Price Birr 10.00Vol. LXXVII No 287 11 August 2021 - Nehase 5, 2013 Wednesday

Page 12Page 10

The continued international silence and TPLF’s

killing sprees

Earth’s widespread, rapid changes intensifying global

warming: IPCC report

See Terrorist ... page 3

See Ethiopia’s.. page 3

Marching to Safeguard Ethiopia In all fronts, all the time, by all means

See Eyewitnesses ... page 3

BY YESUF ENDRIS

ADDIS ABABA- The terrorist TPLF group has massacred over 240 civilians at a place called Galicoma in Afar State, Zone 4, massacre survivors stated. Accordingly, apart from the killings , dozens of civilians have been wounded and are being treated in Dubti hospital after a school and a hospital hit by the terrorist

indiscriminate artillery attacks . Talking to local media, one of the survivors said: “The attack was ‘unprecedented’. I was trying to rescue civilians. But, the terrorist militants came to our place suddenly . Then they started shooting indiscriminately on us,” he remembered. Children, elders and women have been killed, and warehouses for humanitarian aids have also been burnt by the attacks,” he said.

Another massacre survivor, who lost one of his eyes, said that children and elders have been either killed or injured, and property has been looted by the TPLF fighters , he said. Surgery Specialist at the Hospital, Dr.Nuru Seid has also told local media that over 40 wounded civilians arrived at the hospital that time. “Most of them were injured by

BY TSEGAYE TILAHUN

ADDIS ABABA- The terrorist TPLF clique has banned the people of Tigray from accessing food aid unless they send family members to war fronts, children and youths who surrendered to the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) said.

Approached by local media, the captives, who are mostly child soldiers recruited forcefully, stated that getting the food ration in Tigray is impossible unless one or more family members join TPLF’s war efforts.

Eyewitnesses to terrorist group’s Galicoma atrocities

Terrorist TPLF weaponizing food aid in Tigray BY YOHANES JEMANEH

ADDIS ABABA – Despite the unilateral humanitarian ceasefire declared by the Ethiopian government, the TPLF terrorist group has been taking advantages over the ceasefire to conduct war crimes, block

Ethiopia’s message to terrorist TPLF ‘enough

is enough’

BY MULATU BELACHEW

ADDIS ABABA- Sudan’s call to broker the Ethiopian government with the TPLF rebel group is undiplomatic and unreliable, a political science expert said, adding that Sudan lacks the integrity to be considered a

Sudan mediation call undiplomatic,

unreliable: Expert

See Sudan.. page 3

NewsPAGE 2 THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 11 AUGUST 2021

BY MULATU BELACHEW

ADDIS ABABA - The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) is Ethiopians flagship project providing Ethiopia and the Horn with multiple meaningful significances fulfilling energy and development demands, realizing regional integration, development and unity in a justified manner, so said a researcher.

Water and Land Administration Researcher at Addis Ababa University, ErmiasTeferi (Ph.D.) said the GERD will hold 74 billion cubic meters water when completed. This by itself step up the Ethiopia’s position in regional and international political and developmental arena. It has significantly enabled the country to meet the power demand apart from utilizing the water for multipurpose touristic and investment activities.

GERD, Ethiopians self-sponsored project, will raise the benefits the lower basin countries garner, and rescue Sennar and Roseires Dam of Sudan from being filled with sediments.

“Sudan has been cultivating over 800 thousand hectares of land using irrigation by a 100 years old Sennar dam alone. Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt can run virtual water trading based on mutual beneficiary

GERD brings many benefits to regional integration : Expert

without putting significant harm one on other if they have reached upon agreement.

Sometimes they spent 40 up to 90 million USD to remove sediments from the dam per year, but GERD is of significantly useful in meaningfully reducing such incurring costs. Roseires Dam, which was built in 1989s, has not been operational for several years because the huge sedimentblocked the water from flowing in to the turbine. However, this difficulty is being managed well said Tana Alamerewu (Ph.D.), Researcher of Water and Land Resource Center at Addis Ababa University.

The GERD has multiple benefits for all

lower basin countries in terms of reducing the amount of sediment stored in their dam and costs to remove this sediment, reducing the damages of both the public and property via avoiding the happening of heavy flood. Hence, Sudan and Egypt should support the effort of the Ethiopian government and people in this regard rather than worrying.

Sudan’s compliant regarding Ethiopia dam is basically meaningless as this sentiment doesn’t give any sense in terms of benefiting Sudan, Ethiopia and Egypt he said adding GERD will realize peace, security development and unity of the Horn in particular and the entire continent in general.

BY ESSEYE MENGISTE

Instead of taking the federal government’s unilateral humanitarian cease-fire declared on June 28, 2021 and the withdrawal of Ethiopian National Defense Forces from state capital Mekelle, the terrorist TPLF clique continued in provocation and escalating violence.

Accordingly, the outlawed group destroyed the Tekeze Bridge on July 2, 2021 to block the humanitarian aid line. After ten days, July 12, 2021, TPLF spokesperson Getachew Reda told Reuters that they could ‘to go to hell and back’ to destabilize Ethiopia.

Shunning the opportunity to support Tigrayan farmers and those in need of humanitarian assistance, the faction openly declared violence and encroaching into Amhara and Afar states on July 19, 2021. TPLF also mobilized civilians as human shields and violently harassed communities in the two states.

The lives of farmers in the Amhara State and Afar’s pastoralists are being destabilized by the terrorist enterprise that has rather resorted to escalating the situation in the face of the shockingly mute international community.

Women’s farming monasteries in Amhara were targeted and looted as they fled and hid in the forests till the TPLF recruits left. Evidence has also surfaced of utilizing children as combatants by the criminal gangs employing illegal substances. The Federal Government asserts to the very quiet international community that children are not soldiers and civilians need not be utilized as human shields for the clique’s destructive exploits.

Reports indicated that the food assistance left in storage for the needy in Tigray is being exploited by the faction for recruitment. Humanitarian assistance in transit to the State has also been blocked from reaching those in need by the dissidents. Furthermore, there are abundant reports of killing of Tigrayans considered pro-government by TPLF confirming the group’s exploitation and violence against the very people it says it stands for.

Timeline of terrorist

TPLF defiance to

peace

BY TAMERU REGASA

ADDIS ABABA- The lies of KjetilTronvol, TPLF’s Norwegian unofficial spokesman, revealed and his action against Ethiopia has been reflecting his special closeness with the terrorist group, Awasa Guardian reported.

Professor Tronvoll became a regular feature on TPLF media outlets like DimtsiWeyane, TMMA, Tigray TV, often criticizing shortcomings of the new Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reforms, virtually on a daily basis, even while Abiy won the Nobel Peace Prize.

During the TPLF regime, Norwegian companies like Yara have allegedly won multi-million dollar business contracts after praising former TPLF dictator Meles Zenawi. It wasn’t long after TPLF lost power in Addis Ababa that Tronvoll began beating the drums of war and heralding fringe factions inside TPLF who wanted “secession” as the legitimate representation of the views of Tigrayan people.

As to the source, before the launching of the conflict, the man is known for depicting the Prosperity Party as anti-multinational federalism and TPLF as the only strong defender of ethnic autonomy.

TPLF confidant KjetilTronvol lies to trigger war

As conflict was beginning, Tronvoll continued emboldening the TPLF leaders, while telling international media how brave and powerful they are .

Even during the war, he continued portraying the TPLF as a victim who used to practice a free democracy. Tronvoll labeled Abiy a ‘dictator’ while using descriptions like the ‘elected regional government of TPLF’ pursuing a ‘resistance war,’ despite the fact TPLF admitted waging ‘pre-emptive strike’ to trigger the war.

Whenever TPLF forces assassinate or ambush government forces, he was one of the first public figures to advertise the events as a successful show of force that obligates Addis Ababa to negotiate with terrorists. This displayed how close he remained with insurgent military personnel and TPLF leaders. And whenever the TPLF lost a battle, he was among the first to disseminate and depict

the events as a ‘massacre’ of Tigrayan civilians, which feeds more into the false narrative of ‘Tigray genocide.’

In recent weeks, Prof Tronvoll spends most of his time attacking the Nobel Peace Prize committee for rewarding Abiy Ahmed while insulting the African Union (AU) for alleged ‘incompetence’ and criticizing UN Security Council officials like Sec-General Antonio Guterres for not overthrowing the Ethiopian government.

The man will not be alone, and as often is the case, the white knights of ‘international justice’ and ‘humanitarian intervention’ often follow these promoters of African crisis, in order to criminalize African leaders and destabilize African states. Such criminalization of black Africans in power is one of the methods the West uses to advance their geopolitical interests, to perpetuate a cycle of wars, legitimize coups and destroy once budding democracies.

One of the dangerous residues of the European colonial legacy is that many Africans continue to seek confirmation from White experts, White institutions, officials or other White figures.

“It is up-to us Africans whether or not we draw important lessons from this period in history to change our views, how we interact and enable the White promoters and brokers of the endless African crisis,” the report remarked.

While Tronvo undertake intervie with DW.

NewsPAGE 3THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 11 AUGUST 2021

artillery pieces on their chest. We have done major surgery operations for ten or more victims and we have referred some of others to higher hospitals,” he stated. The number of displaced civilians is also getting higher as the terrorist group has been expanding its encroachment to Amhara and Afar states. Over 300,000 residents in Afar and Amhara

states have become internally displaced persons (IDPs) due to the thugs’ reckless attacks.Afar State President Awol Arba said yesterday that TPLF is committing massacre and rape and the Afar people are paying sacrifice in defending national sovereignty and state wellbeing.Ibrahim Oumer, Afar Region Peace and

Security Bureau Head on his part said that heavy artilleries are being fired on civilians till now. “TPLF militants are using fire arms to destroy all human beings across areas of the war. He further said that wounded civilians are abundantly found in hospitals. TPLF’s Child soldiers are also giving in hands to Afar State Special Forces in droves .

There are evil acts as well as hunger employed to force the children and youth to join the terrorist group’s destructive activities. After the federal government unilateral cease-fire in Tigray, the situation is getting worse, they noted.

Those who surrendered further stated that they received a three- day military training and just joined the front. “We simply surrendered, because we did not support the fight,” a child soldier said.

The captives advised other youths and children of Tigray not to go to war. “Utilizing children to war is a manifestation for TPLF’s apathy for future generations and its greed to remain in power,” they remarked.

humanitarian aid and attack neighboring states, the Office of the Prime Minister of Ethiopia (PMO) said.

In its statement issued yesterday entitled: Current Affairs and a National Call, the PMO noted that the terrorist has been recruiting child soldiers, applying relief as a weapon of war, raping mothers and young women , using religious institutions for military exercises and weapons storage, and preventing aid trucks from entering the Tigray state, thus, from now on it won’t let such overt belligerency of the thug.

The statement mentioned that the TPLF have so far killed more than 200 people in Afar and displaced over 300,000 people in both Afar and Amhara regions.

The terrorist group has banned the distribution of food in Mekelle to those who would not join their fight, it added.

Although the National Defense Forces and

Ethiopia’s message...

genuine mediator between the two parties.

Speaking to the media, Political Science and International Relations Assistant Professor at Addis Ababa University Fekade Terefe stated that Sudan does not fulfill international mediation standards and Ethiopian government’s rejection of the call is justifiable.

It is evident that Sudan’s military invaded Ethiopia and illegally controlled the latter’s territory, taking the law enforcement operation in Tigray as a good opportunity. Also, Sudan has begun the construction of war villages within Ethiopia’s territory and pursued a destructive campaign against the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

As to Fekade, Sudan is not the right body to mediate unless it returns its troops to areas where they were before the aggression and also needs to understand about the course of the conflict, its actors and foreign and internal support and pressure.

Sudan should also assert its absolute impartiality, commitment to constructive engagement and capacity to direct the mediation process in the right path and more importantly winning the trust of the legitimate Ethiopian government, the expert added.

By the same token, Prime Minister Office Press Secretary Billene Seyoum said recently that the relationship with Sudan at this point is a little bit ‘tricky’ and the level of trust with some leaders has already eroded due to the army’s incursion into Ethiopian territory.

“Trust is the basis of any negotiation, any mediation as well, so that element needs to be thoroughly addressed before Sudan could be entertained as a credible party in terms of facilitating such kind of negotiations.”

Billene highlighted that Sudan must first withdraw its troops from Ethiopian territories before playing any negotiation role.

Terrorist TPLF...

Eyewitnesses...

BY TAMERU REGASA

ADDIS ABABA—Addis Ababa city Administration Food Security and Productive Safety Net Agency announced that it has benefited over 415, 000 citizens who are in dire need of support using safety net program in both direct payment support and community based support over the past three years in the first phase of the program, scheduled from 2017-2020.

Briefing journalists yesterday, Agency Deputy Head Tamirat Estifanos said that among the beneficiary of the program while 349,000 (84) percent of them were benefited from community based targeting program, 66 500(16) percent of them were benefited in obtaining direct payment.

He noted that the positive impact of the program has been seen on the beneficiaries in numerous ways and World Bank has been undertaking an assessment to know

Agency expresses readiness for supporting disadvantages

the range of the impact of the program on the beneficiaries adding that it is obvious that the program has been playing a great role in changing the working culture of the

beneficiaries.

He also stressed that within the program people who can work have been benefited in obtaining job opportunities accordingly as the program enables them to be organized in four different job opportunities; such as urban agriculture, river basins development, dried bullshit work, maintenance and cleaning of small infrastructures.

He underscored that the agency has been working to launch the second phase of the program. To this end, it has been registering the needy.

As to him, unlike in the first phase, in this phase there is no direct payment support and the agency has been working to benefit over 109 thousand ones in community based targeting program, which is based on helping the needy in job creation. He also revealed that the agency amended independent policy to effectively undertake the goal of the program.

Regional Special Forces have complied with the Government’s decision of a unilateral humanitarian ceasefire, the terrorist group publicly continued to commit crimes and its leaders have arrogantly declared that the TPLF’s goal and purpose is to disintegrate Ethiopia, the statement underlined.

“We have repeatedly informed and warned the International community and the people of Tigray that the terrorist’s approach is a vicious and of banditry. The TPLF terrorist group have launched an attack targeting the public so that the people need to give it an irreversible response.”

The government called on the people in the statement to continue to push on Defense Forces, Regional Special Forces and Militia that are directed to halt the destruction of the treasonous TPLF organization and the machinations of foreign hands once and for all.

Now is the right time for all capable Ethiopians who are of age to join the Defense Forces, Special Forces and militias and show your patriotism, as to the statement.

Part of the society that is not able to directly join the security forces must strengthen its involvement in development activities more than ever before, it was noted.

The media, artists and social activists are

expected to contribute towards strengthening the people’s support for the country. Every Ethiopian must work closely with the security forces in being the eyes and ears of the country in order to track down and expose spies and agents of the terrorist TPLF, the government urged.

“Today, the historic responsibility to fight enemy in unison falls on our shoulders. Hence, we are battling to liberate the people of Tigray that are being used as an instrument by TPLF and the whole of Ethiopia from the terrorist group to maintain the peace and unity of our country.”

Our struggle is against the Forces near and far, which are behind the terrorist TPLF to dismantle our country and destroy Ethiopia’s existence.Therefore, all patriots should stand with all their hearts to protect their sovereignty today, as in the past, with determination to defend the dignity and glory of their country, it was learnt.

(See Full statement on page 4)

Sudan...

Tamirat Estifanos

THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 11 AUGUST 2021 PAGE 4

Opinion

Editor's Note: The views entertained in this article do not

necessarily reflect the stance of The Ethiopian Herald

A Statement by FDRE Office of the Prime Minister on Current Affairs and a National Call made on August 10, 2021, Addis Ababa

Our country Ethiopia has maintained its independence and sovereignty by overcoming the challenges of

the past and all the forces of evil that have engaged us.

Our heroic mothers and fathers have brought both foreign invaders and treasonous locals to their knees and left us today’s Ethiopia by gambling away their lives. In a coincidence of history, even today, traitors that bit the hands that fed them and turned their backs on the Ethiopia that breastfed them, are conspiring with those near and far to weaken and dismantle the country. At this crucial period in time when our country has embarked on discarding the tattered shawls of poverty and instead is heading towards our inevitable path of prosperity our historical enemies are feverishly organizing to deter us from our path. The TPLF terrorist enterprise that has been piping a tune of “if I don’t rule Ethiopia, then let it be destroyed” has become a willing accomplice for our enemies and drumming destruction and instability.

It is well known that the Ethiopian people, well aware of the problems within the TPLF terrorist group, have given it many opportunities and twenty-seven years to self-reform. However, the terrorist group, that was conceived in conspiracy and nurtured in destruction, became ever more damaging rather than prone to self-correct. Even after the wide spread anger of the Ethiopian people overthrew this force from power, it refused to take advantage of the repeated opportunities for correction. Rather, it chose to take refuge in Mekelle, spending time colluding with external and internal enemies of the State and wasting the money it looted from national coffers . As a result, conflict, displacements and horrific killings throughout our country have become the daily deeds of this force. The Government made all efforts humanly possible to ensure that the people of Tigrav are not put to harm as a result of the vicious nature of this group.

Undaunted by insults and mockery, the Government has until the last minute implemented all means of peace and reconciliation. On the contrary, the atrocities committed by this destructive force did not end there. The November 3, 2020, unprecedented attack of the Northern Command of the National Defence Forces pushed everything out of control. Our heroic defence forces, along with the Amhara and Afar militia and special forces, defeated the TPLF and broke its back, forcing the members of the group to hide in the trenches of Tembien.

Many of its leaders were killed; some were captured; and some of them hid in caves and among the peaceful people of Tigray. Along with enforcing the rule of law, the government has worked hard over the past eight months to liberate the Tigray region from the scourge of the TPLF, rebuild the

infrastructure these forces demolished, enable the people to govern themselves, provide humanitarian assistance, rectify mistakes committed in the process, and launch health and education services.

In this process, the people of Tigray have not been able to live a stable life due to the crisis caused by remnants of the TPLF embedded within the communities and actively organizing easy recruits.

They have made it their full-time job to sabotage rebuilding efforts by disrupting the distribution of humanitarian assistance and the resumption of infrastructure repairs, destroying health and education facilities, brutally killing members of the interim administration, and disrupting agricultural activities. The international community has turned a deaf ear, influenced instead by forces that seek to aggravate the problem. It has refused to recognize the complex nature of the process and the destructive nature of the terrorist group, abandoning truth and echoing the voices of the perpetrators. Some members of the international community, which have been silent on the group’s brutal history of human rights abuses and destruction of the lives of millions while it was in power, have chosen to ignore the Government’s positive efforts, rather seeking to resuscitate and use the terrorist group for their own agenda.

