Ethiopia: Amhara troops vow to "withstand" TPLF provocation

NAIROBI, Kenya - The Amhara regional forces will not engage in fighting with Tigray People's Liberation Front [TPLF], regional President Agegnehu Teshager, has said, ending speculations that the two sides would engage in fierce clashes.

Last week, the Tigray People's Liberation Front otherwise known as Tigray Defense Forces [TDF] vowed to "pursue enemies" in reference to Amhara regional forces, Ethiopian National Defense Forces [ENDF], and Eritrea troops.

Contingents from the three forces were directly involved in Tigray operations which targeted TPLF from November 2020. They left last week after Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared a ceasefire, arguing that pressure from International Community and financial constraints informed his decision

But in a rejoinder, TPLF, which had lost grounds in Tigray including the capital Mekelle, claimed to have "overpowered enemies" in a series of statements, adding that "we are now in the process of getting hold of them". On Sunday, TPLF gave conditions for a ceasefire.

On Tuesday, Agegnehu Teshager told local media today the Amhara is ready to withstand provocation by “the TPLF terrorist group.” The president made the remarks in a statement to the media on current affairs, state broadcaster EBC reported.

Preparations are underway to ensure lasting peace in the Amhara state, the President said, adding that the federal government's unilateral ceasefire has helped to alleviate the problems caused by prolonged conflict.

Amhara state has returned to its normal development and good governance activities following the successful conclusion of the 6th general elections held on June 21. The country held elections last month which were widely boycotted by the opposition.

Eyewitnesses said, Tuesday that hundreds of fighters loyal to TPLF were seen traveling westwards, with fears increasing that Amhara people living in Tigray could be attacked. Abiy had last week warned that "let them try to attack Amhara, we shall respond with equal force".

The Tigray People's Liberation Front has been opposing the Abiy Ahmed regime after the collapse of the coalition government, and calls for secession have since increased. TPLF first attacked the Northern Command leading to the operation in the Tigray region.

TDF said on Tuesday that it will release a dossier on Somali soldiers also believed to have fought in the Tigray region. Thousands of soldiers from ENDF, Amhara regional forces, and Eritrean troops are said to be under TDF captivity.

GAROWE ONLINE