Thousands Kicked Off Contested Land In Ethiopia's Tigray: Official
Faizan Hashmi Published March 08, 2021 | 08:10 PM
Addis Ababa, March 8 (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 8th Mar, 2021 ) :Authorities in Ethiopia's Tigray on Monday accused security forces from a neighbouring region of kicking thousands of Tigrayans off their land in recent days, highlighting territorial disputes inflamed by the ongoing conflict.
Around 60 trucks and buses carrying Tigrayans have arrived in the town of Shire, in the region's North Western zone, from towns farther west since Saturday, Gebremeskel Kassa, chief of staff of Tigray's interim government, told AFP.
The vehicles carried at least 3,500 people and possibly as many as 5,000, though officials in Shire were still counting the new arrivals, Gebremeskel said, adding that the relocations were "continuing".
He blamed security forces from neighbouring Amhara region, which borders Tigray to the south and has played a major role in securing large swathes of Tigray since fighting erupted in November.
"It's clear that the Amhara regional forces are forcibly removing people of Tigrayan origin from (the western) region," Gebremeskel said.
"We strongly condemn the forced removal of Tigrayan residents from western Tigray... They have to stop immediately," he added.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, winner of the 2019 Nobel Peace prize, sent troops into Tigray in early November to disarm and detain leaders of the region's then-ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF).
He said the move came in response to TPLF attacks on Federal army camps.
Abiy leaned on forces from Amhara to secure western and southern Tigray after the TPLF retreated from those areas, and Amhara officials set up transitional administrations in multiple cities and towns.
It was a sensitive move, given that many ethnic Amharas believe the once-dominant TPLF illegally incorporated the fertile territories after it came to power in the early 1990s -- and that they should rightfully fall under Amhara administration.
The Amhara regional government did not respond to a request for comment Monday.
In a statement in late February, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for an "immediate withdrawal" of Amhara forces from Tigray, drawing the ire of Abiy's government, which called the demand "regrettable".
- Scant resources - Doctors Without Borders, which is present in Shire, has also observed a dramatic increase of new arrivals from farther west, up to 10,000 "in the last week to two weeks," spokeswoman Kate White told AFP Monday.
The relocations appeared to have accelerated over the weekend, she said.
Shire housed tens of thousands of displaced Tigrayans and Eritreans even before the recent influx, many at informal sites including a Primary school and a high school.
Resources are stretched thin, White said.
"We're still not seeing systematic, regular food distributions," she added, noting that food donations have mostly consisted of wheat and some cooking oil.
In a statement Friday, Doctors Without Borders said malnutrition at displacement sites in Shire was "concerning" but "not at emergency level yet".
Recent Stories
Saka and Odegaard start for Arsenal, Guerreiro in Bayern midfield
Qatar PM says re-evaluating Israel-Hamas mediation role
Govt spokesperson terms allegations of PTI's Marwat against Saudi Arabia 'heinou ..
Minister appreciate UAE’s support for Pakistan economic challenges
Manchester City v Real Madrid Champions League starting line-ups
MIGA's support Pakistan in attracting foreign investments: Federal Minister for ..
Walker returns to captain Man City for Real Madrid clash
Action taken against price list violations in Khanewal district
DC chairs review meeting of DEG
Turkey accuses Israel's Netanyahu of using war 'to stay in power'
Pakistan ranked 5th most vulnerable country to climate change. Tirmizi
Nadal comeback ends in Barcelona Open second round
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
3 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
3 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
4 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
7 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
9 days ago -
DC, DPO Haripur inspect bus terminals to review fares compliance
11 days ago
-
Second phase of refugees’ repatriation to start after Eidul Fitr vacations
11 days ago -
Reaping bounties as Ramazan culminates
11 days ago -
Digital transformation – a boon or bane
11 days ago -
Plants’ business: Another casualty of climate change
13 days ago -
Eid shoppers prioritize children’s joy over personal comforts
13 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre honoring Pir Hassam din Rashdi to take place on April 1
18 days ago