The Geneva Press Club and the Network of Ethiopians in Geneva for Action Taskforce (NEGAT) in collaboration with the Ethiopian permanent mission in Geneva have organized a press conference on Wednesday.
Ambassador Zenebe Kebede, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other International Organizations in Switzerland said the conference aimed at putting Developments in Ethiopia in the right perspective and correcting the misinformation circulating in social and mainstream media outlets regarding the law enforcement operation in the Tigray regional state.
At the panel Moderated by Ambassador Minelik Alemu and in the presence of Kitaw Yayeh Yirad representing the Network of Ethiopians in Geneva, Ethiopia’s Attorney General Dr. Gedion Timothewos, Chief Commissioner of Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, Dr. Daniel Bekele, and Berhanu Nega (Prof.) from Ethiopian Citizens for Social Justice (Ezema) have reflected on several issues surrounding the measure taken against the TPLF clique. Here are the key takeaways, as to The Ministry of Foreign Affairs:
Dr. Gedion Timothewos
• The TPLF clique dominating the security and military apparatus was adamant to undermine the reforms initiated by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
• The decisive measure against the TPLF has saved Ethiopia from the chaos and disintegration that the TPLF wanted to inflict upon Ethiopians.
• The existential threat posed by the group has been neutralized.
Dr. Daniel Bekelle
• We are yet to do a full assessment of the civilian implication of the overall military operation, but based on the information we have so far, it is comforting to learn that the military operation did not result in as severe consequences as it was originally feared to be. There was a much-hyped bloodbath, civilian casualties, breaking up of the country …. that did not happen at least to the extent that it was anticipated to be. But that does not in any way imply that there was no civilian causality here but it was not at the scale and extent it was feared to be.
• Humanitarian assistance has considerably improved. Over the last few weeks, there has been considerable improvement in terms of resumption of basic social services including, power, water supply, telecommunication, transport, and so on.
• As part of our human Rights investigation, we have traveled to Maikadra, to look into what exactly has happened and we have investigated, documented and gathered evidence about serious human rights violation which may amount to crimes against humanity or even war crimes in which the perpetrators killed hundreds of people with full intent, plan and preparation to commit such atrocities and it was conducted and committed as part of a widespread and systematic attack directed against civilian populations that were identified on the basis of ethnic identity. It was perpetrated by an informal youth group called Samri which was aided and abated by the security structure that was in place at the time.
• The institution that I lead is an independent one and works without any undue interference from the government.
Berhanu Nega (Prof.)
• Who started the conflict is not a question of interpretation and the government has proved that it had given the TPLF clique enough opportunity to resolve differences peacefully.
• Whatever was deriving the TPLF, its reasons for triggering the conflict was not motivated by democratic causes.
• It was quite interesting to see how careful the government was in ensuring that there was no collateral damage whether it is in terms of civilian deaths and injuries, but also in terms of infrastructure.
• The measure against the TPLF has taken us a step closer to a meaningful and democratic political order.
Prime Minister Abiy endorses Hirut Woldemariam
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed endorsed Hirut Woldemariam who is running for African Union Commissioner of Education, Science, Technology & Innovation.
In a social media message, the Premier said that “I am pleased to endorse Professor Hirut Woldemariam, Ethiopia’s Candidate for AU Commissioner of Education, Science, Technology & Innovation. Having served in my Cabinet as Minister for the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and currently serving as my Social Sector Advisor, Professor Hirut is an exceptional candidate for the post.
Professor Hirut Woldemariam is Ethiopia’s Candidate for AU Commissioner of Education, Science, Technology, and Innovation (ESTI). She has served the government and people of Ethiopia by assuming four Ministerial positions so far. She was also the first female Vice President of Addis Ababa University.
Professor Hirut worked as an instructor and researcher in the same university for more than 25 years. A mother of three, Hirut has proved her worth registering outstanding results in improving quality, relevance, and inclusiveness in Higher Education and Science.
The Ethiopian Herald 10 January 2021