It is well known that even in times of peace, one-third of the population in the Tigray region is supported by a safety net program. During the last harvest season, desert locusts and COVID-19 were known to cause severe economic damage to the people’s livelihoods. Meanwhile, another rainy season came after the rule of law campaign was launched in Tigray. With the conviction that continuing the campaign unabated for two rainy seasons would create an insurmountable crisis for the people of Tigray, the Government decided to call a unilateral ceasefire and withdraw its troops. The Government enacted the unilateral ceasefire mainly for the sake of civilians and farmers.

Nevertheless, it has become apparent that Tigrayan farmers will not be able to farm safely unless the people of Tigray are forever separated from the terrorist group. Let alone the Tigray farmers returning to farming activities, the terrorist TPLF has also started harassing communities in neighboring regions so they would not resume farming activities. It is to be recalled that the international community had been continuously accusing the Ethiopian National Defense Forces of sabotaging supply of humanitarian aid and of human rights violation. But now that our defense forces have moved out in observation of the unilateral ceasefire, all who desire to learn the truth as well as international organizations, have observed that children are serving as soldiers, relief is used as a weapon of war, mothers and young women are raped, religious

institutions are used for military exercises and weapons storage, and aid trucks are prevented from entering the Tigray region by the terrorist group.

In Afar, the TPLF have killed more than 200 people sheltered in a health institution_, while displacing more than 300,000 people in both Afar and Amhara regions. Those who want to emphasize falsehoods rather than the truth have continued on their regular path. In addition to denying Government’s efforts, some have been caught red-handed supporting the terrorist group under the disguise of Humanitarian aid.

Prior to enactment of the unilateral humanitarian ceasefire, the Government purchased and stocked 400,000 quintals of wheat, 2.5 million liters of edible oil 14 million liters of fuel, 536,979 quintals of fertilizer and 37,599 quintals of improved seeds in Mekelle warehouses. About 70 percent of the arable land has been cultivated. In addition, 1,079 metric tons of food, 664 tons of non-food essentials and 47,740 liters of fuel were supplied to Mekelle through partners. Even after that, roads have been paved to provide relief. Humanitarian flight permits have been granted. All this is done so that our people in the Tigray region will not suffer because of the terrorist TPLF.

However, the treasonous TPLF could not extricate itself from its terrorist behavior and goal of disintegrating Ethiopia. The killings and looting of communities in neighboring Amhara and Afar regions continue. They have prevented farmers from cultivating their lands. They even robbed monasteries. They barred aid trucks from entering Tigray. The terrorist group has banned the distribution of food in Mekelle to those who would not join their fight. Although our National Defense Forces and Regional Special Forces have complied with the Government’s decision of a unilateral humanitarian ceasefire, the terrorist group boldly continued to commit crimes.

Its leaders have arrogantly declared that the TPLF’s goal and purpose is to disintegrate Ethiopia. With the help of foreign support, they have chosen to pull the trigger for further destruction.

Tricking the youth with false propaganda, they are mobilizing recruits for war, sending underage children induced with illegal substances and forcing the elderly to the frontlines. We have repeatedly informed and warned the international community and the people of Tigray that the terrorist’s approach is a vicious act of banditry. The TPLF terrorist group has launched an attack that appears to target the public, and therefore should be defended in such a manner. All our people need to give it an irreversible response.

In the past, our people have shown their determination in all four directions to remove the atrocities of the terrorist TPLF

group from the chapters of our history. There is no doubt that our people will continue to push on. Our Defense Forces, Regional Special Forces and Militia are directed to halt the destruction of the treasonous and terrorist TPLF organization and the machinations of foreign hands once and for all. Now is the right time for all capable Ethiopians who are of age to join the Defense forces, Special Forces and militias and show your patriotism.

Part of the society that is not able to join the security forces directly must strengthen its involvement in development activities more than ever before. Let the civil servants do their jobs in all capacity and without the hurdles of bureaucracy. All citizens should be vigilant and protect their neighborhood. Our people should watch closely to ensure that messengers of the terrorist group do not carry out their destructive mission. Be pillars by providing supplies and moral support for the army. The media, artists and social activists are expected to contribute towards strengthening the people’s support for the country. Every Ethiopian must work closely with the security forces in being the eyes and ears of the country in order to track down and expose spies and agents of the terrorist TPLF. Let religious leaders stand in prayer, elders apply counsel and all Ethiopians be diligent in their full capacity for Ethiopia.

When our ancestors faced such enemies, they marched in unison. Women and men, young and old, were united as one. They made sacrifices to save their country. Today, that historical responsibility has fallen on our shoulders. Ethiopians at home and abroad, your motherland calls upon you. History has shown that there is no force that can stand in our way when we stand in unity.

The battle is not with Tigray, but with the terrorist forces that have been found hiding in Tigray. Hence, we are battling to liberate the people of Tigray, who are being used as an instrument by terrorist TPLF, and the whole of Ethiopia from the terrorist group; to maintain the peace and unity of our country. Our struggle is against the forces near and far, which are behind the terrorists. TPLF is to dismantle our country and destroy Ethiopia’s existence. Therefore, all patriots should stand with all their hearts to protect their sovereignty today, as in the past, with determination to defend the dignity and glory of their country.

Indeed, Ethiopia will forever stand honored through the efforts of her children, while our names will remain written as heroes in the records of history.

God bless Ethiopia and its people!

BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME

After the downfall of the military Derg regime, Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) came to power and had put in place ethnic federalism that undermined people’s individual rights. The constitution was also framed to advantage the terrorist TPLF’s long term plan of secession.

In the years the callous TPLF had undermined all human and democratic rights and embezzled the country’s resources and military power and finance among others. at the same time established weak institutions that led to manipulation easily to the interest of the group.

To secure its tight grip of power the group had tried to create alliances with many local and international institutions with vested interests that put the country sovereignty at stake. Yet the terrorist junta used to brag as if it was the only capable group to control the Horn region.

Above all, TPLF has been fanning tremendous inter-ethnic conflict in various parts of Ethiopia through instigating ethnic divisions among communities. It had ordered and used militia loyal to its cause to conduct war in border towns shared

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Editorial

Opinion

PAGE 5 THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 11 AUGUST 2021

Managing Editor Wakuma Kudama

Email:wakuma@press.et

Deputy Editors-in-Chief Alem HailuElizabeth MengistuZekarias WoldemariamDesta Geberehiwot

Editor's Note: The views entertained in this article do not necessarily

reflect the stance of The Ethiopian Herald

It was last November, nine months back, over one thousand innocent Ethiopians- men, women and children-were brutally executed in a mass killing carried out in the town of MaiKadra, in western Tigray, near the Sudanese border by the youths of the terrorist TPLF group. Sadly enough, the horrific tragedy was carried out on citizens who were unarmed; but only day laborers working day in and day out to improve their own and families’ lives.The incidence though is the worst dreadful atrocity that was conducted against innocent civilians particularly targeting a specific ethnic group and singling out individuals in kind of gruesome, most of the global communities and international communities could not get the audacity to condemn the carnages and make the criminals accountable. Incongruously, they choose the matter of civilians’ atrocities and displacement go in one ear and out the other; obsessing in undermining government’s efforts and outcry loudly for human rights abuse which is untrue in any case. Currently, the factions, taking the government’s patience and the unilateral humanitarian ceasefire announcement as a good opportunity; and the silence of the concerned global communities and countries as a green light to advance their evil deeds, have continued their provocative attacks in neighboring areas, displacing and massacring civilians. Recently, the remnant group committed mass killings against

civilians in Galicoma town, in Afar State supported by heavy artillery. In the incident, they killed over 240 displaced civilians who were sheltering in a health post and a school of which over 100 were children under the age of 10. The terrorist enterprise also burned stored food items that were estimated to feed 30,000 displaced citizens in a manner undermining Ethiopian government and humanitarian aid organizations’ endeavors. For some westerners who are doing things accidentally on purpose and have their own hidden agendas, both the massacre and the displacement of civilians could not hold water.

Rather than saying ‘we are alarmed and concerned about the matter’ some of the organizations and countries could not go further and condemn the group and call a spade a spade.

In fact, had these countries and organizations condemned the hedonics activities of the terrorist factions and held them accountable for each and every crimes they committed, especially with regard to the genocide of Mai-Kadra, the recent massacre against children would have never been repeated.

Even now, it is not too late. Those who are saying they are concerned for global peace and security, and working for the wellbeing of humans should denounce the devilish acts of the terrorist group instead of criticizing the government.

Wicked deeds of the terrorist ought to be denounced!

“International communities should have the gut to call spade is a spade

by different ethnic groupings, reducing once promising urban centers to rubbles. While the Federal government is dealing with TPLF’s chaos internally, TPLF was winning the propaganda war on the global stage, which only emboldened them to continue their destructive activities.

In all its covert actions it had tried to lobby the international community and through the media that Ethiopia is experiencing democracy as well as development but the reality is far beyond the lines.

In my view, this is because for years, the international community has tended to ignore all of the TPLF’s crimes while imposing unjustified pressure on the Federal government. This means the International Community is effectively giving the TPLF a free pass.

As Abdiwahab Sheikh Abdisamad said in his article entitled “Abiy is Ethiopia’s underappreciated hero” noted that allowing TPLF to regain control is not a solution. And even if they were to remove a legitimately installed government, the TPLF has created too many adversaries with practically every region in the country, and would face enormous opposition in its quest to reclaim power. The attendant chaos would create instability and human

displacement in Africa’s second most populous country. The prospect of such a scenario is frightening, since it would be one of the greatest refugee crises in modern history, with regional and international ramifications.

