Tag Archives: Abiy Ahmed

Lifestyle

Ethiopia’s opposition party denounces ban as threat to peace deal

Maravi Post Reporter

After it lost its status as a political party, TPLF says the ban on its activities constitutes a “serious threat” to the peace process in Ethiopia.

The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has denounced the withdrawal of its political party status by the Electoral Commission, in a letter to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission.

The party which ruled Ethiopia from 1991 to 2018, has been plagued by internal conflicts and has strained relations with Abiy Ahmed’s government.

The party says the ban puts the 2022 peace deal that ended two years of conflict in the northern Tigray region at risk.

In November 2022, members of the TPLF signed a peace agreement in Pretoria, South Africa, with representatives of the federal government. The conflict saw federal Ethiopian forces, supported by local militias and the Eritrean army pitted against TPLF rebels.

Authorities in Addis Ababa placed Tigray under lock and key, and humanitarian aid was blocked.

Tens of thousands of people were killed while millions were forced from their homes.

Source: Africanews

https://video.euronews.com/mp4/ED/15/14/32/02/ED_PYR_1514322_20250517070815.mp4
Regional

Abiy Ahmed faces first test as Ethiopians vote

Maravi Post Reporter

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Ethiopians are voting in regional and parliamentary elections as ethnic tensions deepen and hunger worsens.

It is the first test of the popular vote for the Ethiopian prime minister, Abiy Ahmed, and his Prosperity Party since he took power in 2018.

The polls which were supposed to have been held last August were delayed due coronavirus pandemic.

Nearly a fifth of the constituencies aren’t taking part in the election because of insecurity and irregularities.

They include the whole of the northern Tigray region where civil war has prompted a humanitarian crisis.

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The military and police patrols here reflect the tensions in Ethiopia, which are overshadowing this election.

Some parties in Ethiopia’s most populous region, Oromia, have said they would boycott the election.

The Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) pulled out in March, citing the jailing of some of its leaders.

OLF is one of the oldest parties in Ethiopia with a huge following in Oromia, where Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed comes from.

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Ethiopia is a country of nations and various ethnic groups forged together. Increasingly, many of them are pushing for greater autonomy.

With this election, Mr Abiy is offering the idea of Ethiopia first – before individual differences. He’s hoping the country will support it.

Guinea and Senegal sign deal to reopen land border

 

Source: Africafeeds.com

Source: Africa Feeds

Politics, Regional

102 people killed in massacre in western Ethiopia

Angella Semu
Deadly attacks occurred a day after Ethiopia’s prime minister, Abiy Ahmed, above, visited the Benishangul-Gumuz region and spoke of the need for justice

At least 102 people have been killed in massacre in western Ethiopia following the visit of Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Wednesday December 23rd.

The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission disclosed this in a statement.

The Associated Press report indicated that the killings happened on Wednesday in the Metekel zone just after Abiy’s visit in the region where he spoke about the need to bring to justice those responsible for the recent attacks.

Ethnic tensions are a major challenge in Ethiopia with more than 80 ethnic groups across the country.

The violence between groups caused by tussle over land and other resources has forced thousands of people to flee their homes.

The recent attack in Metekel zone of Benishangul-Gumuz region left some people in remote villages on Wednesday evening still in shock.

The death toll is believed to have risen to above 200 according to Belete Molla, head of the National Movement of Amhara political party.

The most recent previous attack in the area was on 14 November, when gunmen targeted a bus and killed 34 people.

Even before the Tigray war erupted last month, Abiy’s government had been grappling with rising insecurity in many parts of the country.

Commenting on the matter, the ruling party in the region, the Benishangul-Gumuz Prosperity Party in a statement described the tragedy as a “horrifying crime” committed by the armed bandits.

Regional

Ethiopia ends military operation in Tigray after capture of capital

Maravi Post Reporter

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Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has said that federal forces have ended military operations in the Tigray region after the capture of the capital, Mekele.

He said “Our focus now will be on rebuilding the region and providing humanitarian assistance while Federal Police apprehend the TPLF clique.”

