Eritrean Research Institute for Policy and Strategy (ERIPS) is deeply saddened by the outbreak of another war in Tigray and the catastrophic loss of life and human suffering this senseless conflict continues to inflict on innocent people. After weeks of growing tensions and military buildups, major ground fighting has erupted between the federal government of Ethiopia and the regional government of Tigray raising fears for the safety of millions of people in Northern Ethiopia and possibly other regions and neighboring Eritrea. This latest wave of violence has officially broken a five-month cease-fire between the governments of Ethiopia and Tigray region. ERIPS condemns in the strongest possible terms this latest unjustified and full-scale attack on the people and government of Tigray.
Since November 2020, the tripartite alliance of the Ethiopian federal government, the Isaias regime of Eritrea and the Amhara regional forces of Ethiopia has been perpetuating widespread atrocities and extreme degree of cruelty and criminality on the people of Tigray, disrupting the livelihoods of much of Tigray’s population, causing millions of people to be displaced or become refugees, and hundreds of thousands of people to lose their lives due to a man-made catastrophe of epic proportions. For almost a year, mass starvation is being used as a weapon of war by blockading the entire Tigray region and preventing humanitarian aid from reaching the population, with minor exceptions. For over a year, the entire Tigray has been cut-off by the federal government from receiving electricity, banking, telecommunications, fuel, and other governmental services. The premeditated destruction of most of Tigray’s infrastructure, religious and cultural heritage, and economy by these destructive forces is also aimed to inflict maximum damage on the wellbeing of all Tigrayans, now and for generations to come.
ERIPS, as an Eritrean organization that advocates for peace, security, justice, stability, reconciliation, cooperation, and partnerships among countries of the Horn of Africa, is deeply concerned by the current development in Ethiopia, especially by the contributions of the Isaias regime to acts of aggression against Tigray. In contradiction to the wishes of most Eritreans, the Isaias regime is making final preparation yet again to join the latest wave of armed conflict in Ethiopia, as it previously did by taking side against Tigray. ERIPS calls upon all Eritreans in the homeland and Diaspora to denounce the regime for its repressive practices in Eritrea and its military assaults that are disturbing and destabilizing the Horn of Africa region. Due to the regime’s reckless acts of aggression, countless Eritrean youth continue to lose their lives fighting unnecessary wars and his military blunders are elevating Eritrean national security risks by adding a grave threat to Eritrea’s sovereignty and hard-won independence. In addition to the reign of fear, extreme repression, and economic blight and decay the Isaias regime continues to impose on Eritreans, it is also determined to ceaselessly wreak havoc and destruction in the region. As such, with the Isaias regime still in power, it will be nearly impossible to find a viable solution that will bring lasting peace and security to the Horn of Africa.
ERIPS believes the current war situation in Ethiopia can be quickly put to an end through pressure from the international community using several political and security instruments in addition to providing unrestricted humanitarian assistance to the people affected by the war. The conflict has already inflicted serious devastation on the people of Tigray, and it is expected to worsen with the escalation of this new round of war. This conflict is also directly affecting Eritrean refugees who are in close proximity to the war zone. The security of these refugees must be guaranteed, and a lasting solution must be found to alleviate their predicament. Working towards a comprehensive solution and peaceful resolution of the conflict that is so desperately needed will require starting with a cessation of hostilities and taking urgent action to end the blockade on humanitarian assistance to Tigray.
The people of the Horn of Africa are decent, God-fearing, peace-loving, and hard-working; should conditions exist that are conducive to peaceful coexistence, they are undoubtedly capable of making the region a more attractive place for trade, investment, and tourism. However, ending the vicious cycle of violence and finding a long-lasting solution will be exceedingly difficult task without addressing the existence of repressive governments in these countries. ERIPS calls upon relevant stakeholders and enablers of peace, security, and development at all levels, including but not limited to African Union, European Union, United nations, and the US government to work in tandem with one another in isolating these repressive governments, especially the Isaias regime, and disabling their absolute control of power.
Eritrean Research Institute for Policy and Strategy
8/25/2022
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