Ethiopia: Amhara troops pledge to “resist” TPLF provocation
NAIROBI, Kenya – Amhara regional forces will not engage in fighting with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Tigray [TPLF]Regional President Agegnehu Teshager said, ending speculation that the two sides were engaging in violent clashes.
Last week, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Tigray, also known as the Tigray Defense Forces [TDF] vowed to “pursue enemies” in reference to Amhara regional forces, the Ethiopian National Defense Forces [ENDF], and Eritrean troops.
Contingents from the three forces were directly involved in Tigray operations targeting the TPLF from November 2020. They left last week after Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared a ceasefire, arguing that the pressure from the international community and financial constraints informed his decision.
But in a reply, the TPLF, which had lost ground in Tigray including the capital Mekelle, claimed to have “subdued its enemies” in a series of statements, adding that “we are now in the process of getting their hands on them”. On Sunday, the TPLF gave conditions to a ceasefire.
On Tuesday, Agegnehu Teshager told local media today that Amhara was ready to resist provocations from the “TPLF terrorist group”. The president made the remarks in a media statement on the news, state broadcaster EBC reported.
Preparations are underway to secure lasting peace in Amhara State, the president said, adding that the federal government’s unilateral ceasefire has helped alleviate problems caused by protracted conflict.
Amhara State resumed its normal development and good governance activities after the successful conclusion of the 6th general elections held on June 21st. The country held elections last month that were largely boycotted by the opposition.
Eyewitnesses said on Tuesday that hundreds of fighters loyal to the TPLF were seen traveling west, with growing fears that the Amhara living in Tigray could be attacked. Abiy warned last week that “they are trying to attack Amhara, we will respond with the same force.”
The Popular Front for the Liberation of Tigray opposed Abiy Ahmed’s regime after the fall of the coalition government, and calls for secession have increased since. The TPLF first attacked the Northern Command leading to the operation in the Tigray region.
TDF announced on Tuesday that it would publish a dossier on Somali soldiers who also allegedly fought in the Tigray region. Thousands of ENDF soldiers, Amhara regional forces and Eritrean troops are believed to be captive by TDF.
ONLINE AXADLE
.
