Ilhan takes Ethiopia's conflict to Congress as the US confirms the presence of Somali soldiers in Tigray
-
- Posted On 02-07-2021, 07:14PM
WASHINGTON, USA | For the first time in as many months, the Ethiopian conflict featured in US Congress, with Somali-born Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, who sits in the Foreign Affairs committee, seeking questions from the State Department, which primarily oversees such situations around the world.
On Monday, the Ethiopia National Defense Forces [ENDF] withdrew from the Tigray region after eight months of genocide, rape, and torture, targeting both civilians and members of the Tigray People's Liberation Front [TPLF] now rebranded Tigray Defense Forces [TDF].
Although Addis Ababa maintains that withdrawal was informed by dwindling financial fortunes, pressure from the international community to pave the way for humanitarian assistance, among others, TDF has dismissed the ceasefire, arguing that "we crushed them." TDF is now controlling the entire Tigray region.
While interrogating Acting Assistant Secretary of State for Africa Affairs Robert Godec on the Ethiopia conflict, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar demanded to know the role played by Somali troops in Ethiopia's Tigray region throughout the crisis.
"The UN Special Rapporteur made findings that Somali troops were fighting along with Eritrea military in Axum. Have you been able to verify these claims?" she asked about the June report by the UN, which caused anxiety in her native Somalia.
In response, Godec admitted Somali soldiers in Tigray but couldn't confirm their participation in crimes against humanity. He said: "We have looked into this question. We are aware of some Somali troops in Ethiopia, but I can't give a definite answer whether they were involved in operations, but we're working on the matter."
Preliminary investigations by Garowe Online established close to 5,000 Somali soldiers training in Eritrea, whose recruitment was a covert mission. Sources hinted that the troops had been promised to be flown to Qatar only to find themselves in Asmara.
Parents to the young soldiers have been protesting in Somalia, demanding clarity from the government, especially following reports that some may have died in Tigray. Through Information Minister Osman Abukar Dubbe, Somalia confirmed its presence in Eritrea but did not provide further details.
"Do we know why Somali troops are in Ethiopia?" Ilhan Omar demanded to know during the session, with Godec responding: "I believe they were being provided for some training by Eritreans based on some agreement."
The US has been particularly concerned about the humanitarian crisis in Tigray, putting pressure on Addis Ababa to withdraw troops. Early this week, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed warned that the forces might go back should "they attack Amhara people in Tigray."
With TDF keen to consolidate her bases, Abiy is reportedly eager to initiate dialogue, but he's yet to come out boldly about the matter. On its part, TDF has insisted on plans to "pursue enemies" about ENDF, Amhara regional forces, and the Eritrean troops who are jointly accused of mass murder in Tigray.
During the session, Ms. Omar, representing Minnesota 5th District, also asked whether the kind of atrocities in Tigray had been classified. She termed the war "ethnic cleansing," adding that it amounted to genocide.
"My heart goes to children who were particularly murdered in Ethiopia this week. Mr. Godec, what's the status of legal determination on atrocities committed in Ethiopia? When do we expect a full report on ethnic cleansing in Ethiopia?" she asked.
In return, Godec, who once served as US envoy to Kenya, noted: "The administration strongly believes that human rights violations and atrocities have been committed in Tigray, and we've been deeply concerned about that for some time." "The use of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity is a legal determination. The final decision rests with Secretary of State."
In an exciting turn of events, the second-term Congresswoman asked whether Abiy Ahmed's decision to designate Tigray People's Liberation Front and Oromo Liberation Front as "terrorists" networks undermined peace processes in Ethiopia.
"It's complicated to some extent. For instance, we are concerned about humanitarian access. There have been no negotiations yet, but we believe dialogue ought to take place," Godec said.
Despite Ethiopia National Defense Forces, Eritrea troops, and Amhara regional forces from Tigray, the situation remains fluid. There are tensions after ENDF destroyed one of the bridges that link Tigray to the rest of Ethiopia, which is also majorly used by humanitarian groups.
On Friday, US Federal Aviation Authority directed aircraft flying over Ethiopia to avoid Tigray or maintain a high altitude. A notice to airlines issued requires flights over Tigray to fly above 29,000 feet, in what could indicate the threat posed by the Tigray Defence Forces.
Throughout the country, Abiy Ahmed, the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize winner, continues to struggle despite positioning himself as a reformist. Ethnic clashes in Amhara and Oromia regions have mainly left hundreds dead, with authorities in Addis Ababa also arresting key political figures over "incitement."
A fortnight ago, the country went to parliamentary elections where Abiy Ahmed's Prosperity Party is expected to sweep most seats. Importantly, elections did not occur in most Ethiopia, including Tigray, due to security challenges.
GAROWE ONLINE
