Mekelle: 11 February 2024 (Tigray Herald)
Comprehensive Briefing on Tigray Interim Government’s Stand
By Yerga Yaecobe
To: Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Molly Phee, Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa Ambassador Mike Hammer, U.S. Global AIDS Coordinator and Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of Global Health Security and Diplomacy Dr. John Nkengasong, U.S. Agency for International Development’s Assistant Administrator for the Bureau for Africa Monde Muyangwa, and other senior U.S. Government officials
Date: February 11, 2024
Introduction:
The Tigray Interim Government presents a firm stand regarding the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Tigray and the implementation of the Pretoria peace agreement. This document outlines the key challenges faced, emphasizing the urgent need for action from the international community to address these pressing issues.
Challenges:
Humanitarian Crisis: The Tigray region is facing a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with millions of civilians in desperate need of assistance. The conflict has resulted in widespread displacement, food insecurity, and lack of access to essential services, exacerbating the suffering of the Tigrayan people.
Pretoria Peace Agreement Implementation: Despite the signing of the Pretoria peace agreement, there has been a failure to fully implement its provisions, particularly regarding the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their homes and the withdrawal of non-Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) from Tigray. The Tigray Interim Government calls for the restoration of the pre-war status quo, in accordance with Ethiopian federal constitutional orders.
Accountability for Atrocities: The Tigray Interim Government emphasizes the importance of holding accountable those responsible for acts of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes committed in Tigray. Ethnic cleansing atrocities continue in Western Tigray and other areas under Amhara occupation, demanding urgent attention and action from the international community.
Mistreatment of Detainees: More than 17,000 Tigrayan detainees in Ethiopia are enduring severe mistreatment solely due to their ethnicity. Despite the provisions of the Pretoria peace agreement mandating their release, the Ethiopian Federal Government persists in their mistreatment, including killings and torture. Urgent intervention is required to address this humanitarian crisis and ensure the release and protection of these individuals.
Proposed Actions:
Immediate Attention to Humanitarian Crisis: Urgently highlight the critical situation in Tigray and mobilize resources to provide humanitarian aid to affected populations.
Enforcement of Peace Agreement: Monitor and ensure the full implementation of the Pretoria peace agreement, including the return of IDPs and the withdrawal of non-ENDF forces from Tigray.
Accountability and Justice: Advocate for the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators of atrocities in Tigray, particularly those responsible for ethnic cleansing in Western Tigray.
Protection of Detainees: Demand the release and protection of Tigrayan detainees in Ethiopia, ensuring their safety and well-being.
Conclusion:
The Tigray Interim Government urges the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs and other senior U.S. Government officials to prioritize the situation in Tigray during their upcoming visit to Ethiopia. Immediate action is needed to address the humanitarian crisis, enforce the peace agreement, hold perpetrators accountable, and protect vulnerable populations in Tigray. Failure to act swiftly and decisively will only prolong the suffering of the Tigrayan people and undermine efforts to achieve lasting peace and stability in the region.
This document is prepared by the Tigray Interim Government and is intended to provide comprehensive insight into the challenges faced and the urgent actions required to address the situation in Tigray.
