmed. Above all, it creates a precedent for other groupings within the Ethiopian federation to learn the wrong lesson: that violence pays off.” The article raises a lot of issues and we cordially invite you to read it here:

https://bit.ly/39d2qH0

Ethiopia’s FM Holds Talks with Italian PM (November 24, 2020)

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Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Demeke Mekonnen held discussion with Giuseppe Conte, Prime Minister of Italy, in Rome today.

Demeke also delivered a message from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to Prime Minister Conte.

Demeke briefed the Italian PM about the law enforcement operation in Tigray regional state and said “the operation has reached at a decisive moment.”

The Italian Prime Minister for his part expressed his hope that the law enforcement operation, which is a domestic affairs, will be warped up with utmost care.

The two also agreed to work together to elevate the relations between the two countries to a new high, according to the Ethiopian Embassy in Rome.

PM Security Advisor Gedu Briefs President Of Somalia On Operation In Tigray (November 24, 2020)

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H.E. Gedu Andargachew, Security Advisor of H.E. PM Dr. Abiy Ahmed, briefed the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, H.E. Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Formajo on Monday (November 23) about the ongoing law enforcement operation in Tigray.

H.E. Gedu explained that the law enforcement operation in the Tigray Region is proceeding very well as planned and the Government of Ethiopia would soon give an end to the lawlessness of the TPLF Junta.

H.E. President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Formajo assured H.E. Gedu that the Government of Somalia is fully behind the Government of Ethiopia.

Maikadra Massacre of Civilians Is A Crime of Atrocity: EHRC (November 24, 2020)

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The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has found that an atrocious massacre of civilians has been committed by an informal group of Tigrayan youth known as ‘Samri’, aided and abetted by members of what was then the local administration and security establishment in Maikadra, in Tigray Region’s Western Zone, on November 9th, 2020.

EHRC visited Maikadra, Abrhajira, Sanja, Dansha, Humera, and Gonder between November, 14 – 19, 2020 as part of its investigation into human rights violations whose preliminary findings have been released today.

The preliminary findings state that what transpired in Maikadra on November 9th, 2020, including the killings, bodily and mental injury, as well as the destruction that went on throughout the night, the overall conduct and results thereof, strongly indicate the commission of grave human rights violations which may amount to crimes against humanity and war crimes.

The full extent of the evidence and elements of the crime will be further examined in detail in the full report, the Commission said.

The preliminary report finds that before retreating from the advance of the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF), the local militia and police security apparatus joined forces with members of the Samri group to carry out door-to-door raids and kill hundreds of people they identified as ethnic “Amharas and Wolkait origin”, by beating them with sticks, stabbing them with knives, machetes and hatchets and strangling them with ropes.

They also severely injured many people and looted or destroyed properties.

Based on testimony gathered so far, EHRC estimates that at least 600 civilians were killed. The death toll could be higher still as there are reports of individuals unaccounted for at the time of EHRC’s visit and bodies hidden in fields outside Maikadra.

Members of Samri, with the help of the local police and militia, moving from house to house and from street to street, began a cruel and atrocious rampage on people they profiled as Amharas and Wolkaits.

They killed hundreds of people, beating them with sticks, stabbing them with knives, machetes and hatchets and strangling them with ropes.

While Samri, comprised of several groups consisting of 20 to 30 youth, each accompanied by  an estimated 3 to 4 armed police and militia, carried out the massacre, police and militia – strategically posted at street junctions – aided and directly participated in the carnage by  shooting at those who attempted to escape.

Amidst the harrowing acts of the Tigrayan informal youth group, Samri, survivors also tell many stories of humane actions where other residents also of ethnic Tigrayan origin, who saved many lives by hiding targets in their homes, in churches and in farms fields.

EHRC’s Chief Commissioner Daniel Bekele said, “The unimaginably atrocious crime committed against civilians for no reason other than their ethnicity is heartbreaking.”

He added that “Yet we are consoled by the stories of Ethiopians who saw beyond ethnic origin to come to the aid of their compatriots in their time of need. These stories keep the hope of a return to peaceful coexistence going”.

“It is now urgent priorities that victims are provided redress and rehabilitation, and that perpetrators involved directly or indirectly at all levels are held to account before the law.”

