Eritrean involvement in the Tigray War explained

See main article: Tigray War.

Conflict:Eritrean involvement in the Tigray War
Partof:Tigray War
Date:November 2020 – November 2022
Place:Tigray Region, Ethiopia; Eritrea
Combatant1:
In support of:
Combatant2:
Commander1: Isaias Afwerki
Filipos Woldeyohannes
Commander2: Debretsion Gebremichael
Fetlework Gebregziabher
Tsadkan Gebretensae
Tadesse Werede Tesfay
Units2:Tigray Defense Forces

Since the start of Tigray War in November 2020, the Eritrean government has been heavily involved in the war against the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) in support of the Ethiopian government.

Background

See also: Eritrean–Ethiopian War and border conflict.

During the Ethiopian Civil War (1974–1991), both the Eritrean People's Liberation Front (EPLF) and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) allied with each other, first against the Derg, and then the People's Democratic Republic of Ethiopia after 1987. These friendly relations initially continued after they won the civil war and Eritrea gained its independence from Ethiopia – this time, run by a TPLF-led coalition government called the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF).[1] [2] [3] However, relations soon began to deteriorate significant due to disagreements about the exact location of the new Ethiopian–Eritrean border, culminating in a full-scale war between the two states,[4] [5] in which both countries engaged in human rights violations, including rape, torture, beatings, internment and forced expulsions of civilians.[6] [7]

On 12 December 2000, the Algiers Agreement between Ethiopia and Eritrea was signed, marking an official end to major hostilities.[8] Among other conditions, the treaty also established an independent commission to determine the exact placement of the border. In 2002, the Permanent Count of Arbitration awarded small portions of territory to both states; they also ruled, however, that Badme, a town that was at the centre of the border dispute, belonged to Eritrea (while also finding, in a 2005 ruling, that Eritrea broke international law by attempting to take the town through an invasion).[9] [10] Although both countries initially agreed to respect this agreement,[11] by 2003, Ethiopia had rejected it, primarily due to the Badme decision, and Eritrea was not interested in a renegotiation.[12] [13]

Relations between Eritrea and the TPLF-led Ethiopia continued to remain tense as a result of these disagreements, becoming a sticking point in the ensuing border conflict. Through the 2000s and most of the 2010s, both countries engaged in sporadic battles[14] and border skirmishes.[15] [16] Reportedly, they also funded proxy conflicts against each other throughout the region, including insurgencies in Afar, Ogaden, and Somalia.[17] [18] [19] [20] Eritrea is also known to have used Ethiopia’s continued presence in Badme as an official justification for its widely condemned[21] [22] [23] practice of indefinite conscription, which has been ongoing since the 1990s.[24] By the time the conflict drew to a close in 2018, Eritrea–TPLF relations had been actively hostile for roughly 20 years.[25]

Converging interests with the new Ethiopian government

On 2 April 2018, Abiy Ahmed was sworn in by parliament as Ethiopia's new prime minister, following the resignation of Hailemariam Desalegn, who had done so in the wake of major protests against him.[26] Very soon thereafter, Ethiopia announced a willingness to negotiate a peaceful end to the border conflict,[27] a move that came as a surprise to both Eritrea and outside observers.[28] [29] Still, talks for peace went forward, and 3 months after Abiy's term began, the conflict officially ended with the Eritrea–Ethiopia peace summit; with this, Ethiopia accepted Eritrean territorial claims over Badme, and diplomatic relations were reestablished for the first time in decades.[30] For many, this summit was widely celebrated, and in 2019, Abiy received a Nobel Peace Prize for these efforts.[31] [32] [33] [34]

However, many within the Tigray Region, including the residents of Badme itself, were heavily critical of this motion for peace, and saw this as a betrayal, or a "desecration" of those who died in the 1998–2000 war. According to Reuters, one local official was quoted as saying that, while they were not against peace with Eritrea, they also "do not want peace by giving away this land after all the sacrifice." The people of Badme were allegedly not informed about the government's plans to do this.[35] The TPLF condemned the peace initiatives, saying they were hastily made, had "fundamental flaws," and also claimed it was decided on without consulting long-time TPLF members.[36]

There has been some speculation about the possible reasons for why Eritrean–Ethiopian relations shifted so significantly towards cooperation. Among some analysts, it has been suggested that this is due to a common animosity towards the TPLF held by both Eritrea, as well as non-Tigrayan Ethiopian officials that have resented the TPLF's dominance in Ethiopian politics since 1991.[37] [38] While relations with Ethiopia were in the process of being normalized, Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki was heavily critical of the TPLF, describing them as "vultures."[39]

