Terrorist TPLF commits extra-judicial killings in Amhara, Afar: EHRC

• Commits widespread, cruel, systematic sexual violence including gang rape

 BY ABDUREZAK MOHAMMED

ADDIS ABABA – In parts of Amhara and Afar states which were under the control of terrorist TPLF group, at least 346 civilians have been subjected to unlawful and extra-judicial killing by parties to the conflict mainly by Tigray Forces, according to the report of Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC).

Meanwhile, terrorist TPLF forces committed widespread, cruel, and systematic sexual and gender-based violence including gang rape against women of different ages including girls and elderly women in parts of Afar and Amhara states under their control, it was stated.

Presenting Commission’s report on violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in Afar and Amhara, EHRC Chief Commissioner Daniel Bekele (PhD) stated that fighters of the terrorist group committed these killings on persons they accused of “spying for government forces, prevented looting of property, not handing over personal weapons, providing support to ENDF, Special Forces or Fano militia” or of “not being forthcoming with information on the whereabouts of or being family members of government and allied forces”.

He added that, the terrorist TPLF fighters also committed mass or isolated killings; declaring, on many occasions, that the killings were in “retaliation” for attacks on advancing TPLF forces or for “deaths and injuries that had been committed by ENDF in Tigray”.

As to the Chief Commissioner, in areas which were under their control, Shene also committed targeted killings of government officials and their family members and civilians they accused of supporting the government.

He also said that ENDF, Amhara Special Forces, Fano and other militia also committed unlawful and extrajudicial killing of civilians they suspected of supporting the terrorist TPLF forces and Shene.

He further indicated that in areas covered by the investigation, EHRC verified that, at least 403 civilians have died and 309 have suffered minor to serious physical injuries as a result of heavy artillery fire, air raids and drone attacks by parties to the conflict in violation of international humanitarian law. This number does not include unlawful and extra-judicial killings.

Persons with disability and older persons died, suffered physical and mental injury, as a result of violations committed by parties to the conflict, as to the Chief Commissioner.

Children were killed, subjected to sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), physical and psychological injuries, as a direct result of violent measures taken by parties to the conflict, he said, adding that the destruction of health and education facilities has resulted in a violation of children’s right to health and education.

He also explained that mainly because of active hostilities, checkpoints set up by parties to the conflict, and security risk to humanitarian workers, access to some parts of Afar and Amhara regions controlled by fighters of the terrorist TPLF was difficult, and the limited humanitarian relief that reached the areas was grossly insufficient.

While there is some improvement after federal and regional authorities retook control of these areas, EHRC has observed that the humanitarian situation remains dire, as to him.

It was disclosed that, from September to December 2021, EHRC conducted an investigation into the alleged human rights violations and abuses by all parties to the conflict in Afar and Amhara states.

According to the report, the Commission’s 29-member team of investigators conducted investigations in many parts of Afar and Amhara states affected by the conflict. Investigation was also conducted in relation to air raids in Debre Nazreth Station/Tabia, Togoga village in Southeastern Zone, Enderta Woreda and surrounding areas of Mekelle city.

The Ethiopian herald March 12/2022

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