Mekelle፡ 17 August 2024 (Tigray Herald)
By Yerga Yaecobe
Strong Condemnation of Tigray Genocide Denial by Debretsion Gebremichael: A Call for Global Action
In a shocking and shameful display of arrogance and betrayal, Debretsion Gebremichael, leader of the failed splinter group of the TPLF, recently engaged in a reckless genocide denial during his interview with the so-called Horizon Free Media. This irresponsible and dangerous narrative is not only an insult to the memories of the millions of Tigrayan lives lost in the genocidal war but also a direct attack on the ongoing struggle for justice and accountability for the people of Tigray. His statements mark a disgraceful new low in a career already defined by incompetence, self-interest, and a lack of moral integrity.
Debretsion Gebremichael’s denial of the Tigray genocide — which stands as one of the gravest atrocities of the 21st century — is an international crime, no different from Holocaust denial. The world knows the truth: Tigray has suffered through unspeakable horrors at the hands of genocidal forces, including the Ethiopian regime, the Eritrean military, and Amhara extremist groups. Yet, Debretsion Gebremichael, a leader who should have been at the forefront of defending Tigray, instead chooses to whitewash these horrors, all in a bid to stay in power and evade accountability.
This shameful act of genocide denial is not merely a political maneuver; it is a betrayal of the highest order. Debretsion Gebremichael has failed the people of Tigray. He has failed as a leader, and he has failed as a human being. Instead of protecting his people, he has become complicit in their suffering by denying the atrocities that have ravaged their homeland.
A Portrait of Greed and Self-Interest
Debretsion’s genocide denial is fueled by nothing more than greed and self-preservation. His focus is not on the well-being of Tigray, nor on the justice and healing that its people so desperately need. Instead, he is driven by a relentless hunger for power, obsessed with fulfilling his own desires and avoiding the consequences of his actions.
This pattern of behavior reflects a deep-rooted moral decay. Greed and self-interest are often related to materialism, psychological entitlement, and psychopathy — traits that blind individuals to the suffering of others. In Debretsion’s case, his denial of the Tigray genocide demonstrates his inability to empathize with the victims of the war, his disregard for their pain, and his utter lack of accountability. He is a man who seeks only to preserve his power, at the cost of the very people he claims to lead.
By denying the genocide, Debretsion aligns himself with the genocidal regimes of Ethiopia and Eritrea, as well as the Amhara extremist groups. He is equally responsible for the suffering of Tigrayans as these foreign forces, for he has failed to protect his people and is now actively working to erase their suffering from history.
Collective Condemnation from Tigrayan Civic and Religious Institutions
The Tigrayan people — both within the region and in the diaspora — must unite in condemning this outrageous denial. The Meneber Selama Kesate Birehan Aksum, the highest religious institution in Tigray, along with all Tigrayan civic organizations and diaspora groups, must raise their voices against this criminal betrayal. Genocide denial is an international crime, and it must not go unchallenged. The silence of any institution in the face of such atrocity is complicity.
We call upon international human rights organizations, including the United Nations, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and the European Human Rights Council, to condemn Debretsion Gebremichael’s denial of the Tigray genocide. His attempt to erase the suffering of the Tigrayan people is not only an insult to human dignity but also an obstruction of justice that cannot be tolerated.
Furthermore, all Tigrayan-focused media outlets, Tigrai TV , TPN,UMD, reyot Media and Aksumawuian TV, must amplify this condemnation, ensuring that every Tigrayan is aware of the betrayal committed by Debretsion. These media platforms must be at the forefront of the fight against this dangerous narrative, countering the lies and disinformation that seek to undermine the truth of the Tigray genocide.
A Call for Global Attention
The international community must take immediate action. We urge global media giants like Al Jazeera, CNN, BBC, and others to spotlight this issue. The UK Parliament’s Human Rights Select Committee, European Parliaments, and digital platforms including Twitter, Clubhouse, and YouTube must highlight the seriousness of Debretsion’s genocide denial and its dangerous implications for justice in Tigray.
The Tigray genocide is not merely a regional tragedy; it is a crime against humanity, one that demands global attention and collective action. Every Tigrayan, every person of conscience, must stand up and declare: No more lies. No more betrayal. No more Debretsion Gebremichael.
Powerful Emotional Appeal: A Cry for Justice
“To deny genocide is to kill twice. To forget the dead is to betray the living.” Every Tigrayan has lost something — a family member, a friend, a homeland. We cannot allow this criminal leader to deny the very pain that defines our struggle. Debretsion Gebremichael may try to erase our history, but the blood of our martyrs cries out louder than his lies.
“Justice for Tigray! Justice for our martyrs! Never again will we allow their memories to be tarnished by the greed and cowardice of a failed leader.”