Federal forces have been battling rebels in Mekele for weeks leading to a deepening conflict in the Tigray region.

The conflict has forced thousands to flee the region for safety, sparking a humanitarian crisis.

Abiy Ahmed’s claims on Saturday of the capture of Mekele means the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) has now taken over the last remaining fort of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).

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According to Abiy the national forces conquered the city without harming civilians and destroying heritage sites.

“Since yesterday, our forces have been [planning] how to control Mekele without harming civilians.

Accordingly, we have easily taken full control of the city this afternoon without any bloodshed. We have also freed over 7,000 members of the Federal North Command who had been stationed in Mekele,” he said.

He adds that “The final militarily operation against the TPLF junta based in Mekele has officially ended today. What remains is hunting down hiding TPLF leaders and bringing them to justice.”

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PM Abiy also said the people of Tigray “approved that they were not alongside the TPLF members being hunted”.

Prime Minister Abiy last week ordered a full crackdown on TPLF which his administration considered a rebel group even though it once ruled Ethiopia.

Ethiopia to ‘receive and reintegrate’ those fleeing Tigray conflict

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Regional

Ethiopia PM rejects foreign interference in Tigray crisis

Maravi Post Reporter

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Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has rejected what he calls international interference in resolving the current crisis in the country’s Tigray region.

Ahmed in a statement said the international community should “standby until the government of Ethiopia submits its request for assistance”.

UN Secretary General António Guterres is said to be “deeply concerned” about the situation in the Tigray region.

The UN chief also supports efforts by the African Union to de-escalate the situation, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

Mr Guterres has also called for the protection of civilians ahead of a threat by the Ethiopian army to start an assault on the region’s capital, Mekelle.

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“We’re following reports of the possible military action around Mekelle with great alarm. The Secretary General is very concerned about the impact that will have on civilian population, on our ability to deliver humanitarian aid in an area where it is almost impossible to do so.” Mr Dujarric said.

“He urges the leaders of Ethiopia to do everything possible to protect civilians, uphold human rights and ensure humanitarian access for the provision of much-needed assistance.”

But the Ethiopian prime minister said the country appreciates the concerns of the international community.

“I would, however, like to stress that Ethiopia is very much capable and willing to resolve this situation in accordance with its laws and its international obligations,” read a statement from his office.

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Mr Abiy said the country “rejects any interference in our internal affairs” and asked the international community to “respect the fundamental principles of non-intervention under international law”.

Fighting between Ethiopia’s central government and forces in Tigray has been going on for almost three weeks.

Hundreds have reportedly been killed and tens of thousands have fled.

Ethiopian PM rejects peace talks on Tugray conflict as thousands flee

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Regional

Ethiopia to ‘receive and reintegrate’ those fleeing Tigray conflict

Maravi Post Reporter

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Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Monday said his country wants to “receive and reintegrate” thousands of refugees fleeing the northern state of Tigray.

Federal forces are fighting local troops in Tigray forcing over 25,000 people to flee to neighbouring countries.

Many of them have fled into Sudan, according to UN refugee agency officials who toured the border region on Saturday.

The UNHCR assistant representative in Sudan Jan Hansmann has said that the priority of his agency was to provide the refugees with shelter, food and water.

The agency hopes to also transfer them to regions far from the border “for security reasons”.

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But Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed said in a tweet that the “government is ready to receive and reintegrate our fellow Ethiopians fleeing to neighboring countries.

We vow to our innocent civilians that have fled, to protect their property, enable humanitarian support by the ENDF and guarantee their peace upon return.”

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed this month ordered military operations in Tigray region after accusing forces in the region of attacking federal troops.

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The move has escalated a long-running feud with the region’s ruling party, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).

On Sunday the leader of the Tigray region claimed responsibility for rocket strikes on the airport of neighbouring Eritrea’s capital.

There are concerns the conflict could widen and create more tension, forcing some 200,000 people to flee.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has already rejected a request for peace talks over the worsening conflict situation in Tigray.

