Ethiopia has launched an offensive against forces in the country’s northern region of Tigray in response to attacks on a federal military base. Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed, announced the start of “law enforcement” operations against the ruling forces of the region on Wednesday night following a series of clashes that have seen heavy weaponry and airstrikes used.
Ethiopia’s Government Alleges Tigray Forces Attacked a Federal Army Base
The government alleges that the ruling forces from Tigray, known as the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), attacked the Northern Command of the federal army based in the region. According to Prime Minister Abiy the attack took place at 4am on Wednesday, November 4th, and was done without provocation. In addition, the government claims that the TPLF troops have since been obstructing federal forces operating in the region, and “the TPLF further endangering the lives of the people of Tigray and Ethiopia.”
TPLF Denounce Allegations of Being Responsible for Attack
The TPLF, however, have disputed the claims that they are the ones responsible for the attack on the federal army base. ATPLF official said that the idea of the regional governing body attacking the base without provocation was “unthinkable.” The official said the government’s claims were “baseless and their objective is to create a conflict between all Ethiopians.” In a statement, the group said that it is instead being “persecuted” by a “dictatorial and oppressive” administration.
The History of Conflict Between the Government and TPLF
The current conflict between the government and the TPLF is the latest chapter in a long history of tension between Ethiopia’s federal government and the Tigray region. For decades, the TPLF has been one of the most powerful forces in Ethiopia’s politics and is currently the ruling party in the region. However, the group has become increasingly estranged from the federal government since Prime Minister Abiy took office in 2018. Abiy has taken a hardline stance against the TPLF and has sought to weaken their grip on power in the region. In recent months, the two sides had taken steps to negotiate a resolution to their differences.
Ethiopia Implements Curfew and Clamps Down on Communications
In the wake of the government’s offensive on Tigray forces, the government has implemented a 5 p.m. to 6 a.m. curfew in the Tigray region and has sought to clamp down on communications. This has created a significant challenge for journalists trying to cover the conflict and for aid agencies trying to provide assistance to those affected. Furthermore, Amnesty International has reported that the Ethiopian military has bombed areas in the region, reportedly killing civilians in the process. The organization has also urged the government “to immediately cease these attacks and other widespread abuses against civilians.”
The Situation in Ethiopia is Worsening
The escalation of violence in Ethiopia has been met with condemnation from the international community. The United Nations has urged the country’s government to “exercise maximum restraint” and to “cease hostilities immediately”. The US State Department has also expressed “grave concerns” over the escalating situation and has called on all parties “to cease further military engagements”.
Impact on the Region
The conflict has already had a significant impact on the region, with millions of people likely to be affected. The clashes could also lead to an increase in armed groups in the region and could destabilize the country further. In addition, the violence could affect Ethiopia’s fragile economy and lead to a deterioration of the situation for the country’s poor and vulnerable populations.
The escalating situation in Ethiopia is a cause for grave concern. The conflict has already led to significant civilian casualties and is likely to continue to worsen unless serious measures are taken by all sides to find a negotiated resolution. Ethiopians deserve the right to live in a country without violence and insecurity and the international community must step in to ensure this happens.
