[ad_1]
Compiled by EEPA
BRUSSELS (IDN) – Various sources claim that Eritrean soldiers are blocked in their attempts to leave Tigray. Intense fighting is taking place between the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) and the Tigray Defense Forces (TDF) near the main roads leading to Eritrea. This has stopped the Eritrean transfer of looted goods out of the region.
A source says the ENDF is handing over Shire, Tigray, to Eritrean troops. Eritrean Telecom is providing services in the area. Some people received calls. The Shire area is home to 100,000 Eritrean refugees.
Another source claims that the Tigray Egela Woreda (including Gerhu-Sirnay, Semhal, May-Hamato, Leyto, Endaba-Estifanos and Gere’a), on the border with Eritrea, is occupied by Eritrean soldiers and Eritrean Telecom provides full coverage. . Citizens made calls, using phones of Eritrean troops.
The TPLF notes that it shot down an ENDF air force gunboat on 12/30 8:30.
Belgian television shows images of dozens of “fired military vehicles”.
Reports of the rape of Tigray women as part of the violence perpetrated against civilians in Tigray.
Sudan has stated that it gained control of its territory occupied by Ethiopian farmers after several weeks of fighting in the area. Ethiopia’s foreign minister accused Sudan of sending troops to Ethiopia, which Sudan denies. Negotiations between the countries broke down last week.
These are the highlights of the January 2 EEPA report on the situation in the Horn of Africa. EEPA, external program of Europe with Africa, is a Belgium-based Center of Experts 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 along 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.
Regional situation
Egypt reported that the statement by Ethiopian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Dina Mufti was “totally unacceptable”. The statement claimed that Egypt “has made Ethiopia a threat,” a statement that was related to the Great Ethiopian Renaissance Dam.
Egypt will hire an international law firm to protect investments, says Alaa Al-Saqati, head of the Egyptian Industrial Zone in Ethiopia, to initiate a case before the international courts against Ethiopia.
Al Shabaab and the ISIS branch in Somalia have been emboldened after Ethiopia and the United States withdrew a significant number of troops. Terrorist organizations say they will interrupt the elections scheduled for early 2021. There are fears of repression and low turnout.
The government and the opposition in Somalia disagree on the preparations for the elections. The president has been accused by the opposition of “stacking” electoral committees with loyalists.
There are concerns about severe coronavirus restrictions in Eritrea. Sources say that people have described the restrictions as a death sentence because they have no food. The rules do not apply to soldiers.
Ethiopian representatives forced 179 truckers from the EFFORT company in Tigrayan to hand over the trucks to the Ethiopian government. The drivers from Amharic and Tigray were separated. The drivers refused, but were taken to the camps and forced to hand over the keys to the trucks.
The situation in Tigray
The UN risk assessment team has reportedly been unable to travel outside of Mekelle. According to one report, they feared Ethiopian security forces were monitoring their work.
Aid agencies say they are still unable to access the rest of Tigray. No communication, damaged infrastructure, and government restrictions have prevented them from reaching most areas of Tigray. The Ethiopian government still refuses full access.
Students from Adigrat University have been transferred to Mekelle University. The other institutions in Tigray have been looted. Mekelle remains the only functional university in Tigray.
Many houses have been completely looted. Utensils, valuables and furniture have been taken. VOA Tigrigna has also reported that investments worth billions of Birr have been destroyed and looted in the areas of South Tigray.
ENDF soldiers have detained young people in Mekelle and taken to an unknown location.
Report that the Tigray Transitional Government (Prosperity Party) is intimidating Mekelle University academics into joining the Prosperity Party and taking a position in the transitional government appointed by the Ethiopian federal government.
The elected government of Tigray (TPLF) declares on its DW station that it will act against Tigrinians working with the transitional government appointed by the Ethiopian federal government.
The Ethiopian government brought trucks owned by the Tigray EFFORT company to Addis Ababa.
The situation in Ethiopia
No evidence has been presented against the Reuters cameraman arrested on Thursday, December 24. He will be detained until January 8, pending investigation.
More reports of ethnic discrimination and harassment against Tigrayans, including at Bole airport.
310 people were arrested in Ethiopia for sparking disputes between the Ale and Konso communities in southern Ethiopia. The conflict between the communities was quelled after traditional reconciliation. Communities are now helping each other rebuild their homes. Traditional law can help resolve disputes.
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (ECHR) released a report on the killings that took place in June following the murder of Oromo musician Hachalu Hundessa on June 29. 123 people died in the violence, 75 were killed by the Ethiopian security forces. Many more were injured and displaced as a result. The EHCR report finds that crimes against humanity were committed by groups that perpetrated the massacre.
Witnesses interviewed by the EHCR stated that on occasions the police observed and did not intervene while the attacks were taking place.
The EHCR said it “found no indication that efforts are being made to investigate the use of force by security officers during the riots and hold those who caused unnecessary human suffering to account.”
The report noted that “crimes against humanity of this nature combined with the current national context are signs that the risk of heinous crimes, including genocide, is increasing.” They ask for research and “a lasting institutional solution.” [IDN-InDepthNews – 02 January 2021]
Image Credit: Jörg Busse
IDN is the flagship agency of the international non-profit press union.
Visit us on Facebook and Twitter.
Disclaimer: All information in this status report is presented as a smooth up-to-date 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.
Useful Links
http://english.ahram.org.eg/NewsContent/1/64/397910/Egypt/Politics-/BREAKING-Egypt-slams-Ethiopian-statements-on-its-i.aspx
https://www.crisisgroup.org/africa/horn-africa/somalia/b165-blunting-al-shabaabs-impact-somalias-elections
https://www.trtworld.com/africa/scores-reportedly-killed-beheaded-tortured-in-ethiopia-s-june-july-unrest-42873
[ad_2]