Source: Africafeeds.com

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Regional

Ethiopian PM rejects peace talks on Tugray conflict as thousands flee

Maravi Post Reporter

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Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has rejected a request for peace talks over the worsening conflict situation in Tigray.

Last week, Tigray’s leader Debretsion Gebremichael wrote to the African Union (AU) to request talks.

But in a tweet Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019, said there would be no dialogue until efforts to ascertain the rule of law are achieved.

“Our law enforcement operations in Tigray are proceeding as planned: operations will cease as soon as the criminal junta is disarmed, legitimate administration in the region restored, and fugitives apprehended & brought to justice – all of them rapidly coming within reach,” the PM said.

Hundreds of people have died since the conflict in Ethiopia’s northern region begun.

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The chairman of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat has urged the federal government and the Tigray state authorities to engage in dialogue.

Aid agencies have warned that up to 200,000 people could flee the conflict into Sudan.

At least 6,000 have so far done that, according to local media report.

Photo: BBC

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Ethiopia’s military has also said it has killed 550 Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) fighters.

Ethiopia and Eritrea have both denied that Eritrea forces are fighting alongside the Ethiopians against the Tigrayans.

Ivory Coast: Thousands flee after controversial election

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Regional

Sudan ‘closes border with Ethiopia’ over tension in Tigray region

Maravi Post Reporter
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Sudan has closed the border between its eastern Kassala State and Ethiopia due to ongoing tension in Ethiopian Tigray region.

According to the state-owned Suna news agency the announcement was made by Governor of the state, Fateh al-Rahman al-Amin.

Al-Amin has said that the border will remain closed until further notice as Ethiopia struggles to end the tension.

The state media reported that the governor intends traveling to Wad Al Helew, a village in Kassala State bordering Ethiopia and Eritrea, to assess the situation.

On Wednesday Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy ordered the army to take military action against Tigray region, accusing its fighters of attacking federal troops stationed in the region.

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Ethiopia’s federal army is reportedly mobilizing troops to continue its offensive in the northern Tigray region.

The army’s deputy chief of staff, Gen Berhanu Jula, revealed that the troops were heading north to provide support to the Northern Command headquarters that was attacked by forces loyal to the regional government.

Debretsion Gebremicheal, head of the Tigrayan state – and its ruling party the TPLF – said the region’s troops seized “almost all” of the weapons at the command.

He said the state’s forces were also engaged “in war” along Tigray’s borders with neighbouring state of Amhara.

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Sudan’s Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok on Thursday spoke on the phone with his Ethiopian counterpart Abiy Ahmed.

Source: Africafeeds.com with BBC

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Lifestyle, Regional

Exciting News: Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed wins peace prize 2019

Elwin Mandowa
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed
– Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize on Friday for his work on peace and reconciliation with neighbor Eritrea. Ethiopia and Eritrea, longtime enemies who fought a war from 1998 to 2000, renewed relations in July 2018 after years of tension and …

Africa’s Child Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has followed in the footsteps of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela by being awarded The Nobel Peace Prize. The award was given for his efforts to achieve peace and international cooperation, and for his decisive initiative to resolve the border conflict with neighboring Eritrea.”

Here’s what they said when they announced the winner on Twitter

“As Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed has sought to promote reconciliation, solidarity and social justice,” says Berit Reiss-Andersen, the Chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, at the press conference in Oslo.

“However, many challenges remain unresolved,” she adds. “Some people will think this year’s prize is being awarded too early.”

But she says the committee “believes it is now that Abiy Ahmed’s efforts deserve recognition and need encouragement.” Reiss-Andersen adds that she hopes the prize can “strengthen Prime Minister Ahmed in his important work.”

"Rome was not made in a day," she adds, and neither will peace and democratic development be achieved that quickly.

Nelson Mandela

The Nobel Peace Prize 1993 was awarded jointly to Nelson Mandela and Frederik Willem de Klerk “for their work for the peaceful termination of the apartheid regime, and for laying the foundations for a new democratic South Africa.”