Correction: The Situation Report of 08 September 2022 incorrectly stated that according to analyst Rashid Abdi, two Tigrayan negotiators had arrived in Addis Ababa for negotiations. Corrected statement: Horn analyst Rashid Abdi reported that a plane from Addis Ababa had arrived in Mekelle to take two Tigray government negotiators to a third (unknown) destination for negotiations. We apologise for the incorrect information.
Situation in Tigray (per 09 September)
- Peace negotiations between Tigray and Ethiopian officials are reportedly taking place in Djibouti.
- Two experts on the region say that their contacts are telling them that the TDF is “holding the line”.
- Doctors at Adigrat hospital in Tigray say that Eritrean army shelling of Adigrat town and the Ganta Afeshum district in Eastern Tigray has left many civilians dead or wounded and properties damaged.
- The head of Adigrat General Hospital, Aberash Fissaha, told VOA that 5 people, including 3 children, were killed and 14 others wounded by the shelling. Six of the wounded suffered life-threatening injuries.
- Dimisti Weyane, Tigray state-affiliated media, said Eritrean forces fired 34 heavy artillery weapons at the town of Shiraro in Northwestern Tigray. It is reported that many houses were destroyed and that civilians were killed and injured.
- In an open letter to the current President of the UNSC, France, and UN SG, Antonio Guterres, the President of Tigray Debretsion Gebremichael says Tigray and its people are fighting for their own survival and dignity against forces who want them “exterminated and vanquished”.
- The letter proposes four elements for a cessation of hostilities: I) Immediate and unconditional lifting of blockade and resumption of services, (II) unfettered humanitarian access, (III) withdrawal of Eritrean forces and (IV) return to the pre-war situation regarding Tigray land and borders.
- A high level international panel of mediators, accountability, verification, and a timetable are also included under the peace process elements listed in the letter.
- Debrestion stated that the war is still raging on multiple fronts with Ethiopian and Eritrean forces fighting against the TDF. He said: “Our forces have inflicted serious reverses on the forces that threatened us.”
- The Economist published an analysis of why the ceasefire between Ethiopia and Tigray failed.
- The article says that the humanitarian truce declared in March to let aid into besieged Tigray did allow food and medicine to enter, but kept fuel and cash in short supply, and communications, banking and electricity services remained blocked.
- The Economist blames the international community, particularly the African Union, US and the EU, for poor efforts regarding the mediations and follow-up of promises. The article particularly highlights the lack of pressure on PM Abiy to keep his promise of restoring basic services to Tigray.
- The Economist expressed particular concern over the current regionalisation of the conflict, through involvement of TDF fighters from Sudan, and particularly due to the renewed attacks by Eritrea on Tigray.
- Prof. Jan Nyssen and his team analysed notes from ethnographer Giovanni Ellero from the 1930s showing most place names in Western Tigray of that time are of Tigrinya origin. The researchers say this counters the narrative that Western Tigray would be historically Amharic in character, used to justify its occupation.
Situation in Ethiopia (per 09 September)
- Agenzia Fides states that the Ogaden National Liberation Front (ONLF) in Somalia, is involved in a fight with the Ethiopian government, escalating the deepening crisis in the country.
- Addis Standard highlighted various civilian-led initiatives over the last month, including a protest led by women’s groups, calling for peace in Ethiopia.
Regional Situation (per 09 September)
- Africa ExPress states that according to its investigation, Italy is providing equipment and is training Rapid Support Forces in Sudan to stop migration. The cooperation is said to be funded by the European Union. Africa ExPress states the Italian parliament was not aware of this.
- The equipment provided to the RSF is reported to include drones to monitor the borders.
- Africa ExPress also reports that dabangasudan.org states Russian mercenaries from the Wagner company have been involved in training of RSF forces.
International Situation (per 09 September)
- The Ethiopian representation in Geneva has accused the UN International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia of weaponizing human rights for “political pressure”. The accusation came following the Commission’s call to the UNSC on 7 September to take action in Ethiopia to “ensure the protection of civilians and prevent escalation that could further destabilize the region.”.
- The World Bank Group issued a statement of concern about the situation in Ethiopia. However, it “ remains committed to continuing its partnership with Ethiopia for the benefit of all Ethiopians.”
Links of interest
ኣብ ከባቢ ዓዲግራት ብዝተፈጸመ ደብዳብ ህይወት ሰባት ምጥፍኡ ተገሊጹ: VOA
Dimsti Weyane News, 03 ጳጉሜን 2014 ዓ/ም
Twitter: An open letter from the President of Government of National Regional State of Tigray
The Economist: Why has Ethiopia’s ceasefire failed?
List of place names in Welkait (Tigray, Ethiopia), as recorded in 1939
World Bank Group Statement on Current Situation in Ethiopia
News: Women march in capital adds to growing calls for peace in Ethiopia
Italy trains JanJaweed cutthroats but Parliament doesn’t know: Africa ExPress revelations made in the Senate
Statement Attributable to the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia
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