Eritrea attacks Tigray for the second time.
At dawn on Sunday 9 January, the Eritrean army launched a large-scale attack in north western Tigray from areas that have been militarily occupied by Eritrea since November 2020. TDF forces are organizing the defence.
At the moment there is insufficient informations to understand what the objectives of the offensive ordered by the Eritrean dictator are. Does Afwerki intend to annex more territories to the north of Tigray than those currently occupied or has he initiated the second invasion of Tigray with the aim of destroying the TPLF?
Diplomatic sources report that the Eritrean offensive on Tigray was decided by Afwerki after consulting with the main nationalist Amhara leaders: Agegnehu Teshager, Temesgen Tiruneh, Demeke Mekonnen, without however consulting Prime Minister Abiy. The sources claim that the air raid in Dedebit and the Eritrean offensive in northern Tigray are part of a political counter-offensive by the Amhara leadership and Afwerki against the decision of the Ethiopian Premier to amnesty “dangerous” political prisoners of Oromia and Tigray.
At dawn yesterday, on Sunday 9 January, the Eritrean army launched a large-scale attack in north western Tigray from areas that have been militarily occupied by Eritrea since November 2020. The attack is concentrated on Sigem Kofolo and Afi Tsetser, areas under control of Tigray Defence Force: TDF. Intense fighting is underway and the city of Sheraro will soon be involved. The news was given by the TPLF spokesperson: Getachew Reda who provided the details to the Reuters news agency. Independent sources confirm the Eritrean attack.
The Eritrean offensive comes one day after the massacre of the displaced persons camp in Dedebit, Tigray, which was bombed by drones from the Ethiopian air force last Friday night. The current death toll rises to 57 dead and 126 injured, including 28 in critical condition. The camp was mainly inhabited by women, old people and children. The number of victims is unfortunately destined to rise. Hospitals in Tigray also lack basic and life-saving medicines due to the humanitarian blockade that continues to be maintained against the “rebel” region.
At the moment there is insufficient information to understand what the objectives of the offensive ordered by the Eritrean dictator are. Does Afwerki intend to annex more territories to the north of Tigray than those currently occupied or has he initiated the second invasion of Tigray with the aim of destroying the TPLF?
Diplomatic sources report that the Eritrean offensive on Tigray was decided by Afwerki after consulting with the main nationalist Amhara leaders: Agegnehu Teshager, Temesgen Tiruneh, Demeke Mekonnen, without however consulting Prime Minister Abiy. The sources claim that the air raid in Dedebit and the Eritrean offensive in northern Tigray are part of a political counter-offensive by the Amhara and Afwerki leadership against the decision of the Ethiopian Premier to amnesty “dangerous” political prisoners of Oromia and Tigray. Abiy allegedly made the decision without consulting his government allies and Eritrea. The two military actions carried out immediately after the Prime Minister’s “detente” gesture, remove any possibility of dialogue and put Abiy in a difficult situation at the international level.
In an interview released on public TV Eri-TV on Saturday 8 January, Afwerki had warned the TPLF leadership not to attempt a separate war with Eritrean forces. An incomprehensible warning given that the Tigrinya and Eritrean forces have been fighting each other for 14 months.
Isaias Afwerki assured that his troops would work to prevent Tigray forces from attacking his country or threatening the stability of Ethiopia, stressing that to restore peace to Ethiopia it is necessary to annihilate the TPLF. He also expressed his frustration at the Ethiopian Prime Minister’s reluctance to carry out what Afwerki considers to be crucial for the long-term stability of the Horn of Africa region, by eliminating the federal constitution and solving the internal ethnic problem. A clear invitation to replicate the Eritrean model of a one-party regime.
Reuters contacted Eritrean information minister Yemane Gebremeskel, Ethiopia’s military spokesperson, Colonel Getnet Adane, Ethiopian government spokesman Legesse Tulu and Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s spokesperson Billene Seyoum. Everyone refused to comment on this new war started in Tigray by a foreign army.
If for the Eritrean minister the silence is understandable, that of the Ethiopian authorities is yet another demonstration of a progressive loss of national sovereignty. This is advantaging Eritrean dictator who increasingly controls Ethiopian politics ensuring the defense of the regime.
Increasingly intense rumours of an alliance between Isaias Afwerki and the nationalist Amhara leadership, both in stark contrast and disagreement with Premier Abiy. Ethio-American Development Council — EADC ( @EA_DevCouncil), one of the most active and powerful Amhara diaspora in USA is leading attacks and critics on Abiy. Meantime Amhara diaspora is organizing demonstrations against the political prisoners liberation, Ahmara leadership is organizing behind the scenes anti Abiy demonstration in Amhara. A question is arising. Eritrean regime and Amhara extremist leadership are planning to replace Abiy?
