AFRICA/ETHIOPIA – The slow peace process in Tigray: still violence and too many restrictions for humanitarian aid

AFRICA/ETHIOPIA – Tigray’s slow peace process is still violent and has too many restrictions for humanitarian assistance

Wednesday, 25 January 2023

Addis Ababa (Agenzia Fides – Slow implementation of the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement between the Ethiopian government (CoHA), and the TigrayPeople’s Liberation Front(TPLF) continues to fuel concern about the ongoing violation of human rights within the country’s northern region. It was signed in Pretoria on November 2, 20,22.
To the rumors about this still very serious situation, a letter was written to the African Union members. Local sources have released the note, which denounces executions, kidnappings of young Tigrayans and sieges, looting, and destruction of property.
While acknowledging the parties’ strong commitment towards bringing peace in the territory, the letter regrets the silence regarding apparent violations of the agreement. This includes the presence of Amhara forces and Eritrean forces, as well as what appears to be a systematic blockade of humanitarian access.
Fast three months have elapsed (see Fides, 3/11/2022), but the main promises in the agreement remain on stand-by. While the majority of Tigray is still under the control of Eritrean or Amhara forces (which retain most areas of Tigray), they continue to take civilian lives and loot any that remains. According to a recent report, more than 3000 civilians have been killed since the signing of the agreement. In addition to the death toll, hundreds of people have been abducted, especially Kunama and Irob residents. These minorities are at risk of extinction. Prisoners have been murdered in several areas of Ethiopia. Many are still held in detention centers, both official and unofficial.
While the focus is on Tigrinya’s disarmament, there are other provisions that have been overlooked. These include the simultaneous withdrawal non-Ethiopian nation defense forces from the area; general security and protection civilians; unimpeded accessibility of humanitarian aid including facilitation to the return or reintegration IDPs and refugees; restoration essential services within agreed timeframes; and the establishment and operation of an oversight mechanism to report violations and to take immediate steps to correct them.
Tigrayans in desperate need have received only two months worth of humanitarian aid in the last 13 months. Because distribution is limited to residents and those who arrive in settlements near main roads, many people living in rural areas are still unable to access humanitarian aid. Many humanitarian agencies, including UN and NGOs, are unable or unwilling to cross the areas controlled by armed groups.
Basic services like telephone connections are still limited. There is little fuel and long lines to purchase the few supplies. Domestic flights have reopened (see Fides, 28/12/2022).
The restrictions on movement are severe. Road transport is still closed and Tigrayans cannot leave the region. Tigray is still not accessible to independent media and international organizations.
The note sent to the AU concludes that claiming that the situation is at a point of no return is not only trivializing millions of people’s suffering, but also revealing a completely different situation on ground. (AP) (Agenzia Fides, 25/1/2023)

Share: