Fact about Military Operation in Northern Ethiopia

TPLF’s Tigray region sees mass killing of civilians

The Ethiopian government and Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) had deep roots of a power struggle that goes back to 2018 when a popular uprising brought Dr. Abiy Ahmed to power. But the recent conflict between the government and TPLF is far more aggressive. On November 4, 2020, TPLF killed hundreds of Ethiopian federal soldiers comped in the Northern region of Ethiopia. Following the massacres, the Ethiopian government has begun a war against the TPLF leaders. The international community and International media alarmed that this conflict may cause a civil war, which could trigger broader unrest within Ethiopia. The region indeed has a long history of war and power struggles. However, the nature of the recent operation is targeted to control TPLF officials who are responsible for regional unrest. There is no indication that TPLF can operate further destruction to the country. Due to a stable peace agreement between Ethiopia and neighboring countries, such as Sudan and Eretria, there is no indication of broader unrest within the region. Tigray operations most likely will wrap up soon without extended conflict or no sign of civil war.

Whi is TPLF

Tensions between the TPLF and the federal government have been escalating since 2018. Recently in opposition to the Ethiopian government indefinitely postponed regional and national elections due to coronavirus pandemic, TPLF officials organized their own elections. 

Military intervention in Tigai region

The Ethiopian government was launched a military intervention on 4 November after the TPLF’s regional security forces attacked a federal army base in the northern Ethiopia region. Though TPLF officials denied involvement in the attack, eyewitnesses confirmed TPLF’s action.

Since Abiy Ahmed ordered a military intervention last week, mass casualties have been reported in different parts of Tigray. Thousands of civilians have fled to neighboring Sudan.

Some international sectors have warned Ethiopia could break apart into small regions, but the government has downplayed the fighting, calling it a “law enforcement operation.” European and African leaders have called an immediate ceasefire, but Abiy has made it clear he will not negotiate until TPLF leaders are in custody and the cache of weapons held by the regional government is destroyed. Ethiopian government gave plenty of time to reconsider a peace deal, but TPLF has declined in the past.

Abiy has made deals with Eritrea and the new government of Sudan, leaving the TPLF with few ways to receive the weapons it would need to keep fighting. The Sudan government and the Eritrean Government blocked its border from any military crossings. Also, the Ethiopian military surrounded TPLF soldiers in four directions and has left no escape route. The Ethiopian prime minister Abiy announced on November 13, 2020, that TPLF leaders should surrender within 72 hours. The vast majority of Ethiopians support Abiy’s decision to decline negotiations with TPLF leaders.

Dr. Adam Tulu is an author and motivational speaker living in Silver Spring, Maryland.