International delegates’ earlier efforts to quell the conflict between Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed and Tigrayan state leader Debretsion Gebremichael had proven futile. In a recent development, the premier gave the Tigray forces a 72-hour ultimatum to surrender in a Sunday statement.
“Your journey of destruction is coming to an end, and we urge you to surrender peacefully within the next 72-hours, recognizing you are at a point of no return. Take this last opportunity,” said Mr. Aiby.
‘Point of no return.’ and Sturn Warning to Tigrayan
The premier warned the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) bosses that they were “at a point of no return.” A spokesman further reaffirmed the threats saying, “there will be no mercy.”
Ethiopian forces had earlier warned the 500,000 Makelle locals of an impending attack that would see the army “encircle” the town and use artillery fire to attack it.
However, the Tigrayan party has since vowed to push on with the fight. Speaking to Reuters news agency, TPLF leader Debretsion Gebremichael said that his troops had managed to keep the federal troops at bay.
“They are sending waves after waves but to no avail,” Gebremichael said.
Prime Minister Abiy urged Makelle residents to support government troops in “bringing the treasonous group to justice.” He also called for the peaceful surrender of the TPLF forces.
Talks to resolve the conflict
The urgency to resolve the conflict saw Cyril Ramaphosa, South Africa’s president and African Union Chairman, appoint persons to broker talks between the two warring leaders, a move commended by the UN Secretary-General. On Friday, 20 November 2020, Ramaphosa appointed three former heads of states to constitute a special envoy that will travel to Ethiopia and mediate between the two leaders.
The three include former president of Liberia, Madame Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf; Kgalema Motlanthe, former South African president and Joaquim Chissano, former president of Mozambique.
Ethiopia has since rejected the AU offer stating that they “don’t negotiate with criminals” but instead “bring them to justice.”
Speaking to the BBC, Mamo Mihretu, a senior wingman to the Ethiopian, said more pressure should be put on TPLF.
“Our African brothers and sisters would play a more significant role if they put pressure on TPLF to surrender, and for that, you know, nobody needs to go to Tigray or Mekelle to make that point clear to them.”
He further warned of the likelihood of the visiting head of states not being able to go to Tigray because of the ongoing military action
State of Tigray
The state of emergency that was declared in Tigray is yet to be lifted. There is still electricity and telecommunication outage, besides the shortage of fuel and cash. Consequently, aid agencies have always been cut off from the war zone. Moreover, thousands of civilians are feared to be dead.
State-affiliated Fana broadcaster had earlier stated that Ethiopian troops had more first killed 550 “extremists” loyal to the Tigray’s local government. It further went to highlight the surrender of 29 Tigray forces and militia members. The broadcaster did not mention any casualties on the federal troop’s side.
Ethiopian refugees continue to flock to neighboring Sudan, just as the UN refugee agency had predicted.
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