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Regional dimension
- The 38th extraordinary IGAD summit took place on Sunday, December 20, in Djibouti. It was chaired by Prime Minister Hamdok of Sudan.
- During the IGAD meeting, Ethiopian Prime Minister Ahmed met with Sudanese Prime Minister Hamdok to discuss bilateral relations. According to Prime Minister Hamdok, it was agreed that Sudan and Ethiopia will hold a High Boundaries Committee meeting on December 22 (Tuesday) to delineate their shared border.
- According to the diplomats present, tensions at the summit were high. They also dispute that Prime Minister Hamdok had a meeting with Prime Minister Ahmed.
- President Farmaajo and President Kenyatta held a bilateral meeting during the IGAD Summit. Somalia and Kenya agreed to hold de-escalation talks. The AU pressured them to resolve the dispute.
- In further development, Somalia has sent hundreds of Turkish-trained Gorgor unit troops to Dolow, near the border with Kenya and Ethiopia. Kenya has also deployed more forces in the area.
- Turkey has recently sent troops and equipment to Somalia. There are reports that Turkey may deploy drones in the area in support of the Somali army. Turkey opened its largest overseas base in Mogadishu in 2017 and sees Somalia as an important partner in the region.
- The Sudanese Tribune and DW have reported that the Sudanese army has regained control of Jabal Abu Tayyur, in disputed land on the Ethiopian-Sudan border. According to reliable sources, the army advances further. In Metena, near the Ethiopian-Sudan border, intense fighting is taking place against the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) and the Amharic militia. The Sudanese army reportedly attacked an Ethiopian army base. Army Chief of Staff al-Barun personally supervised the operation.
- The Ethiopian government and media are said not to report on military clashes with Sudan.
- The first journalist to visit the Western Shire region of Tigray, VRT journalist Stijn Vercruysse, reports images of deserted farms. It states that the estimate that 1 million people from Tigray have been displaced in Tigray could be an understatement. Vercruysse confirms the presence of Eritrean soldiers and confirms the abduction of Eritrean refugees in Tigray by Eritrean forces back to Eritrea. He found the Shimelba refugee camp almost deserted.
- Somalia’s Foreign Minister was in Brussels today to meet with EU officials. Somalia is increasing its pressure to remove Kenya from AMISOM, the AU’s peacekeeping mission in Somalia. It has sent officials to other AMISOM member countries. Under the AMISOM agreement, Somalia cannot do so unilaterally.
- Images on social media of an ENDF general who escaped to Eritrea when the conflict with Tigray began on 4 November. He claims that Eritrea welcomed the Ethiopian army, giving it its full support.
International dimension
- EU High Representative Josep Borell issued a statement on the IGAD Summit: “The European Union joins the millions of people in the region affected by the current crises in placing their faith in today’s summit. We support all efforts to foster dialogue and silence weapons. As IGAD’s most important international partner, we also hope that the outcome of today’s meeting will bring the region closer to finding a sustainable solution to the current crises, in line with the respect of international commitments and, in particular, international law. humanitarian ”.
Situation reported in Tigray
- The BBC published witness testimony from Mekelle reporting that the artillery barrage took place before November 28. The bombing destroyed houses in residential areas and killed civilians. In one case, an entire family died, leaving only one child alive. A doctor says he personally saw 22 bodies. It was difficult to properly care for those injured by the artillery due to the severe shortage of medical supplies.
- Flights from Addis Ababa to Mekelle were canceled on Sunday.
- There are reports of looting of ritual books and other artifacts from remote monasteries in Tigray. These are being transported to Eritrea.
- According to one analyst, all of the TPLF leadership is intact. More than 70 of them have retired to the mountains. Only two have been arrested.
Reported situation in Ethiopia
- Three people were killed in an explosion in Addis Ababa, caused according to Addis Ababa policy by an abandoned bomb. It took place near the center of the city and three people died. There have been several explosions in the capital since the offensive began in Tigray. Police have blamed the TPLF for some of these explosions, although no evidence has been presented. The TPLF has not been responsible for any of these.
- Social media reports that the children of current and former TPLF leaders are being detained in Mekelle. The daughter of former Prime Minister Meles Zenawi, Semehal Meles, and the youngest son of former Major General Hayelom, Berhanemeskel Hayelom, are mentioned among them.
- Ten leaders, cadres and journalists of the Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) have been arrested. These are: Mohamed Ragasa, member of the OLF Central Committee and OLF spokesperson; Murataa Sabaa, member of the OLF Central Committee; Ayyaantuu Bulchaa, journalist (SBO); Ibsaa Gaaddisaa, journalist (SBO); Dr. Gadaa Oljirraa – Administrator of the Office of the President of the OLF; Yeroosan Hayyuu Organizational Affairs, Finfinnee Area); Tumsaa (Asaffaa Fikadu) – Member of Organizational Affairs; Gurmuu Ayyanaa – OLF picture; Geessisaa Kuusaa – Organizational Matters – Mandii Area; and Lidia Ali Miseensa – Member of the Women’s Association. It is not known where they are being held.
- Clashes between Amhara and Afar militias are taking place in Wollo province.
The Europe for Africa External Program is a Belgium-based center of expertise with in-depth knowledge, publications and networks, specializing in issues of peacebuilding, refugee protection and resilience in the Horn of Africa. EEPA has published extensively on issues related to the movement and / or human trafficking of refugees in the Horn of Africa and on the Central Mediterranean Route.
It cooperates with a wide network of universities, research organizations, civil society and experts from Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda and throughout Africa. In-depth key posts can be accessed on the website.
Disclaimer: All information in this status report is presented as a smooth update report, to the best of the authors’ knowledge and understanding at the time of publication. The EEPA does not claim that the information is correct, but does verify to the best of its ability under the circumstances. The publication is weighed on the basis of interest to understand the potential impacts of events (or perceptions of them) on the situation. Check all the information with updates and other means. EEPA is not responsible for the use of the information or the impact of it. All reported information comes from third parties and the content of all reported and linked information remains the sole responsibility of these third parties. report to This e-mail address is protected against spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. any additional information and corrections.
Links of interest
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/2/10/397220/World/Africa/SudanEthiopia-border-demarcation-talks-set-for-Tue.aspx
https://sudantribune.com/spip.php?article70244
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-55325603
https://twitter.com/WainnieT/status/1340717204984242178?s=19
https://www.facebook.com/296815557366800/posts/1350049242043421/?sfnsn=mo
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