Temesgen Desalegne arrested by Abiy Ahmed’s gov’t

 Temesgen Desalegne arrested as Abiy Ahmed’s gov’t deepens crackdown on media, activists and dissenting voices

Temesgen was in jail for over three years when the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) was in control of the Federal government 

The Ethiopian government on Thursday arrested Journalist Temesgen Desalegne. He is the managing editor of a popular weekly Amharic Magazine, ‘Feteh’ ( it translates to Justice).  

His magazine is popular and has a reputation for discussing serious political issues and current affairs in the country.  

He was arrested from his office in Addis Ababa, according to a report by DW Amharic service. 

Temesgen Desalegne’s brother, Tariku Desalegne, is cited as saying that  Temesgen’s colleagues told him that plain cloth and other security forces came to the office in two vehicles. 

Tariku also said that he does not know where they took him. 

Last year, government arrested Temesgen Desalegne for one day

In a similar development, Abiy Ahmed’s government has also arrested journalist Yayesew Shimeles. He was active in digital media and owns “Ethio Forum” YouTube channel. 

Yaye Shimeles (photo : screenshot from Ethio Forum Video)

The government has been intensifying its crackdown on independent media outlets, activists, and dissenting voices including military commanders like Brigadier General Tefera Mamo who led the Amhara region special forces when the TPLF invaded Afar and Amhara regions of Ethiopia. 

Spatially, the focus of the latest crackdown has been the Addis Ababa and the Amhara region of Ethiopia.  

Mekerem Abera, a critical voice who has been prominent for her criticism of bad governance practices and crimes against ethnic Amhara, was arrested on Saturday as she was returning from a trip to Bahir Dar. She was arrested at Bole Airport. 

Last week, the government arrested over 4500 people in the Amhara region on alleged grounds of involvement in criminal activity and sabotage to facilitate support to the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) at a time when it is preparing to invade the region. 

Apart from journalists, activists, and politicians, the government reportedly targeted FANO, a volunteer armed group that helped reverse the attack by TPLF, under the guise of “engagement in criminal activity.” 

The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission condemned the illegal arrest and called on the government to stop arresting individuals without a court order. 

Multiple Ethiopian organisations outside of the country, which were crucial in fighting diplomatic and political pressure on Ethiopia when the TPLF invaded most parts of Northern Ethiopia,  issued a statement condemning orchestrated attacks on FANO and activists. They called it State Terrorism. 

Yesterday, two Ethiopian Organizations in North America wrote an open letter to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed regarding the crackdown on journalism, FANO and activism. 

https://borkena.com/2022/05/26/temesgen-desalegne-arrested-as-abiy-ahmeds-govt-deeps-crackdown-on-media/?fbclid=IwAR2fudb1NwxDO944ZOkzt1-tUr5aNsR5rw7ukm0DsFJcx0Z-urwmDQF8vYI

• ABIY'S REGIME IS FUELING FURTHER UNREST AND CIVIL WARS

https://www.facebook.com/EthiopToday

https://www.youtube.com/EthiopiaToday/videos

https://twitter.com/EthiopianToday

https://www.tiktok.com/@ethioptoday

https://ethiopian-today.blogspot.com

The International Community Needs to Denounce TPLF’s Belligerence and Provocation

 The Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia had declared an indefinite humanitarian truce on March 24, 2022, in a bid to facilitate the delivery of much-needed humanitarian assistance in the Tigray Region.

 The World Food Program (WFP) has since managed to deliver over 400 trucks of much-needed food, nutrition, and fuel to the Tigray Region. On the other hand, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) delivered its fifth round of convoys to Mekelle on May 25, 2022, all carrying food and medical supplies. Moreover, ICRC commissioned over 54 cargo flights to deliver medical items and life-saving food to the Region.

Apart from the delivery of aid to the region, the Government has taken several other confidence-building initiatives to resolve the conflict in the country. It had, for instance, released senior members of the TPLF who had been imprisoned following the law enforcement operation in the Tigray Region and lifted the state of emergency proclamation. This was followed by the launching of the National Dialogue Commission, an all-inclusive national platform established with a view to resolving political differences through civil deliberations. It is hoped that the process will enable actors to discuss fundamental national issues openly and ensure national consensus in the nation.

• BRIGADIER GENERAL TEFERA MAMO BEATED BY SECURITY GUARDS ON ARREST

Indeed, all these actions have demonstrated the government’s commitment to peace and its readiness to resolve the conflict in a sustainable way.
However, the Tigray Peoples Liberation Front (TPLF) has constantly failed to reciprocate these positive gestures. It has continued obstructing the delivery of humanitarian assistance, diverting the aid to its militants, and disseminating a make-believe story, claiming that it withdrew from Afar Region. The fact on the ground remains that the TPLF has withdrawn its forces only from two Woredas in the Afar Region, barring a few towns, which are still under its control. It has also continued its occupation of some towns in the Amhara region.

Notwithstanding the Federal Government’s commitment to peace, the TPLF is still beating the drums of war in its media outlets. It is mobilizing the Tigray youth for yet another round of destructive war. Sadly, to the opposition of families, forced conscription has become a fact of everyone’s life in the Tigray Region. In preparation for the war the TPLF has on the pipeline, children are being recruited forcefully in contravention of international law.

There are clear indications that as in June 2021, the TPLF disregarding peace initiatives, is going to wage a third round of war during the upcoming peak farming season, which will extremely affect agricultural activities and further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis across the Tigray Region as well as adjacent areas of the Amhara and Afar Regions.

The international community needs to denounce and urge TPLF to stop its provocations and respect the humanitarian truce extended by the Government of Ethiopia.

• ABIY'S REGIME IS FUELING FURTHER UNREST AND CIVIL WARS

https://www.facebook.com/EthiopToday

https://www.youtube.com/EthiopiaToday/videos

https://twitter.com/EthiopianToday

https://www.tiktok.com/@ethioptoday

https://ethiopian-today.blogspot.com

Abiy's regime is fueling further unrest and civil wars

 Abiy's regime is fueling further unrest and civil wars

Dawit Wolde Giorgis

A Plea to be Heard by an Indifferent World

Dawit Wolde Giorgis and Meskerem Abera

Millions of Ethiopians are under siege by an ethnocentric and ruthless government. People of the Amhara ethnic group are particularly targeted for massacre, harassment, imprisonment and mass displacement. Today, Ethiopia has the largest number of political prisoners in Africa.

Desperate Ethiopians appeal to be heard in the face of this gruesome massacre, genocidal violence and imprisonment by a tyrannical regime that is determined to eliminate a major segment of the population.

• ERITREA SAYS TPLF IS PREPARING FOR ANOTHER WAR!

The international community has a moral responsibility to stop these atrocities before the criminal actions of a reckless government become a regional and global threat to security.

Seldom in the history of mankind has such a systematic extermination of an ethnic group taken place since the dark days of the Rwandan genocide. Ethiopians are appalled by the apathy of the West and the selective reporting of the media.

Despite the preponderance of irrefutable evidence about the ongoing crimes, either by design or neglect, both the UN member states and the mainstream media in the US and Europe have refused to listen to the appeal of the victims of atrocities.

Today, all independent journalists in Ethiopia are imprisoned. The voice of the people has now been completely silenced. Just recently, a young female journalist and educator, Meskerem Aberra has been abducted and, like many other activists, taken to an unknown prison.

With this reckless act, the government has fueled a civil war with all its ramifications.

As we witness the outpouring of overwhelming sympathy and support for the Ukrainian victims of war, we are horrified that the world has chosen to ignore the far worse situation in Ethiopia.

We appeal to the international community, the United Nations, and all governments that stand for justice and democracy to take actions to free journalists like Meskerem Aberra, to stop the carnage in Ethiopia, and to restore Ethiopia to its rightful place in the civilized world.

• BRIGADIER GENERAL TEFERA MAMO BEATED BY SECURITY GUARDS ON ARREST

https://www.facebook.com/EthiopToday

https://www.youtube.com/EthiopiaToday/videos

https://twitter.com/EthiopianToday

https://www.tiktok.com/@ethioptoday

https://ethiopian-today.blogspot.com

Brigadier General Tefera Mamo beated by security guards on arrest

 Brigadier General Tefera Mamo says his lawyer has been arrested on suspicion of 'violently overthrowing the constitutional order'!

Menen Haile wife of General Tefera Mamo

Brigadier General Tefera Mamo, who disappeared in Addis Ababa a few days ago, has been arrested on suspicion of plotting to overthrow the constitutional order, his lawyer Shegaw Alebel told the BBC.

The general was taken by helicopter from Addis Ababa to Bahir Dar on Friday, May 20, 2022. He was arraigned in the Amhara Regional State Supreme Court in Bahir Dar at 8 p.m.

The general, who had been detained for days at the Bahir Dar City Administration Police Station at the Ninth Police Station, was told by police today that he was being held on suspicion of plotting to overthrow the constitutional order.

In addition to him, the BBC interviewed his lawyer and said he had heard that there were suspects in the process but that they were still in custody.

At today's hearing, Brigadier General Tefera, May 08, 2014 he told the court about his arrests and beatings.

The General, who came to Addis Ababa for medical treatment a few days ago, was arrested on May 8, 2014. He said goodbye to their friend and drove around ten o'clock when they arrived at the center of the ring road near the church of Joseph.

"They stopped him because they were hit by a car and then forced them into another car and punched him when they tried to get in," the lawyer said.

Brigadier General Tefera Mamo

"I did not know where they were going to take me," he said.

He said the attack was carried out by armed and civilian security guards and a large number of them.

His lawyer said he was in good health today and had a swollen forehead.

At first, He did not know the identities of the individuals, but later took him to a dark place, locked them in an underground room, and confiscated his cell phones, notebooks, and vehicles.

He told the court today that he had been blindfolded and kept out of sight for two days.

After that, he brought them to Bahir Dar by helicopter and why did they come to Bahir Dar? Is it a question in the Amhara region? He told the BBC he had not heard whether the state was looking for him and that he had heard from investigators that the investigation had begun and was being carried out by a coalition of federal and state police.

The general was asked by the BBC if he had had such concerns before, and he replied that he had no suspicion that such a thing would happen.

At today's hearing, the police stated that he had not started an investigation and that he had accepted the suspect's statement and asked for an appointment.

"There is no doubt about this, but even if I do, it is not necessary to make an appointment to gather evidence. I recently came to Addis Ababa for a medical trip. Let me consider it," he said.

The court has scheduled June 02 for a full investigation into the allegations.

General Tefera Tefera Mamo is married and has four children.

His wife, Menen Haile, recently stated that he had come to Addis Ababa from Bahir Dar to seek medical attention for the bullets in his legs.

Brigadier General Tefera Mamo, a senior officer in the Ethiopian Defense Forces for years, has been jailed for years along with other military leaders on charges of plotting a coup ten years ago.

Following the administration of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, he was released from prison and served in various capacities.

Recently, Tigray forces were leading the region's special forces during the war in the Amhara and Afar regions, and he were relieved of his responsibilities a few months ago.

You can also visit us on:

https://www.facebook.com/EthiopToday

https://www.youtube.com/EthiopiaToday/videos

https://twitter.com/EthiopianToday

https://www.tiktok.com/@ethioptoday

https://ethiopian-today.blogspot.com

Eritrea says TPLF is preparing for another war!

 Eritrea says TPLF is preparing for another war!

The Eritrean government says the TPLF is preparing for a second war and is ready to take the necessary steps to defend itself.

President Esayas Afeworki - Government of Eritrea

The Government of Eritrea, through the Ministry of Information, today, May 17, 2022. In a statement, he said the TPLF was preparing for a two-pronged war along the Eritrean border and in western Tigray.

"Eritrea and the people of Eritrea are the first targets of this possible attack by the TPLF," he said.

The Eritrean government has said so in the wake of fears of a resurgence of fighting in northern Ethiopia after months of heavy fighting.

A few days ago, the Amhara region ordered the security structure to be ready for another possible invasion by the TPLF.

• TERRORIST TPLF IS PREPARING FOR ANOTHER INVASION - SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF FEDERATION

The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC), for its part, said it was concerned about escalating tensions between Tigray forces and federal government forces in northern Ethiopia, as well as occasional reports of clashes.

In addition to the escalating threat of a renewed war, the BBC reported that heavy artillery fire was exchanged for several hours near the Eritrean border last week.

An article published today on the website of the Ministry of Information of the Government of Eritrea, datedMay 7, 2022. There is no word on whether there were clashes with TPLF forces in Rama and Badme.

In a statement, the Eritrean government accused the TPLF of plotting to invade the region, which has been recognized as an Eritrean state by international law.In addition, He says the TPLF plans to recapture Wolkait, Tsegede and Humera in the west and reopen its border with Sudan for a new offensive.

He concluded by saying that the Eritrean people and government are ready to defend themselves against possible attacks by the TPLF.

The TPLF has not yet commented on the allegations made by the Eritrean government.

Federal government forces, regional special forces, and the Eritrean army have fought a 17-month bloody war with Tigray forces.

This war has caused great human and material damage. It is estimated that hundreds of thousands die as a result of war. Millions have been displaced. Public property was also severely damaged.

The African Union and the West have been working for months to resolve their differences amicably, but to no avail.

A few months ago, the federal government and Tigray forces reached a separate ceasefire for humanitarian assistance in Tigray.

However, this is a humanitarian decision: It has not been able to provide much-needed humanitarian assistance to the region. It also failed to bring in combat forces.

In an official letter to international organizations last week, TPLF chairman Debretsion G. Michael said they would be forced to look for "alternatives" to help find an immediate solution to the war in northern Ethiopia and end the siege of Tigray.

However, the letter did not specify what the "alternative" was. The Eritrean army has been involved in the war in northern Ethiopia for more than a year and a half.

 Eritrean defensive force

• TERRORIST GROUP TIGRAY INFLICTED MORE THAN 828,000 CASUALTIES IN AMHARA STATE.

You can also visit us on:

https://www.facebook.com/EthiopToday

https://www.youtube.com/EthiopiaToday/videos

https://twitter.com/EthiopianToday

https://www.tiktok.com/@ethioptoday

https://ethiopian-today.blogspot.com