Brief Illustrative Summary of Efforts to Reconcile With TPLF (November 23, 2020)

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After taking office on April 2, 2018, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized the need for the Tigray region and its leadership to continue to focus on peace and development, and extended a hand to TPLF to work together in this endeavor in a spirit of love, forgiveness and unity. He has been very consistent in informing the general public that TPLF was just a political party and must not be mistaken for the people of Tigray. On several occasions, he called upon the TPLF leadership to cease its destabilizing conducts and to become a force of peace and development. The following illustrative actions demonstrate the patient effort and determination with which the Government tried to accommodate TPLF as a potential partner in development and peace.

April 2018- The Prime Minister’s trip to Mekelle and discussion with community representatives was one of the first such visits held by the Prime Minister in his effort to have a series of dialogue with fellow citizens.

The Prime Minister reiterated his firm conviction that the Federal Government will collaborate with the regional government to address the grievances and needs of the people in the region. He called upon the people of Tigray to focus on peace and development, and the TPLF, to harness all its energy and of the people with a singular focus of eradicating poverty. He encouraged the residents of the region to nurture their relations with neighboring regions to ensure lasting peace.

May 2018- Prime Minister met with his Cabinet for the first time to endorse a decision that protects the benefits of retired senior leadership including those from TPLF.

In the very first Council of Ministers meeting chaired by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the Cabinet endorsed a decision to ensure that all the benefits and privileges of the senior leadership –including that TPLF leadership- enjoyed while in office will continue to be in place even after retirement.

December 2018 –Set up of commissions to independently address long standing grievances thwarted by TPLF

He called for the establishment of a National Reconciliation Commission to resolve simmering differences of national significance and to ascertain truth and justice deploying the rich social capital and legal history the country has.

The establishing Proclamation commits the commission to seek “truth and justice,” and provide a forum for victims to be heard and perpetrators to disclose, all directed by an independent institution committed to seeking truth to prevent the future occurrence of such conflict.

At the time, the Prime Minister reiterated that members of the commission should carry out their duties in a manner that is impartial and objective. The Prime Minister promised that the government will not to interfere in the work of the Reconciliation Commission.

Similarly, he formed an Administrative Boundaries and Identity Issues Commission to seek a neutral, highly professional and peaceful solution to these problems since conflicts relating to administrative boundaries are a cause of great instability in the country.

These efforts to achieve lasting peace, while lauded by a majority of Ethiopians, were however openly opposed by the TPLF, publicly stating that they would not accept the request.

January 2019 –Ministry of Peace travels to Mekelle to engage TPLF

Officials from the Ministry of Peace travelled to Mekelle with invitations to engage with the administration in constructive dialogue on the future of our nation. Their effort was once again rejected.

October 2019 – Discussion with the Axum residents

The Prime Minister visited and witnessed the condition of the Axum obelisks and disclosed to the community that he held talks with the Italian government regarding the protection and renovation of the monuments.

In a town hall discussion where Debretsion Gebremichael co-presided, the Prime Minister addressed key queries raised regarding budgetary allocations, water shortages, infrastructure requirements, peace and security and other issues.

He called upon the people to work together for peace and stability in the region. He also encouraged TPLF to address local needs and work for peace.

October 2019 –The Prime Minister advised the TPLF and its supporters to use the reform as an opportunity to work together, and to refrain from improper and destructive actions for the sake of narrow political gain.

In his response to questions from the House of People’s Representatives, the Prime Minister explained that that the reform pertains to reform of a political party and not of the constitutional order. Nowhere in the process has there been an attempt to re-introduce the centralized and unitary state as the political structure of Ethiopia. He also expressed his belief that there is no alternative to federal system that accommodates our diversity.

Although there was an ample video evidence that showed that TPLF had discussed the need for the merger of EPRDF prior to the change in leadership and actively worked towards it, TPLF began to publicly resist and label the Prime Minister’s effort to create a revitalized party for the new era as ‘unitarist’ once Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed resumed the process towards EPRDF’s party merger.

November 2019- Independent peace ambassadors plead with TPLF

A group of peace ambassadors called “Mothers for Peace” travelled to Mekelle to plead the officials of the Regional Administration for peace. Their call was unheeded.

May 2020 –The Prime Minister urged the Tigray Government to abide by the decision of the House of Federation and protect the Tigray people from COVID19

The TPLF announced, in a blatant violation of the FDRE Constitution, that the party does not recognize as legitimate the decision of the House of Peoples’ Representatives and the House of Federation to postpone the national election due to COVID19.

Following that, the Prime Minister urged the Tigray government to abide by the law and the decision of the two Houses and refrain from hosting a sham election that will endanger the constitutional order.