I share the position of Abdiwahab Sheikh because the group’s main target is to rob Ethiopia and engage in illegal activities.

Before all this grimness comes, the international community should have to call a spade a spade. Otherwise the world will witness another round of the heinous atrocities of Maikadra and Metekal and Denbidolo and Cinaksan as well as Shashemene.

The group is undermining the unilateral cease fire and the group spokesperson Getachew Reda, also an executive committee member of the TPLF declared the war will continue “until no Kalashnikov remains.” In short, TPLF does not share Abiy’s goal for a peaceful coexistence; to understand this, consider an occurrence that occurred at the end of last month.

Various evidences are coming out that on August 9 2021 the terrorist TPLF massacred 240 civilians including 107 children in its attack conducted in Afar Region. Although

all atrocities were carried out despite the unilateral humanitarian ceasefire declared by the government, the terrorist group has continued its provocative attacks in the neighboring Amhara and Afar regions.

The world should know that the attack orchestrated by the terrorist TPLF has targeted cities and schools in the “Kalikuma” area in the Ethiopian Afar region, at the same time hundreds of thousands have also been displaced due to the heinous acts of the terrorist TPLF in Afar.

The international community should put pressure on the terrorist group that is destabilizing the security and stability of the country after the Ethiopian government announced a unilateral ceasefire for humanitarian reasons and to provide an appropriate atmosphere for farmers to practice their agricultural work.

Once again, I would like to remind the international community that they should not take much longer time to call a spade a spade.

PAGE 6THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 11 AUGUST 2021

Business & Economy

BY DANIEL ALEMAYEHU

It is not gone too long to see how things have been changed in this short time. There have been times which the proud Ethiopians were competent enough in the stages of the world and how Ethiopia was strong and bold in the eyes of the world. As it is well known by almost all Ethiopians, this all went to madness during the past 40 or 50 years.

It is true that Ethiopia has several resources, both natural and historical that can generate plenty of economic benefits so that the country has been collecting revenues from these resources. However, the country is still in big economic trouble regarding foreign currency and price inflation.

It should be learnt that whenever people talk about economic growth, everyone must be sure that foreign currency exchange rate is the area to think about because perceiving these two ideas separately is impossible and even can be giving cold shoulder to the truth.

The term economic growth can be defined in many ways as an increment in the production of economic goods and services, compared from one period of time to another. It focuses on Gross National Products (GNP) and Gross Domestic Product (GDP). According to United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Ethiopia has registered remarkable economic performance with annual growth averaging 10.9 percent over the past ten years. This is double the Sub Sahara Africa and triples the world average growths over this period and has led to Ethiopia being rated as one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

The other term that is taken to account is inflation. According to the journal by Mamo Esayas and Abel Wudeneh, Lecturers at Wolayita Sodo University, it is sustained rise in general price level of goods and services. The definition of inflation concerns not increase in price of a particular product for a short period of time. Inflation is bad not because people hate it but because of its serious economic and social effects.

It adversely affects the real income of people especially of those fixed income earners and redistributes income from one group to the other group and creates income inequality. Inflation also hinders Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) because it raises cost of materials and inputs and makes FDI less profitable. Uncertainty about prices and increase in production costs also reduce production. Inflation also results in reduction of exports because of decrease in production and expensiveness of domestically produced goods in international market.

Based on the article by Tamrat Kahssay from Kebridahar University, there are different hypothesis as to the cause of inflation. According to the structuralists,

Ending the war vital to have stabilized economy

inflation is attributed to the structure of the developing countries’ economy. According to monetarist, the expansion of money supply beyond the growth of real output is cause of inflation. Inflation may also result from either increase in aggregate demand or a decrease in aggregate supply, these two sources affect price level of an economy.

In the past two or three years, Ethiopia has faced many economic challenges. From these challenges, the hardest are shortage of foreign currency and price inflation. It has been seen that there was real shortage of foreign currency throughout the country, again this makes things hard to buy or get what people want. Recently, this inflation became double digit and it makes things hard to achieve the sustainable economic growth.

Jemal Mohammed (PhD), an economist, agreed that there is shortage of foreign

currency in the country that lead to inflation. It is observed that there is a huge market difference between the official exchange rate and the black market. Whenever the price of exchange rate in black markets rises, it is imminent that the official banks or the government start to high up the price in order to be competent.

In most cases, this happens when the demand and supply don’t go side by side or when there is high demand and low supply or vise versa. This causes the people to need more, Jemal said.

The other economist, Wossenseged Assefa, for his part supports the idea that the black market shows the real picture of the demand and supply chain of a country. This situation in Ethiopia happens because of the demand of the people. The people want more.

The question raised here is ‘what caused this?’ everything has reasons why it is happening in such a way. Jemal further highlighted that the major reason why Ethiopia is suffering this much on both shortage of foreign currency and price inflation is that there is a war in the northern part of the country, so the war is the main reason. Parties directly or indirectly start purchasing military goods so as to reinforce their power. This leads these parties to spend much foreign currency on the international markets.

Jemal also said that because of the existing situation in the country, it is difficult to attract tourists to visit the country. The import and export trade and activities will encounter pressures and problems as it is one of the major means for the country’s economy. These problems strongly affect the whole narrative of the country regarding the economy.

Backing this idea, Wossenseged also added that it is true that the main reason is the political situation in the country that caused this mess. In addition, when the country is in

peace, people change their money to assets like buying houses and cars. However, Ethiopian currency is getting devalued and foreign currencies are appreciated, so when the people who got the money start to feel insecure because of the country’s situation, they start to change their money which is Birr to foreign currency and gold.

There are commodities that are highly affected by the shortage of foreign currency and price inflation. As to Jemal, among the commodities that will be in deficiency during such critical time are food items. The country imports food items like edible oil from abroad as it is very important for the survival of the people. The other is petroleum on which every activities of the country depend. Ethiopia again imports it from the international market. So that, the market needs foreign currency since Birr does not serve the purpose. Furthermore, there are also things that are not critical but essential like cars. They are getting very expensive as we are witnessing now.

Both economists agreed that in order to have a solution for these challenges the best thing that the country should do is to bring the war to the end by hook or by crook. After that, the government will take several measurements to change the entire atmosphere.

According to Jemal, if the war is ended, the government can start to implement different policies and strategies to change the situation including controlling the market and illegal inflow of foreign currency. “We cannot halt the inflation automatically, but when the war ends the economy will be stable at its time,” he remarked.

The government must also focus on the commodities that are very compulsory for the people. The government should serve the people by providing things essential for survival like food items, the economists suggested.

If the war is ended, the gov-ernment can start to imple-ment different policies and

strategies to change the situation including control-ling the market and illegal inflow of foreign currency.

“We cannot halt the inflation automatically, but when the war ends the economy will

be stable at its time.”

BY STAFF REPORTER

As a country endowed with a huge amount of water resources Ethiopia is utilizing the resources for the generation of hydroelectric power. It is working hard to respond to its large level of energy needs by building mega hydroelectric power dams on its large river basins.

As compared to the mega hydropower plants, Micro Hydro Power (MHP) plants are less used. But considering the potential for developing the plants, MHP is decentralized, renewable, robust, and simple technology.

According to energypedia, it only takes a small amount of flow (as little as few liters per minute) or a drop as low as 1 m to generate electricity with micro-hydro. Electricity can be delivered as far as 1 km away to the location where it is being used. If planned carefully and well adapted to the environmental conditions, micro-hydro power schemes produce a continuous and predictable supply of electrical energy in comparison to other small-scale renewable technologies.

The peak energy season is during the winter months when large quantities of electricity are required. MHP is considered to function as a ‘run-of-river system, meaning that the water passing through the generator is directed back into the stream with relatively little impact on the surrounding ecology. In comparison to large hydropower, MHP thus only has a little negative environmental impact. Negative socio-economic impacts are even insignificant in comparison. Further advantages include low distribution and running costs (requires no fuel and only low maintenance) as well as local implementation and management. Moreover, hydropower is a durable and robust technology; systems typically last for 50 years or more without major new investments.

Furthermore, MHP can be considered a cost-effective energy solution. Building a small-scale hydro-power system can cost from 1,000 dollar - 20,000 dollar, depending on site electricity requirements and location. Maintenance fees are relatively small in comparison to other technologies. Due to the low-cost versatility and longevity of MHP, developing countries can manufacture and implement the technology to help supply much-needed electricity to small communities and villages. If the MHP plant produces a large amount of excess energy, some power companies might buy back electricity overflow. Furthermore,

THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 11 AUGUST 2021PAGE 7

Planet Earth

Harnessing the benefits of micro-hydropower dams

it is possible to supplement the micro hydropower with intake from the power grid.

Flowing water has been one of the easiest sources of energy. Watermills grind grains and can run a generator. Many water mills were in operation centuries ago. Later, the potential energy was tapped to run turbines and generate power. Initially, small hydroelectric projects were set up. Since many of these projects were in mountainous terrains, the operation of these plants depended on the availability of water.

There are a large number of streams, canals and rivulets with drops at many places. Today new technologies are available for the construction of water turbines for a small head of 2 - 3 meters. Hence, it is possible to set up a large number of small plants. These are known as micro and mini-hydro plants because of their capacity. Plants with capacities up to 500 kW are called micro-hydro plants and with capacities up to 50 kW as mini-hydro plants. We should encourage setting up such plants in the region.

In Ethiopia, few attempts are made to utilize micropower dams by institutions like universities. In Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State there are significant rivers that can generate mini-hydropower for rural electrification. As indicated above the topography varies from over 2000 m.a.s.l to the lowlands below 500 m.a.s.l that indicates the topography is mountainous.

