The conflict continues in Tigray, a province in northern Ethiopia that has been in the grip of violence since November. The federal forces face the former Tigray power in the TPLF and are supported by the Eritrean army, but also the Amhara militia. This ethnic group took control of part of the territory, especially the western and southern tip of Tigray. Regions that the two societies have claimed for decades. Report in the south, in Alamata, a place that is now under Amhara control.
With our special returning envoy from Alamata, Sebastien nemeth
On the streets of Alamata, barriers are now installed in various places in the city. They are held by Amhara forces claiming the southern tip of the Tigray.
Boytum Haile is a teacher and this situation makes him sad: “It makes me sad to see Tiger amputated. I feel like I’ve lost my identity. I do not know who I am anymore. And if I’m having a conflict with an Amhara, I’ll never be right, just because I’m Tigrayan. “
Locals claim that Tigray officials have been replaced by Amharas. Elias admits that he even had to change his identity documents: “When we are checked with a Tigrayan identity card, the authorities ask us why we do not take Amharas papers. Each time it was a bit of a hassle. So since I’m an official, I had no choice but to avoid Amhara forces, I had to change my card. ”
Fear of mass arrivals
In the heights of the city, a new sign now indicates where the Amhara zone begins. Saleh Kube lives in a house across the street. He finds it difficult to accept the situation: “It has always been and will always be the territory of the tigray. If the Amharas come, we will fight. We do not have much, but we will defend our country. ”
Residents say they are afraid of a huge arrival of Amharas to drive them out of the region. In western Tigray, thousands of people have already fled their homes to seek refuge in IDP camps in the provincial center.
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