Debretsion Gebremichael’s actions must be recognized for what they are — a continuation of the oppression that has plagued Tigray. We call on the people of Tigray to unite in condemnation, to demand that this failed leader be held accountable for his crimes, and to ensure that the truth of the Tigray genocide is never forgotten.
Every Tigrayan must take a stand. We have a responsibility to ensure that justice is served, not only for the victims of the genocidal war but also for the generations to come who deserve to inherit a Tigray free from the lies and betrayals of leaders like Debretsion Gebremichael. Enough is enough. No more silence, no more complicity, no more Debretsion.
Conclusion: Accountability is Non-Negotiable
Debretsion Gebremichael’s denial of the Tigray genocide is an unforgivable crime. His actions undermine the justice that Tigray so desperately seeks and embolden the genocidal forces that have ravaged our homeland. But we will not allow this to happen. The people of Tigray, together with the global community, will stand united in condemning his denial, demanding his accountability, and ensuring that the truth of the Tigray genocide is preserved for future generations.
“No more lies, no more betrayal, no more Debretsion. Justice for Tigray. Justice for the fallen.”
We call upon all media platforms, international human rights bodies, and Tigrayan civic and religious organizations to join us in this fight for truth, justice, and accountability. The time is now. Tigray shall rise, and the truth shall prevail.}}}}}
Reference
Genocide in Tigray: Serious breaches of international law in the Tigray conflict, Ethiopia, and paths to accountabilityThe “Genocide in Tigray” report is the first to connect the conflict’s allegations directly to the Genocide Convention. Learn more about our groundbreaking findings and the call to action. #TigrayReport #GenocideConvention
Home/ILIB/New Lines Intitute for Policy and Strategy Releases Report Concluding War Crimes in Tigray War
International Law in Brief
New Lines Intitute for Policy and Strategy Releases Report Concluding War Crimes in Tigray War
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By: Sharon Basch | July 18, 2024 – 8:02am
A recent report by the New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy provides a comprehensive analysis of the Tigray War (2020-2022) in Ethiopia, highlighting the complex historical context and devastating consequences of the conflict. The report presents substantial evidence suggesting that Ethiopian and allied forces committed genocide against the Tigrayan people. This includes:
Direct Intent: Speeches and statements by Ethiopian government officials revealing intentions to eliminate or erase Tigrayans.
Targeted Violence: Widespread discrimination, violence, and ethnic cleansing targeting Tigrayans.
Hate Speech and Incitement: Derogatory language and media campaigns inciting violence against Tigrayans.
Involvement of Eritrean Forces: The involvement of Eritrean forces, known for their hostility towards Tigrayans, reinforces the genocidal intent.
Specific Acts: Mass killings, sexual violence, destruction of cultural heritage, and deliberate infliction of conditions to destroy the Tigrayan population.
The report documents numerous instances of crimes against humanity and war crimes committed by all sides involved in the conflict. These crimes include massacres, rape, torture, arbitrary detentions, and the use of starvation as a weapon of war. The Tigrayan forces are also accused of committing war crimes against civilians, including killings and sexual violence.
The report emphasizes the need for accountability and highlights potential avenues for justice, both domestically and internationally. It calls for Ethiopia to implement a comprehensive transitional justice policy and cooperate with international investigations and recommends that the International Criminal Court (ICC) could also play a role in investigating and prosecuting those responsible for the most serious crimes.
Despite a peace agreement in November 2022, the situation in Tigray remains fragile, with ongoing ethnic tensions, displacement, and humanitarian crises. Rebuilding efforts face significant challenges, including lack of basic services and widespread hunger. Achieving lasting peace and reconciliation will require addressing the root causes of the conflict, ensuring accountability, and fostering dialogue and inclusivity among all stakeholders. The international community has a crucial role to play in supporting these efforts and ensuring justice for the victims of the Tigray War.
Overall, the report by the New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy provides a detailed and disturbing account of the Tigray War, highlighting the scale and severity of the atrocities committed. It serves as a critical resource for understanding the conflict, advocating for accountability, and working towards a just and lasting resolution in Ethiopia.
In this regard General Tadese were chief staf of Tigray diffence force and the vice president of Tigray Intrim Administration has disproves that Debretsion terribly lied about the release of POWs.
Gen.Tadesse Werede has made an interviw with one of youTube media called Birake Show yester regarding different Tigray isue and national and regional isues.
In his interview he confirms that all POWs was relased based on decision of the Tigray intrim Administration cabine members,not by the sole decision of President Getachew Reda.he add that this was twisted lie and It was a wise decision given the out come to escalate the fraction between the TPLF leaders.