As a result, there is a significant number of rivers, which can be utilized as mini-hydropower development. In this context, the region could plan for the development

of mini-hydro for rural electrification programmes.

In the Assosa zone other than the Haha river, five rivers have the potential for mini-and micro hydropower potential. Currently, most of them are used by small flour mills for power generation. In the Kamashi zone, there are four rivers of which one of them is used by flour mills.

In three woredas of the Metekel zone, there are a total of six rivers that can be developed for mini and micro-hydropower.

As in the other zones of the region, the rivers are currently used by flour mills for their requirement of power.

The resource potential of mini-and large-hydropower potential is an attractive resource in the region. In addition, the different types of rivers that have irrigation potential also could have a potential for power generation in the region.

There are, however, several disadvantages that need to be taken into account. MHP plants require certain site conditions and are thus not suitable for any location. To take full advantage of the electrical potential of small streams, a suitable site is needed. Factors to consider are a distance from the power source to the location where energy is required, stream size (including flow rate, output and drop), and a balance of system components — inverter, batteries, controller, transmission line and pipelines.

Limited technical know-how especially in resource-rich locations might impede hydropower development. Furthermore, the size and flow of small streams may restrict future site expansion as the power demand increases. As MHP plants require no reservoir, electricity generation is highly dependent on a constantly sufficient river discharge. In many locations stream, size will fluctuate seasonally. During the summer months, there will likely be less flow and therefore less power output. Advanced planning and research will be needed to ensure adequate energy requirements are met.

Finally, environmental impacts need to be taken into account. The ecological impact of small-scale hydro is minimal; however, the low-level environmental effects must be taken into consideration before construction begins. Stream water will be diverted away from a portion of the stream, and proper caution must be exercised to ensure there will be no damaging impact on the local ecology or civil infrastructure.

Environmental impacts

need to be taken into account. The ecological

impact of small-scale hydro is minimal; however, the low-level environmental

effects must be taken into consideration before

construction begins

PAGE 8THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 11 AUGUST 2021

Art & Culture

BY MULUGETA GUDETA

The recent controversy surrounding the awarding of a music prize to the wrong person and the subsequent move to correct the mistake has left the public awe-struck. It was indeed a bizarre event belying the carelessness, and possibly the cynicism, of the award granting institution which is none other than a department or a committee within the Ministry of Culture which was given the task of organizing this year’s award for best artist, i.e. musician, playwright, composer or performer. The public and possibly the august gathering at the awarding ceremony must have been embarrassed by this strange performance of the committee tasked for selecting candidates for the awards.

Dagmawi Ali, the popular musician and authentic winner of the award was later on contacted by the same people who made the false step and apologized for the mistake and gave the prize money of 100 000 Birr, a little more than 2000 dollars to the rightful owner. Gildo Kassa, the man who first collected the prize was this time denied the honor that was passed on to his fellow musician. Dagmawi was unlucky the first time and lucky the second time while the reverse was the case for his counterpart. What the hell was going on in this bizarre drama of granting and then retrieving an official award? Nobody really knows the answer.

In a way, some inconsistencies in the awarding process of prestigious prizes are sometimes observed. However, no such phenomenon was ever witnessed here at home or elsewhere and this makes the incident a unique happening that confused not only the real or sham winner but also the public altogether.

There were even some controversies during the nominations of writers by the Nobel committee or by the judges at such prestigious literary events as the Booker Prize in Great Britain. The process of selecting of the winners at such prestigious establishments is usually so laborious and meticulous that there are no controversial candidates once the final decisions are made in the selection process.

Both the Nobel and the Booker selection committees are composed of the most respected literary experts who usually read hundreds of entries and finally select a handful of books for the final stage of the competition. However, sometimes members of the public disagree with the choices made by the committees. Those shortlisted by for the Nobel or Booker prizes often draw criticism from the literary world. For instance the 2020 shortlist of the Booker Prize for best novel included Ethiopian author Meaza Mengiste who failed to win the prize. A relatively unknown writer won the prominent prize for his debut novel and

Arts and literature awards, the development of culture

this was considered favoritism by some critics who favored Meaza’s book entitled “The Shadow King”.

Even at the level of the Nobel Prize, many writers were ignored by the awarding committee in the past. Notable writers were the late British author Graham Green who was often a favorite of the literati for winning the Nobel while some members of the awarding committee refused to grant him the coveted prize on allegedly personal grounds.

Salman Rushdie was another potential choice for the Nobel but he is always left aside simply because his novel entitled “The Satanic Verses” had raised a storm of international controversies in opposition or in favor of the author when Islamist radicals killed many people who supported the author and Iran imposed a Fatwa or an edict outlawing the book. Rushdie’s book was subsequently made the target of book burnings and assassinations of booksellers who kept “The Satanic Verses” in their shops.

In Ethiopia, many awards are granted yearly for musicians, writers, movie makers and other performing artists as well as for dance troops. This year alone, an award of recognition was granted to veteran writers by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed who bestowed medals and certificates on those whom “Ethiopia recognized their contributions”, as the PM made it clear. There was also an award giving ceremony for movie makers

and actors known as the Guma Awards for best films, actors, producers and directors. There were also similar awards in the past, the best one being the Haile Sellassie I award foundation that gave the first prizes to writers, poets, playwrights and painters like Kebrekristos Desta and Eskunder Bogosian.

Poet Laureate Tsegaye G/Medhin, perhaps the best national poet the country has produced in more than a century, was given official recognition by the monarch and subsequently became the best playwright in the country. Although the Haile Sellassie award foundation was established with money given by none else other than the monarch himself, it was later on abandoned following the onset of the Ethiopian revolution of 1974. The Haile Sellassie I award foundation was instrumental in promoting the best artists in the country who later on proved their mettles by producing remarkable works of art that outlived their creators.

The Derg, which was committee of elite military officers who claimed to lead the revolution, was intent on granting honors and awards to soldiers and commanders who excelled at the battle fronts rather than in other areas. Artists and writers had no place in national life as the consciences of the nation. Most of them were seen as critics of the regime or “counter revolutionaries” in the official parlance of the time and ostracized from assuming public functions in arts and literature. Some of them were killed, deported or exiled.

There was some kind of revival in the artistic and literary fields when the EPRDF government reestablished the long defunct awards ceremony for artistic and literary achievements. The award, which was officially sponsored by the government, had ambitions plans to make the awards a permanent fixture of public life. However the awarding institution’s existence was short lived as it stumbled and fell after two or three years due to financial constraints that made it difficult to turn the awards into a permanent institution.

With change in the function of arts and literature, the awards vanished altogether following the introduction of a new line of thinking known as “developmental art” by the authorities. This killed all remaining initiatives for creativity and artistic excellence. ‘Developmental art’ was not a new philosophy or ideology. It was a kind of perverted version of the old socialist realism philosophy in arts and literature that was encouraged by the previous self-proclaimed socialist regime.

“Art for art’s sake” was then denounced as bourgeois or reactionary. The purpose of art and literature should be to promote class struggle and portray working class heroes who were building an egalitarian society that was only a figment of the imaginations of so-called revolutionaries. The last

official award of medals and certificates for veteran artists and writers is therefore the latest official event that the government sponsored.

The ultimate question remains whether artistic and/or literary awards contribute to the development of culture. The answer is yes, they do. Awards of merit granted to artists, writers, journalists and in other fields of endeavor indeed encourage and inspire others to excel in their respective fields. The Grammy Awards for best music, the Pulitzer prize for journalism in the United States as well as awards at the annual Cannes festival for best performing artists are very old events that have contributed to the emergence of talented artists that promoted the respective industries, bringing prestige, respect, honor as well as prize moneys to the award winners.

In Ethiopia, the national award system is still at its early stage although more than half a century has passed since the Haile Selassie prize foundation was established and later on disappeared under the pressure of revolutionary events back in the 1970s. Nevertheless, occasional awards for best achievements in the fields of arts and literature have brought many artists to the limelight and made their contributions recognized by the public. Young and aspiring artists were often inspired by these events.

As a consequence, the publishing and film industries have also gained a great deal from these activities. It would therefore be relevant to make the awards permanent and institutionalized in the coming years. Artistic awards may not create geniuses but the fact that they encourage and inspire the available pool of talents and promote good culture is an incontrovertible and highly significant fact.

It may be difficult or impossible to restore the defunct Haile Selassie awards foundation. Yet, a new kind of institution with similar objectives can be set up with money granted by the government or philanthropists. Those who ran the institution should be distinguished for their integrity and high moral standards and devotion to the cultural renewal of the nation.

However, an important point needs to be raised in this context. The problem with the selection of awardees might be suffering from some shortcomings. Those who are nominated to select the potential winners should be highly disciplined, committed, neutral and knowledgeable people. They should have no connection whatsoever with the artists to be selected for specific awards. They should also responsible for none other than their own consciences and moral standards. In this way the awards might be free from all sorts of allegations, suspicions and distrust. This is the basic lesson that the cultural authorities should learn from the recent incident.

With change in the function of arts and literature, the

awards vanished altogether following the introduction of a new line of thinking known

as “developmental art” by the authorities

THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 11 AUGUST 2021PAGE 9

Society

BY MENGISTEAB TESHOME

We know in the early hours of November 4, 2020, the terrorist TPLF attacked the Ethiopian National Defense Forces Base located in Tigray State and attempted to rob the Northern Command of artillery and military equipment. It is clear that the Northern command has been stationed in the State for long in service and protection of the people of Tigray from any threats.

