Ethiopia: Tigray and anti-government groups form alliance

Nine factions opposed to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed have joined forces to seek a political transition. Ethiopia has been mired in violent conflict for over a year. The US Embassy is now urging all its citizens to leave.

The formation of the new alliance comes as Tigray forces march on the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed faced a new challenge on Friday as nine anti-government groups, including Tigray militants, formed a new alliance.

The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has been fighting the central government for over a year. Now they have formed the United Front of Ethiopian Federalist and Confederalist Forces along with other opposition groups.

The aim of the new alliance is “to reverse the harmful effects of the Abiy Ahmed rule on the peoples of Ethiopia and beyond,” the organizers said, and “in recognition of the great need to collaborate and join forces towards a safe transition.”0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 90% Watch video01:25

Tigrayan forces advance toward Ethiopian capital

What does the alliance plan to do?

The alliance also includes the Oromo Liberation Army. Some of the groups have armed fighters, Reuters reported.

One of the organizers of the alliance, Yohannes Abraha, told The Associated Press that the United Front would “establish a transitional government” and then “start meeting and communicating with countries, diplomats and international actors in Ethiopia and abroad.”

Abraha added that the alliance is both political and military, but that it had no contact with Ahmed’s government.

“Of course we prefer if there’s a peaceful and orderly transition with Abiy being removed,” a spokesperson for the Oromo Liberation Army told AP.

“The goal is to be as inclusive as possible. We know this transition requires all stakeholders,” he added.

Government spokesperson Billene Seyoum responded on Twitter saying that opposition groups had had the option of resolving differences in elections earlier this year and any groups that rejected that option “cannot be for democratization.

International calls for a cease-fire

The UN Security Council called for all sides in the conflict to set up a lasting cease-fire, expressing grave concern about the deepening conflict in the country.

The 15-member body said in a statement it had “called for refraining from inflammatory hate speech and incitement to violence and divisiveness.”

It came as US special envoy Jeffrey Feltman was in the Ethiopian capital meeting with several senior lawmakers in an attempt to bring about an immediate cease-fire.

German lawmaker Omid Nouripour from the Greens told DW that the country’s integrity “is in danger.” The situation could have a “huge impact not only for the people of Ethiopia, but for the entire region,” he said.

The European Union has also called for a cease-fire. However, Nouripour said that wasn’t enough, and refused to rule out sanctions. “It would be much more effectful if the European countries would come together and would talk about consequences.”0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 90% Watch video02:54

International pressure on Ethiopia is ‘crucial’

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also made a call for peace on Thursday, saying: “The conflict in Ethiopia must come to an end. Peace negotiations should begin immediately without preconditions in pursuit of a cease-fire.”

US senators also introduced a new sanctions bill on Thursday that would target those involved in the ongoing conflict.

In response to the “fluid” security situation in the country, the US State Department advised all US citizens to “leave as soon as possible,” noting that commercial flights were still available

The TPLF has claimed to have made significant territorial gains against government forces, claims that the government denies.

The Tigray group once dominated Ethiopian politics, but was sidelined following the election of Ahmed. They have accused the prime minister of centralizing power at the expense of the regions.

Fighting between the TPLF and government forces has left thousands dead and displaced over 2 million.

International calls for Ethiopian cease-fire

51 thoughts on “Ethiopia: Tigray and anti-government groups form alliance

  1. I have learn several just right stuff here. Definitely value bookmarking for
    revisiting. I wonder how much attempt you set to create any such
    magnificent informative web site.

  2. Just want to say your article is as astounding.

    The clarity in your post is just nice and i can assume
    you are an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission let me to grab your RSS feed
    to keep up to date with forthcoming post.
    Thanks a million and please continue the gratifying
    work.

  3. Good post. I learn something new and challenging on websites I stumbleupon on a daily basis.

    It will always be interesting to read content from other writers and use a little something from their web sites.

  4. It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the long run and it is time to be happy.
    I’ve learn this publish and if I may I desire to counsel you few interesting things or tips.
    Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this article.

    I desire to learn more things about it!

  5. I do believe all of the concepts you have introduced to your post.
    They’re really convincing and can definitely work.

    Nonetheless, the posts are very short for starters.
    Could you please prolong them a little from subsequent time?
    Thank you for the post.

  6. Great goods from you, man. I’ve understand your stuff previous to
    and you are just extremely wonderful. I actually like what you have acquired here, certainly like what you are stating and the way in which you say it.
    You make it entertaining and you still take care of to keep it wise.
    I cant wait to read much more from you. This is actually a great
    web site.

  7. 27190 893209This is a good topic to talk about. Usually when I locate stuff like this I stumble it. This write-up probably wont do nicely with that crowd. I will likely be confident to submit something else though. 619563

  8. 131144 600164Hi there, just became aware of your blog by way of Google, and located that it is truly informative. Im gonna watch out for brussels. Ill be grateful in the event you continue this in future. Many individuals is going to be benefited from your writing. Cheers! 851710

  9. 969973 132511Hi there! I just wish to give an enormous thumbs up for the good information youve proper here on this post. I shall be coming once again to your blog for extra soon. 599604

  10. 32841 651167Have you noticed the news has changed its approach recently? What used to neve be brought up or discussed has changed. Its that time to chagnge our stance on this though. 870403

  11. 119276 489795Proper wow messages are bound to show your and supply memorialize the speacial couple. Beginner sound system to high in volume crowds really should always take a look at all of the amazing value behind presenting and public speaking, which is to be someones truck. finest man speeches brother 238687

  12. 679575 709637An fascinating discussion might be valued at comment. I do believe that you simply write read much more about this subject, it may well not often be a taboo topic but normally persons are too few to dicuss on such topics. To a higher. Cheers 282241

  13. 523836 659291Aw, this was a genuinely good post. In concept I wish to put in writing like this moreover – taking time and actual effort to make an superb article however what can I say I procrastinate alot and not at all appear to get something done. 905621

  14. I’ve been surfing online more than three hours today, yet I never found any interesting article like yours.

    It’s pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all web owners and bloggers made good
    content as you did, the internet will be much more useful
    than ever before.

    Have a look at my blog :: coupon

  15. 559016 951396You might discover effective specific development of any L . a . Weight loss program and each and every you are extremely critical. To begin with level is an natural misplacing during the too much weight. shed belly fat 504364

  16. Thank you for another informative site. Where else may just I get that kind of info written in such a perfect method?
    I have a project that I’m simply now running on, and I have been at the look out for such information.

  17. I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own weblog
    and was wondering what all is needed to get set up?

    I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny?
    I’m not very internet smart so I’m not 100% certain. Any recommendations or advice would be greatly appreciated.
    Kudos

  18. Pingback: view website

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *