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It has been almost seven weeks since the conflict began in Ethiopia’s Tigray region. On November 5, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed ordered the military to confront the well-armed Tigray regional government, charging it with a deadly attack on a military base and declaring that “the last red line has been crossed” after months. of alleged provocations. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared victory in early December, but local reports suggest that there are still some clashes in areas of Tigray.
Ethiopia has announced a monetary reward for providing information on the rebel leaders of Tigray. The Ethiopian government is offering 10 million Birr (about $ 257,000) for information leading to the capture of the leaders of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front who led the region’s conflict against the federal government. “The offer is made to arrest the TPLF leaders in a short period of time,” Lieutenant General Asrat Denero said on the state broadcaster.
The conflict in Tigray has quickly turned into a humanitarian crisis and this has raised the concerns of the United Nations and other major international actors. On December 22, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, expressed concern about the plight of civilians in conflict-affected regions, the continued lack of general humanitarian access, along with a blackout continuous in communications in many areas. “We have received complaints about violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law, including artillery strikes in populated areas, deliberate attacks against civilians, extrajudicial executions and widespread looting,” said the High Commissioner.
“These reports suggest that the parties to the conflict do not protect civilians. This is all the more worrying given that fighting is said to continue, particularly in some areas north, central and south of Tigray, ”he said. Tens of thousands of civilians have already been displaced or have fled across the border into Sudan. Bachelet also echoed the concern expressed by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, for “the safety and well-being of some 96,000 Eritrean refugees registered in four camps in Tigray when the fighting began.” Citing many alleged atrocities, the UN Rights Chief pointed to the alleged mass murder of several hundred people, mainly Amharans, in the western Tigray city of Mai Kadra on 9 November.
The High Commissioner also pointed to several reports according to which the Amhara “Fano” militia had committed human rights abuses, including killings of civilians and looting, in addition to unverified allegations that Eritrean troops were present in Tigray and had been involved. in hostilities and serious violations of international laws.
On December 11, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, on the situation in the Tigray region of Ethiopia, called for safe and unhindered access for humanitarian workers in the Tigray region of in accordance with the principles of neutrality and impartiality. More than 50,000 Ethiopians, mainly from Tigray, have fled across the border into Sudan. “Ethiopian refugees in Sudan have expressed their desire to return home and rebuild their lives, but only when they can be sure of their safety,” said a statement attributed to Grandi.
The European Union announced on December 19 that humanitarian funding to address the crisis in the Tigray area has been increased by 23.7 million euros. According to the EU, humanitarian partners working in Ethiopia will receive an additional 18.8 million euros and 2 million euros will go to Sudan to help with the influx of refugees from Tigray. In addition, € 2.9 million will be mobilized to address the rapidly deteriorating food security situation of refugees in Kenya.
The African Union, following a meeting of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), which brought together the leaders of Ethiopia, Kenya, Djibouti and Sudan, as well as officials from other neighboring countries, also expressed concern about the humanitarian situation in the Tigray. region. However, the African Union has also stated that the Ethiopian federal government took bold steps to preserve the unity, stability and respect for the country’s constitutional order; which is legitimate for all states. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed tweeted: “I express my deepest appreciation to IGAD leaders for understanding and recognizing our law enforcement measures as legal and legitimate, as well as expressing their commitment to support #Ethiopia.” .
Photo Credit: Getty Images
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