In fact, following the provocative act of the terrorist group, the Federal Government was forced to undertake law enforcement operations against the terrorist TPLF. A conflict, however, cannot be prevented only on the goodwill and decision of one party, but on the mutual choice for peace by both parties. Thus, the fighting cannot end up as it should be.

Particularly, owing to the offensive act of the terrorist group many people were displaced, wounded and several people have lost their lives.

The Mai Kadra massacre orchestrated by the terrorist group and carried out against civilians residing in western Tigray on November 9, 2020 was the best example in this regard.

As it was revealed by the time, the incident was one of the most distressing ones operated by those loyal to the terrorist TPLF targeting the Amharas, but still the international community kept silent.

Recently, the same offensive act was executed in Afar State against civilians.

The Ethiopian Herald approached residents of Addis Ababa requesting them to comment on this same issue-the killing of 240 civilians of which 107 were children conducted in Afar State at Galicoma by the remnants of TPLF.

Eyasu Teshome a resident of Bole Sub City said that the terrorist TPLF group had been governing the people of Ethiopia for over two decades with its divisive and hateful mentalities. The world should learn that the group is an artist of massacre.

He further noted that in the times of its struggle before it seizes power; the group had killed many Tigrayians and other ethnics groups. Even, while it was in power, it did the same things.

While talking about the crime the terrorist committed at Galicoma town, in Afar State, he said: “To be frank, I am not surprised by the group’s heinous attack on civilians because the terrorist group has longstanding culture of deploying all irresponsible and immoral acts to lengthen its time, including recruiting child soldiers and use them as human shield.”

Ending up civilians’ massacre is everyone’s responsibility

TPLF is aspiring to destabilize Ethiopia and disrupt the social values

and coexistence of the peoples of Ethiopia. That is

why it is keeping on fanning unrest in the Tigray State

and the surrounding areas, reducing towns to rubble and killing of innocents

The world should be clear that the terrorist TPLF is a demonic group that undermines the unilateral ceasefire because they want to take advantage of the situation. That is why group’s spokesperson Getachew Reda, and also an executive committee member of the TPLF reaffirmed that the war will continue “until no Kalashnikov remains.”

In short, TPLF is aspiring to destabilize Ethiopia and disrupt the social values and coexistence of the peoples of Ethiopia. That is why it is keeping on fanning unrest in the Tigray State and the surrounding

areas, reducing towns to rubble and killing of innocents.

“My heart is with the Galicoma victims; at this juncture the international community should walk the talk in practical fashion,” he stressed.

He further illustrated that if the international community keeps on condemning the attack, there will not be another massacre in Afar State too. Even now, it is not too late and they should break the silence.

Moreover, he noted that the international community should put pressure on the terrorist group that is working to destabilize the security and stability of the country.

Commenting on UNICEF’s position on the incident, he said that the institution should have condemned it and amplified it with facts on the ground.

Some international organizations and countries are engaged in taking side and are trying to favor the TPLF, as to him.

Executive Director of UNICEF Henrietta Fore issued a statement on the reported killing of hundreds of civilians, including children, in Afar, northern Ethiopia.

She noted that “UNICEF is extremely alarmed by the reported killing of over 200 people, including more than 100 children, in attacks on displaced families sheltering at a health facility and a school in Afar State on Thursday, 5 August. Crucial food supplies were also reportedly destroyed in an area that is already seeing emergency levels of malnutrition and food insecurity.

“The intensification of fighting in Afar

and other areas neighboring Tigray, is disastrous for children. It follows months of armed conflict across Tigray that have placed some 400,000 people, including at least 160,000 children, in famine-like conditions. Four million people are in crisis or emergency levels of food insecurity in Tigray and adjacent states of Afar and Amhara. More than 100,000 have been newly displaced by the recent fighting, adding to the 2 million people already uprooted from their homes.

Afar State Peace and Security Head Ibrahim Humad also noted that the killing of innocents and children at Galicoma by TPLF is a crime against humanity and everyone should condemn it. The State is working to restore peace and security and supply medical and food services for the displaced people.

Similarly, the Ministry of Women, Children and Youth has also denounced Galicoma Massacre and called on the international community to condemn it. Ministry’s Law Affairs Directorate Director Dereje Tegyibelu noted that the heinous attack on the civilians and children was inhuman.

Yet, he indicated that the international community is ignoring the terrorist TPLF group, arming children and sending them as combatants to the warfront.

He further noted the international community had witnessed children carrying machine guns and going to warfronts. If it fails to unmask the crimes against children and humanity, it will be considered as giving recognition and supporting them, he stressed.

PAGE 10 THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 11 AUGUST 2021

Law & Politics

BY ADDISALEM MULAT

Since the Ethiopian government declared a unilateral humanitarian ceasefire and withdrew troops from Tigray State, the TPLF terrorist group has been trying to spread conflicts into Amhara and Afar states. Emboldened by the silence of the international community and driven by its years of bloodsucking tendency, the terrorist group has intensified its atrocities against civilians living along Afar and Amhara borders. The group has been indiscriminately shelling civilian infrastructures with heavy artilleries. Its recent incursion into the two states resulted in the death of hundreds of civilians while displacing hundreds of thousands of people.

With TPLF atrocities increasing over time, the international community continues to turn a blind eye. From Mai Kadra massacre to the recent Afar Massacres, TPLF has been committing crimes that amounts to war crimes. Recruiting child soldiers and using civilians as a human shield are also enough evidence to bring the group to the International Criminal Court.

The gruesome killing of civilians in Mai Kadra by the TPLF henchmen drew not enough condemnation from the international community. The international community is playing double-standard role. While putting unfair pressure against the federal government based on false allegations, the international community condoned the terrorist activity of TPLF. This has encouraged the terrorist group to do more harm against Ethiopians. Besides, the group has also been targeting Eritrean refugees sheltered in Tigray State.

Some countries and UN agencies are coming increasingly to know the cruelty and belligerent acts of TPLF terrorist group.

USAID Head Samantha Power after visiting Ethiopia said that the U.S. is watching with great alarm as a conflict that began in Tigray is now beginning to spread. We now estimate that there are roughly 76,000 internally displaced persons in Afar and 150,000 internally displaced persons in Amhara after TPLF In military expansion into neighboring provinces, Samantha added.

In addition to displacing hundreds of thousands of Ethiopians, TPLF is engaged in killings sprees.

More recently, the terrorist group has scaled up its atrocities against civilians. In Afar, the terrorist group has massacred 240 civilians, of which 170 were children.

United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) said it is extremely alarmed by the reported killing of over

The continued international silence and TPLF’s killing sprees

200 civilians, including more than 100 children, in attacks on displaced families sheltering at a health facility and a school in the Afar region of Ethiopia. In a statement it issued on Monday, United Nations Children’s Emergency Fund

(UNICEF) said crucial food supplies were also reportedly destroyed in an area that is already seeing emergency levels of malnutrition and food insecurity.

“The intensification of fighting in Afar and other areas neighboring Tigray, is disastrous for children. It follows months of armed conflict across Tigray that have placed some 400,000 people, including at least 160,000 children, in famine-like conditions,” UNICEF said in the statement.

Similarly, the Atlantic Council’s Africa Center Director Bronwyn Bruton has denounced the act and called on the international community to speak forcefully to restrain TPLF from its heinous crimes targeting innocent civilians and children.

In her Twitter post yesterday, the director said that she is ‘extremely alarmed’ by the reported killing of 200 people, including more than 100 children, in the attacks on displaced families sheltering at a health facility and a school at Afar State of Ethiopia on Thursday, 5 August.

Noting TPLF attacks on refugees, IDPs and civilians are war crimes, Bruton highlighted that the government of Ethiopia’s ceasefire cannot continue while children are being slaughtered and religious sites in Lalibela are being attacked.

In a related development, Weldiya Mayor Mohammad Yasin stated that TPLF is terrorizing the people to leave the city through disseminating unfounded lies and propaganda. Though, the youth and security officials are working in tandem to defend the aggressors.

Officials of the Afar and Amhara states said the terrorist TPLF forces have caused huge public displacement and property damages having taken control of some areas in their respective states.

Both also said that the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF) and regional troops have taken proportionate measures to stop the terrorist TPLF’s provocations and inflicted significant harm on the latter.

On Friday, more than 170 displaced civilians stationed in aid centers in Afar State were massacred by the terrorist enterprise’s military attacks.

Speaking to local media, Afar State Human Rights Organization Head Geas Ahmed stated that the terrorist faction has taken the killings of civilians as the retaliation for the heavy price it has paid in the hands of ENDF and Afar Special Forces. Noting TPLF militants have targeted to either displace residents or to commit insane mass killings, the head indicated that thousands of civilians have fled as the invaders took border woredas

(districts).

Geas also voiced his grievance over the international media’s silence to the killings of civilians in Afar. “Some Western governments have been working for the resurrection of TPLF and it is clear that they are still not active to condemn the atrocities committed by the outlawed group.”

Amhara National Movement Organization Affairs Head Gashaw Mersha recently said that the militants are trying to penetrate into the Sudan border and to terrify the northwestern part of Amhara State, he said adding that across Welkait fronts, the dissidents have made repeated provocative attacks even though federal and state security forces have successfully repulsed the offense and inflicted significant harm to the aggressors.”

TPLF does not have the capacity to pose a major security threat, Gashaw noted, adding that the faction has made a tireless effort to terrorize the people with a view to harming their trust in the government.

The terrorist TPLF clique has caused humanitarian crises by attacking the neighboring Amhara and Afar states and putting the World Heritage Site in Lalibela town at risk, a renowned Canadian scholar said.

In a recent press conference, Office of the Prime Minister Press Secretary Bilene Seyum said that in developments following the government’s decision to enact humanitarian ceasefire and withdrew from some of the cities, the international community’s silence was quite bold and double standards seem to be at play in muteness towards TPLF’s harassment and overt belligerence.

She further noted that despite TPLF’s overt acts and its open and vocal belligerence against the safety and security of the people of Ethiopia and its blatant statements to attack other states and the capital, the international community has remained unresponsive.

“This silence among the international community is something to be once again raised and questioned.”

As to her, “Many that were echoing for the wellbeing of Tigrayans in the State are now mute when the terrorist element is blocking aid, killing Tigrayans accused of being loyal to the federal government and conscripting child soldiers as well as utilizing civilians as human shields.”

Noting the prevalence of a very loud narrative about the withdrawal of federal and Amhara Special Forces from Tigray, she said that now TPLF forces, designated as terrorist elements, are encroaching Amhara and Afar states and there is a dead silence among global players.

“Many that were echoing for the wellbeing of Tigrayans

in the State are now mute when the terrorist element is blocking aid,

killing Tigrayans accused of being loyal to the

federal government and conscripting child soldiers as well as utilizing civilians

as human shields.”

PAGE 11

In the Sphere of Diplomacy THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 11 AUGUST 2021

BY ADDISALEM MULAT

In an act of escalating tension with Ethiopia, Sudan last Sunday recalled its ambassador in Ethiopia after the Ethiopian government said Khartoum is not fit to mediate Ethiopia’s internal issue. Ethiopia’s stand holds a solid truth in fact. When the Ethiopian National Defense Forces left the Ethio-Sudan border to play a part in the law enforcement operations in Tigray state, Sudan’s armed forces took control of the area and embarked on displacing and looting Ethiopians.

The government of Ethiopia has been leaving no stone unturned to resolve the issue peacefully and diplomatically, Sudan has rather been taking measures that upped the ante.

Even worse, Khartoum has been engaged in blame shifting and playing a victim card to mislead the international community. Sudan has done nothing to deescalate the tension between the two nations except adding fuel to the fire.

The Sudanese army has been turning the lives of Ethiopians residing in the area into a living hell by setting their houses on fire and destroying their livelihood. Against this backdrop, Ethiopia made every possible effort to turn the tide and resolve the matter peacefully.

Besides its hawkish moves in the Ethio-Sudan border, Khartoum has been serving as an agent of a third party to pose a setback in the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. Particularly, Sudan and Egypt have been trying to stonewall the second filling of GERD by internationalizing and politicizing the matter. Sudan is continuing to play a negative role in the border, GERD and law enforcement operations. On Sunday, it is reported that the country had recalled its ambassador to Ethiopia frustrated by the stance of Ethiopian officials whom it said were refusing Sudan’s offer to arbitrate in the ongoing battle in the northern part of Ethiopia.

According to Reuters as a statement from the foreign ministry read Ethiopia will improve its position if it considered what Sudan could do.

Hamdok’s offer came within the framework of his presidency of IGAD, a grouping that includes Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Djibouti, Sudan, Uganda and Somalia, the statement said.

Spokesperson for the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Prime Minister did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Sudan recalling its

Sudan is too fragile to mediate strong Ethiopia

ambassador.

Since time immemorial Ethiopia and Sudan have got a very long-standing relationship. Ethiopia’s diplomacy journey towards Sudan is one and the same. In the olden days, Sudan was under shack of the colonial rule. On top of that, as Sudan by its very nature has not ever formulated a stable government, they fail to meet the demands of its people from time to time.

I would even go as far as to say, in the present climate, Sudan’s policy is under the influence of Egypt. Nowadays, the government of Sudan is divided among the civilian government, the military wing, and a breakaway group from the military.

In a similar manner, Egypt is doing its level best to keep its interest and make Sudan a destabilized nation. I would venture to say, the military wing is almost led fully by Egypt on the grounds that they get every help from the latter. Furthermore, the civil government is not that strong. If truth be told, the people of Sudan do not have confidence in their government.

Sudan has a fragile government let alone mediating Ethiopia. It is not in the position to govern itself as it should be. Its economy is also collapsed. It is no hyperbole to say, they cannot even provide their people with basic needs. Even worse, Sudan is turning out to be a battleground of a proxy war.

Ethiopia is by far better than Sudan in many aspects. Ethiopia has played a major role in bringing Sudan to the right track at the time the country was moving into uncharted territory. Ethiopia did everything it could

to get to the bottom of the problem. But at this point in time, Sudan is getting off track and running against the interest of Ethiopia over and over again.

Reacting to Sudan’s decision, Endale Nigussie, lecture at the school of diplomacy and international relations of Civil Service University said that in the first place, Ethiopia is not seeking third party mediation. It is able to resolve its internal issue on its own. Sudan is not fit enough to mediate Ethiopia and its government is fragile.

“Ethiopia can manage its internal affairs on its own with no trouble. Ethiopia does not need the support of other countries given that it is a self-sufficient country.”

Back in the day, the terrorist TPLF group had been given quite a lot of chances to come to the negotiation table and resolve the ongoing problem in an orderly manner. However, the intended target could not be achieved due to the terrorist reluctance. The only way to settle the score against the group is through using force, he added.

Speaking of the Ethio-Sudan dispute, Endale noted that Ethiopia is heading in the right direction. Ethiopia has not breached the sovereignty of Sudan and its people. Though Sudan has taken control of Ethiopia’s land by force, Ethiopia gave prominence to getting to the bottom of the problem in a peaceful manner.

If Sudan continues its belligerent acts, it will get itself dissolved. On the other hand, Ethiopia will prevail as it is a peace-loving country. It is Sudan not Ethiopia that needs

the support of other countries. If Sudan makes an effort to get off the track it will collapse totally.

It is to be recalled that Ethiopian government has rejected Sudan’s request for mediation with regard to the Tigray situation. Addressing the issue last Thursday, Press Secretary of the Office of Prime Minister, Billene Seyoum, dismissed the possibility of Sudan mediating on the conflict in the northern region of Tigray.

She described the relationship with Khartoum as “a little bit tricky” and said trust should be the basis of any mediation but had “eroded” especially following the “Sudanese army incursion into Ethiopian territory.”

“The relationship with Sudan at this point is a little bit tricky because the level of trust with some leaders has already been eroded particularly with the Sudanese army incursion into Ethiopian territory,” Billene said.

“Trust is the basis of any negotiation, any mediation as well, so that element needs to be thoroughly addressed before Sudan could be entertained as a credible party in terms of facilitating such kind of negotiations, Billene said adding that Sudan must first withdraw its troops from Ethiopian territories before playing any negotiation role.

Tensions along Ethio-Sudan border broke out in December last year, one month after the outbreak of conflict in Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region after Sudan forces invaded Ethiopian territory.

“Ethiopia can manage its internal affairs on its own with no trouble. Ethiopia does not need the support of other countries given that it is a self-sufficient country.”

PAGE 12THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 11 AUGUST 2021

Global Affairs

BY DARGIE KAHSAY

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change, has released its 2021 climate report under the topic “Climate Change 2021: the Physical Science Basis.”

More than 234 authors have participated in the assessment and the report has provided the most up-to-date physical understanding of the climate system and climate change, bringing together the latest advances in climate science and multiple lines of evidences, according to IPCC.

The latest IPCC report released on Monday noted that Scientists are observing rapid changes in the Earth’s climate in every region and across the whole climate system. It reported that climate change is widespread, rapid and intensifying. The world is also becoming hotter and at rapid rate than previously forecasted one.

According to the report, the earth has already warmed by 1.1 degree Celsius since the 19th

century. Within the next two decades, the Earth is predicted to be warming by more than 1.5 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels which is virtually inevitable leading to more frequent heat waves, droughts and extreme weather, the report pointed out.

The report warned that new estimates of the chances of crossing the global warming level of 1.5°C in the next decades, and finds that unless there are immediate, rapid and large-scale reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, limiting warming to close to 1.5 degree Celsius or even 2 degree Celsius will be beyond reach.

Changes in the Earth’s climate are in every region and across the whole climate system, the report underlined adding many of the changes observed in the climate are unprecedented in thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of years, and some of the changes already set in motion such as continued sea level rise are irreversible over hundreds to thousands of years, IPCC’s press release on the report stated.

For the report, it could take 20 to 30 years to see global temperatures stabilize, though strong and sustained reductions in emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases would limit climate change. Emissions of greenhouse gases from human activities are responsible for approximately 1.1°C of warming since 1850-1900, and finds that averaged over the next 20 years, global temperature is expected to reach or exceed 1.5°C of warming, the report shows.

The report projects that in the coming decades’ climate changes will increase in all regions. For 1.5°C of global warming, there will be increasing heat waves, longer warm seasons and shorter cold seasons. At

Earth’s widespread, rapid changes intensifying global warming: IPCC report

2 degree Celsius of global warming, heat extremes would more often reach critical tolerance thresholds for agriculture and health, it added.

According to IPCC’s statement the change is not only about temperature, climate change is bringing multiple changes in different regions which will all increase with further warming. These include changes to wetness and dryness, to winds, snows and ice, coastal areas and oceans, it noted. Climate change is intensifying the water cycle, affecting rainfall patterns, amplify permafrost thawing and the loss of seasonal snow cover, melting of glaciers and ice sheets, and loss of summer Arctic Sea ice, IPCC announced.