History

2020

While official confirmation from Ethiopia and Eritrea did not occur until March–April 2021, Eritrea was already heavily suspected to be involved in the war since the beginning.[40] [41] [42] According to the TPLF, one of their rationales for attacking the Ethiopian Northern Command in early November 2020 – the event generally considered to mark the beginning of the war – was "preemptive self-defense" against (what they claimed to be) an incoming, coordinated attack by Eritrean and Ethiopian forces.[43] Eritrea regularly sent soldiers to support the Ethiopian federal government forces against the TPLF. Their involvement has wider implications, with Eritrea explicitly supporting Ethiopia militarily, a major change following two decades of hostile diplomatic relations.[44]

On 28–29 November 2020, witnesses and survivors, including refugees in Sudan, reported that the Eritrean Defence Forces carried out a massacre in Axum that killed between 100 and 800 civilians.[45] [46] These reports have been corroborated by a number of news agencies and human rights organizations.[47] [48] [49] [50] [51] The Eritrean government stated that it was angered by Amnesty International's report on the massacre, claiming it was "transparently unprofessional" and "politically motivated," accusing Amnesty of fabricating evidence.[52]

2021

The situation on the ground changed drastically following a guerilla warfare campaign by the TDF, and in February 2021, the UN chief coordinator of humanitarian efforts Mark Lowcock said that up to 40% of Tigray was not controlled by Ethiopian troops. He said that much of that area was under the control of Eritrean soldiers pursuing their own objectives independent of Ethiopian command.[53]

Refugees told Vice World News that Eritrea was in control of parts of the northern Maekelay Zone and most likely extending beyond the zone. Different refugees told VICE that not only did Eritreans cross into border areas, but they also took control of the area. One refugee from Maekelay told them "Since the war started, we haven't seen a single Ethiopian soldier. Only Eritreans, they occupy the rural areas."[54]

Tigrayan leaders alleged that the Eritrean forces' use of United Arab Emirates-made drones was a main factor for Tigray force resistance and re-entered to Mekelle in June 2021.[55] On 16 June 2021, the Ethiopian ambassador to the UN stated that Eritrean troops in Tigray were to "definitely leave soon,"[56] but Eritrea would continue sending in forces long after this.

2022

Fighting largely subsided during the first ceasefire period from March through August of 2022.

The Ethiopia–Tigray Peace Agreement, signed in November 2022, established a permanent ceasefire between Ethiopia and Tigray although Eritrea was not a party to it. Eritrean forces continued to launch attacks on Tigrayans throughout November and December.[57] [58] [59] From 17 to 25 November alone, Eritrea was reported to have destroyed 241 houses and killed at least 111 people.[60]

2023

On May 25, 2023, a mission led by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs deputy head of Ethiopia, composed of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the United Nations Department for Safety and Security, the World Health Organization, and other international non-governmental organizations, was prohibited from entering Gemhalo village in Tahtay Adiyabo woreda [district] by Eritrean forces, according to aid workers.[61]

