Addis Ababa: Amnesty International has released a damning report accusing Eritrean troops of committing war crimes in Ethiopia's Tigray region, even after a peace deal was signed in 2020.
The human rights group's report, based on interviews with over 160 witnesses, sheds light on a disturbing pattern of alleged atrocities perpetrated against Tigrayan civilians, including killings, sexual violence, and looting. According to Amnesty, Eritrean troops engaged in a "ruthless campaign of ethnic cleansing" in Tigray.
The report suggests that Eritrean troops entered Tigray in November 2020, shortly after the commencement of hostilities between Ethiopian federal forces and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).
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The TPLF had previously held power in Tigray but was overthrown by the federal government in a surprise military operation. Initially welcomed by the Ethiopian government as allies, Eritrean troops soon faced allegations of serious human rights abuses against civilians.
Amnesty's regional director for East Africa, Sarah Jackson, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "Eritrean troops have committed war crimes in Tigray. These crimes are extremely serious and must be investigated and prosecuted."
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The report documents Eritrean troops' alleged involvement in mass killings, gang rapes, and looting in Tigray. It further accuses them of obstructing the flow of essential food and medical aid to Tigray, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis in the region.
While the Ethiopian government has denied allegations of war crimes, it has acknowledged the need for an investigation into these claims. On the other hand, Eritrea has remained silent regarding the report.
Amnesty's findings add to a growing list of accusations of human rights violations in Tigray. In December, the UN Human Rights Office reported credible evidence of Eritrean troops being responsible for the deaths of hundreds of Tigrayan civilians. The UN also documented widespread sexual violence against women and girls in the region.
These allegations of war crimes have cast a shadow over the peace deal that Ethiopia and Eritrea brokered in 2020. The two nations had a history of conflict, including a border war from 1998 to 2000. The peace agreement was seen as a significant breakthrough in diplomatic relations between the countries.
However, the ongoing reports of human rights abuses in Tigray have raised questions about the sustainability of the peace deal. International observers are concerned about the credibility of the agreement in the face of these grave allegations.
Amnesty International's report calls for both the Ethiopian government and Eritrea to launch investigations into the alleged war crimes and ensure that those responsible are held accountable for their actions. Furthermore, the report urges the international community to exert pressure on Ethiopia and Eritrea to put an end to the abuses in Tigray and provide essential humanitarian aid to the region.
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The situation in Tigray remains a deeply troubling and complex issue, with implications not only for Ethiopia and Eritrea but also for the broader international community. The allegations of war crimes underscore the urgent need for a comprehensive investigation and accountability to address the suffering of the Tigrayan people and restore stability to the region.