The report also underlined that following these rapid changes that the Earth is experiencing, extreme sea level events that previously occurred once in 100 years could happen every year by the end of this century. Changes to the ocean, including warming, more frequent marine heat waves, ocean acidification, and reduced oxygen levels have been clearly linked to human influence. These changes affect both ocean ecosystems and the people that rely on them, and they will continue throughout at least the rest of this century.

Not only that, the climate change may also amplify cities temperature, flooding from heavy precipitation events and sea level rise in coastal cities, the report noted. Unless immediate, rapid and large-scale action is taken to reduce emissions, the report says, the average global temperature is likely to reach or cross the 1.5-degree Celsius warming threshold within 20 years.

Hence, the report underlined, global warming is dangerously increasing and reached the turning point to take serious and timely actions before it becomes out of control. It warned that the world is already certain to face further climate disruptions from decades, if not centuries, to come, Reuters reported citing the report. Rapid action to cut greenhouse gas emissions could limit some impacts, but others are now locked in.

The report reiterated that there is hope that major policy shifts could halt the warming at the 1.5-degree level, although some impacts are likely irreversible at this point, including the melting of Arctic sea ice and ocean acidification. If global leaders do not take immediate actions, catastrophic warming of 2 to 4 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels could happen, the report stated adding, making heat waves that used to occurs every 50 years annual events.

Co-chairman of the IPCC Working Group, Valerie Masson-Delmott during a webinar press organized to publicize the report on Monday said that ′′ It has been clear for

decades that the climate of the Earth has been changing and the role of human impact on the climate system is undeniable,” adding, “the Earth’s climate is changing, and the role of the human influence on the climate system is undisputed.”

“This report is a reality check,” said IPCC Working Group I Co-Chair Valérie Masson-Delmotte noted adding that “We now have a much clearer picture of the past, present and future climate, which is essential for understanding where we are headed, what can be done, and how we can prepare.”

UN Environment Program Executive Director, Inger Andersen also said during the press conference that “IPCC have been telling the world for over three decades of the dangers of allowing the planet to warm. The world listened, but it didn’t hear and act. As a result, climate change is a problem that is worsening now” Anderson underlined that the IPCC report indicated us “where we are and where we could go, unless timely actions are taken.”

“Stabilizing the climate will require strong, rapid, and sustained reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, and reaching net zero CO2 emissions. Limiting other greenhouse gases and air pollutants, especially methane, could have benefits both for health and the climate,” said IPCC Working Group I Co-Chair Panmao Zhai. “Climate change is already affecting every region on Earth, in multiple ways. The changes we experience will increase with additional warming,” Zhai noted.

Speaking to Reuters, Environment and Climate Change activist Greta Thunberg called on the public and media to put “massive” pressure on governments to act timely as the COP26, the global climate conference, is scheduled to be held within the coming three months in Glasgow.

“I hope that this can be a wakeup call, in every possible way” Thunberg stated. “When these extreme weather events are happening, many say, what will it take for people in power to start acting? What are they waiting for? And it will take many things, but especially, it will take massive pressure from the public and massive pressure from the media,” she said.

“As it is now, nothing is changing. The only thing that’s changing is the climate,” she stressed.

Following the release of the IPCC report, scientists and environmental activities are calling for major policy shifts to halt the plant’s rapid and widespread global warming. The people across the globe are eagerly waiting for the upcoming COP26 session as the world needs immediate and timely actions to save the world from the effects of the rapid climate change.

Global warming is dangerously increasing

and reached the turning point to take serious and timely actions before it becomes

out of control. It warned that the world is already certain

to face further climate disruptions from decades, if

not centuries, to come.

THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD WEDNESDAY 11 AUGUST 2021 PAGE 13

Media Digest

ADDIS ABABA (FBC) – Chairperson of the Ethiopian Peace Corps delegation led by Professor Brook Hailu Beshah has briefed the media today on the activities the delegate has carried out during the last three weeks in line with the current situation in the country.

During the briefing session, the Chairperson said the delegate will work hard to eliminate distrust among members of the diaspora community and bring Ethiopians living in all corners of the world together towards shared national agenda.

The delegation is established with a view to serve as the bridge between the diaspora community and the Ethiopian government, Professor Brook explained.

He indicated that the delegation is a syndicate of 13 civic society organizations that are working to socio economic challenges in Ethiopia thereby promote wellbeing of the nation.

Ethiopian Peace Corps delegation vows to bring diaspora community together

Peace Corps Delegation visited displaced in Artuma Fursi Woreda, Dimtu Cherkosa

Camp, Konso Gelebo Camp and Derashe Special Woreda Gatto Localty Camp

and contributed support of clothing and sanitation supplies, he elaborated.

ADDIS ABABA (FBC) – Trade and Industry Ministry stated that the Ethiopian government has finalized preparations to show case the country’s culture, investment and trade and at the much-awaited EXPO2020 Dubai starting from August 11, 2021.

Ethiopia will be participating in the EXPO under the theme “Land of origins & opportunities”, the Ministry indicated.

State Minister of Export Expansion Division of the Trade and Industry Ministry, Ambassador Misganu Arega said Ethiopia will name days that will promote its music, cultural values, coffee, trade, investment and public holidays at the Expo.

The Ethiopian government has established a national steering committee that facilitates Ethiopia’s participation at Dubai EXPO2020 under the theme “Ethiopia Land of Origins and Opportunities”.

Ethiopia to showcase its culture,

investment and in Expo 2020 Dubai from tomorrow

ADDIS ABABA (ENA) - The long-standing ties between Ethiopia and Israel is conducive to creating strong trade and investment cooperation.

Ethiopian embassy in Israel organized a round table consultative meeting in collaboration with Israeli Export and International Cooperation Institution on ways to bolstering trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.

During the discussion, companies that have already been operating in Ethiopia and others have expressed interest to engage in the private sector in Ethiopia, it was learned.

Deputy Director of Israeli Export and

Long-standing Ethiopia-Israel ties conducive for strong trade,

investment cooperationInternational Cooperation Institution, Sabin Segal said that such platforms are crucial to resolve challenges faced by investors and increase the economic cooperation between the two countries.

Ethiopian Ambassador to Israel, Reta Alemu explained the abundant investment opportunities in the country.

Stating that the two countries have strong historical and spiritual relationship, the Ambassador pointed out that currently there is an enabling environment to further strengthen the trade and investment cooperation.

Investors that are currently operating in Ethiopia said during the discussion that the

investment opportunity in Ethiopia is huge, adding that they have so far been successful in their activities.

The investors have also cited some of the challenges they have been facing in their activities, according to Ethiopian embassy in Israel.

Ethiopian Ambassador to Israel affirmed his government’s commitment to address the challenges cited by the investors.

He also noted that the government has been taking several legal and other measures in a bid to create conducive investment environment in the country by curbing bottlenecks.

Ambassador Misganu Arega

PAGE 36THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD Wednesday 11 AUGUST 2021

BERHANENA SELAM PRINTING ENTERPRISE

In Pictures

BY YOHANES JEMANEH

“We Ethiopians are committed to safeguard our country at any cost and we will keep this dedication,” Addis Ababa City Deputy Mayor Adanech Abebie said. She stated this last Sunday on an event held at the capital where Ethiopians have joined a rally to show support for the Ethiopian National Defense Forces (ENDF).

The rally that was held at Meskel Square themed “I stand to safeguard Ethiopia”. The demonstrators were incorporated from Addis Ababa and Oromia towns at the outskirts of the capital.

In the event, the deputy mayor underlined that peace cannot be ensured with the interest of a single party. “Today’s campaign is intended to denounce the conspiracy of the terrorist TPLF . Our campaign also shows our commitment to the extent of sacrificing our life standing beside of the ENDF.”

She also noted that the only administration that should rule Ethiopia is the government that all Ethiopians have cast their vote resisting international influence, not a puppet regime assigned by external dominion. The voice of over a 100 million people have to be respected. The external interventionists also need to be refrained from influencing the country to revive the already annihilated Junta, she urged.

The ENDF and all security apparatus of the country are sacrificing their life to national security. Therefore, they need to earn appreciation and we all have to stand with them through providing support to capacitate them achieve their task, Adanech mentioned.

Oromia State President Shimelis Abdisa said on the occasion that Ethiopians will never allow the terrorist junta to continue its atrocious activities of shooting, robbing, and dividing the youth. Ethiopian nationalism is a concept developed in the

Citizens rallying for ENDF

mind of every Ethiopian so that no one can divide the people. Consequently, all Ethiopians have to stand together to fight against the terrorist junta in one hand and ensure development on the other, he added.

The terrorist TPLF had once suppressed the people of Ethiopia and it is still working to conquer the people with iron fist. Over the past 40 years, the clique had applied menacing acts to dismantle the country though Ethiopians resisted it backed by their long lived culture of coexistence. “The TPLF has never been hesitated to destruct our country. Thus, we will do whatever we can to dismantle this enemy at any cost.” According to the president, Ethiopians from the four corners of the country will fight for peace and security of their motherland until the government that all citizens have cast their vote to hasten development and make the country symbol of Africa’s prosperity will be formed in the coming September.

Several Ethiopians including thousands of horsemen have participated in the demonstration.

The TPLF had once suppressed the people of

Ethiopia and it is still working to conquer the people with iron fist. Over the past 40 years, the clique had applied menacing acts to dismantle the country though Ethiopians resisted it backed by their long lived culture of coexistence.