Eventually, TPLF claimed to have adopted its own electoral law and established its own electoral commission, and orchestrated a sham and illegal election in which it won all the seats in the Regional Council

June 2020- A group that consists of 50 of the country’s most senior religious and community elders and representatives went to Mekelle

The group held talks with the Tigray regional government and various political party leaders in Mekelle. Regrettably, these most revered community and religious leaders were rebuffed by the TPLF leadership, treating the visitors with utmost contempt and sending them back with nothing.

Dr. Debretsion GebreMichael, sent off the group stating, “where have you been until now? Now is not the time for reconciliation.” Members of the group were also insulted and humiliated by other TPLF officials.

June 2020 –Elders organized a dialogue platform for Prosperity Party and TPLF

The group of elders once again to tried to set up a dialogue platform between the leadership of the two parties in Addis Ababa whereupon both sides assigned party officials to engage in dialogue. However, on the same day the talks were scheduled to happen, TPLF pulled out of the talks and cancelled their appearance stating, “we don’t want to engage in dialogue with Prosperity Party.”

June 2020 –The Prime Minister stresses that the TPLF is just a party and should not be confused with the totality of the people of Tigray. He also stated that the government will scale up the support extended for the people of Tigray.

Responding to questions from members of the House of Peoples’ about alleged discrimination of Tigray, the Prime Minister provided evidence based on the significantly increased budgetary allocation provided to the Tigray region. He also pointed out that the government has exceptionally allocated additional spending to finalize the Mekelle water project that has been delayed for years.

He repeatedly reiterated that, “The people of Tigray are our people! The TPLF is only one party, it is not the only party represent the patriotic and peace-loving people of Tigray.”

June 2020 –The Prime Minister appeals to all political parties for peaceful engagement

The Prime Minister speaking on the nationwide mayhem bordering on party-sponsored terrorism, urged all political parties including TPLF, for peaceful engagement, by stating “we only have one country. We should settle our differences in roundtable discussion and in a civilized manner. In his message on current affairs, he called upon all political parties to resolve their differences amicably and through dialogue.”

July 2020 –Political Parties urge Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to take swift action against TPLF

During a consultation held with competing political parties, some inquired why the Federal Government is not taking swift action against the transgressions of TPLF. He replied as follows:

This is our position regarding Tigray. In Tigray region, there are forces that want to provoke conflict with the Amhara region or Eritrea or the Federal government. There are those who would want to claim that forceful measures are being taken against them and blame others.

I want to assure you that I have no desire to engage in war with the Tigray region. I am certain that the people of Tigray are tired of hearing the sounds of gunfire. I think they had enough of that. We have been facing lots of problems for the honor of Tigray people and for the sake of this belief.

Now it’s a time to choose. If we decide to go into war because we are many, we have money, the Federal Police, Police and the army . . . well, these people who only know how to have others killed, will not die. War does not choose between people, it kills the farmer, women and children.

We strongly believe that we should not kill people, that we should wait until the people understand and resolve the issue peacefully. We are repeatedly provoked to go into conflict. There is the need on their part to claim that the Federal Government has attacked them. We would not hate it if there was a way to separately target those culprits. But we do not want to make the people victims of conflict. Because of that, we are patient.

September 2020 –Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reiterates no intention of engaging in conflict with TPLF

In a one-on-one exclusive interview in which Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was asked about TPLF’s increasing belligerence and potential armed confrontation, Prime Minister Abiy responded: “I don’t think war is necessary for Ethiopia. I don’t want to be considered as one of those who support war. What I want is to send masks to Tigray for Corona – not to send bullets. I want to send a tablet and not a bullet. I want to dig a water well. I believe that it needs to change with development. The people of Tigray are our people. We do not want to take any action to the detriment of our people and leave regrets for tomorrow.”

October 2020 –TPLF rejects peace by withdrawing its representatives from Parliament

TPLF openly declared that they will not comply with laws, directives, and regulations, among others, to be enacted by the federal government after October 05/2020. TPLF recalled all representatives from Tigray in the Federal House of Peoples’ Representatives and the House of Federation after October 05 on grounds that the Region would not recognize any of the federal state organs.

November 2020 –TPLF launch an attack on the Northern Command of the Ethiopian National Defense Force. A week later, TPLF member publicly admits to the ‘pre-emptive’ strikes it launched against the National Defense Force.