- TPLF is
- Shifting the blame unto the Government for the renewed conflict, while it has started the provocations.
- Vicious as it attacks civilians and loots property without any distinction. It has killed and injured civilians in Afar and Amhara regions by indiscriminate artillery fire. It is committing wanted distraction and looting of property similar to its previous invasion of these two regions.
- TPLF is poisoning the minds of impressionable young people by disseminating inter-ethnic hatred and hostile rhetoric.
- Concocting lies: TPLF is caught red-handed stealing fuel from its people. It enraged humanitarian actors. It embarrassed its supporters. It had to come up with a lie to cover it. It took just a day to contrive a story of lending to the WFP. It has exposed its true character, and there must be consequences for this reckless behaviour.
- Claiming to third parties that the people of the Tigray region are victims of all sorts of abuses while at the same time making all sorts of bravado about its military prowess.
- The Government of Ethiopia:
- Has been consistent on readiness for the peaceful resolution of the conflict.
- Has taken various confidence-building measures.
- Expedited humanitarian assistance (food, medicine, cash…)
- Established a High-Level Peace Committee, & called for a negotiated ceasefire to facilitate the peaceful settlement of the conflict.
- Has a responsibility to take all feasible measures to protect the lives and welfare of civilians and defend Ethiopia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- Take all precautions to protect civilians during military operations.
Key Messages
- The Government of Ethiopia continues to be fully committed to peacefully resolving the conflict in Tigray.
- The Government of Ethiopia reiterates the centrality of having one peace process under the undisputed leadership role of the African Union and the High Representative.
- The International Community should:
- Support the AU-led
- Pressure the TPLF to accept AU’s peace efforts without preconditions!
- The international community MUST:
- Condemn TPLF’s provocations and vicious attacks.
- Pressure the TPLF to stop all hostilities and save the lives of thousands of Ethiopians.
- Show its seriousness by taking measures against the abuse and theft of fuel from humanitarian organizations.
- Not embolden the TPLF with a soft stance and with equivocal calls.
- Recognize the full-scale gravity of TPLF’s invasion of the Afar and Amhara regions and act without delay.
- Recognize the Government’s commitment to peace and support its repeated calls for the TPLF to stop hostilities.
Condemn:
- Killing of civilians, looting, and destruction of property by TPLF, while it is trying to play the victim.
- TPLF’s instigation of enter-ethnic violence and massacres.
- The forced conscription and deployment of child soldiers from the Tigray region.