Eritrean troops allied with Ethiopia's government may have "committed war crimes and crimes against humanity" in Tigray, raping, enslaving and executing civilians for months after the signing of a peace agreement according to Amnesty International.[62] [63]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: 8 November 2020 . Eritrea, Tigray and Ethiopia's brewing civil war . https://web.archive.org/web/20220731195612/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2020/11/8/fears-on-eritreas-secret-role-in-ethiopias-brewing-civil-war . 31 July 2022 . Al Jazeera . en.
  2. Web site: November 15, 2018 . Eritrea profile - Timeline . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220611190303/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-13349395 . June 11, 2022 . BBC News.
  3. Web site: Amhazion . Fikrejesus . April 23, 2018 . A Look Back on Eritrea's Historic 1993 Referendum . https://web.archive.org/web/20210815100157/https://www.tesfanews.net/revisiting-eritrea-historic-1993-referendum/ . August 15, 2021 . Tesfa News.
  4. Dias . Alexandra Magnolia . November 1, 2011 . The Conduct of an Inter-state War and Multiple Dimensions of Territory: 1998-2000 Eritrea-Ethiopia war . Cadernos de Estudos Africanos . 22 . 21–41 . 10.4000/cea.384. free . 10071/3189 . free .
  5. Web site: June 6, 1998 . Eritrea: 'Ethiopia pursues total war' . unfit . https://web.archive.org/web/20220227231020/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/107985.stm . February 27, 2022 . BBC News.
  6. Web site: January 29, 2003 . The Horn of Africa War . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20151104093104/https://www.hrw.org/report/2003/01/29/horn-africa-war/mass-expulsions-and-nationality-issue . November 4, 2015 . September 24, 2022 . Human Rights Watch.
  7. Web site: Winfield . Nicole . May 13, 2000 . UN hints at sanctions if Eritrea and Ethiopia do not end fighting . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20101008050721/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/africa/un-hints-at-sanctions-if-eritrea-and-ethiopia-do-not-end-fighting-718960.html . October 8, 2010 . The Independent (Associated Press).
  8. Web site: December 12, 2000 . Agreement between the Government of the State of Eritrea and the Government of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220314074504/https://peacemaker.un.org/eritreaethiopia-agreement2000 . March 14, 2022 . UN Peacemaker.
  9. Web site: Eritrean-Ethiopian Border Commission . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20061023140732/http://www.un.org/NewLinks/eebcarbitration/ . October 23, 2006 . United Nations.
  10. Web site: December 21, 2005 . Ruling: Eritrea broke international law in Ethiopia attack . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20060102050848/http://www.cnn.com/2005/WORLD/africa/12/21/eritrea.ethiopia.reut/index.html . January 2, 2006 . Reuters.
  11. Web site: Astill . James . April 15, 2002 . Ethiopia and Eritrea claim border victory . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20160111015717/http://www.theguardian.com/world/2002/apr/15/jamesastill . January 11, 2016 . The Guardian.
  12. Web site: September 25, 2003 . Eritrea firm over disputed border ruling . unfit . https://web.archive.org/web/20211230223452/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/3136620.stm . December 30, 2021 . BBC News.
  13. Web site: Zane . Damian . April 3, 2003 . Ethiopia regrets Badme ruling . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20211230223443/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/2914559.stm . December 30, 2021 . BBC News.
  14. Web site: June 13, 2016 . 'Significant' in Eritrea and Ethiopia border battle . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20220926233155/https://news.yahoo.com/significant-casualties-eritrea-ethiopia-clash-ethiopia-151919190.html?guccounter=1 . September 26, 2022 . September 26, 2022 . Yahoo! News (Agence France-Presse).
  15. Web site: Besa . Zalam . January 3, 2010 . Eritrea says it killed 10 Ethiopian troops . usurped . https://web.archive.org/web/20100119085558/http://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFJOE60206K20100103 . January 19, 2010 .
  16. Web site: Davison . William . March 15, 2012 . Ethiopian Army attacks Eritrean military post in retaliation for rebel violence . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180802115933/https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Africa/2012/0315/Ethiopian-Army-attacks-Eritrean-military-post-in-retaliation-for-rebel-violence . August 2, 2018 . Christian Science Monitor.
  17. Web site: Joselow . Gabe . November 1, 2011 . All Eyes on Eritrea as Arms Shipment Reaches Al-Shabab . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220126152447/https://www.voanews.com/a/all-eyes-on-eritrea-as-arms-shipment-reaches-al-shabab-133079288/159111.html . January 26, 2022 . Voice of America.
  18. Web site: Tekle . Tesfa-Alem . April 23, 2010 . Eritrean rebels claim killing 11 government soldiers . https://web.archive.org/web/20181205003445/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-eritrea-rebels/eritrean-rebels-claim-killing-11-government-soldiers-idUSTRE63M2G520100423 . December 5, 2018 . Reuters.
  19. Web site: Gettleman . Jeffrey . June 18, 2007 . In Ethiopia, Fear and Cries of Army Brutality . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20201222213821/https://www.nytimes.com/2007/06/18/world/africa/18ethiopia.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0 . December 22, 2020 . . The Ethiopian government calls the Ogaden rebels terrorists and says they are armed and trained by Eritrea, Ethiopia’s neighbor and bitter enemy. One of the reasons Ethiopia decided to invade Somalia was to prevent the rebels from using it as a base..
  20. Web site: January 18, 2012 . Q&A: Ethiopia's Afar region . unfit . https://web.archive.org/web/20141110231237/http://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-16620783 . November 10, 2014 . BBC News.
  21. Web site: Maclean . Ruth . October 11, 2018 . 'It's just slavery': Eritrean conscripts wait in vain for freedom . September 27, 2022 . . With their hopes dashed that peace with Ethiopia would bring an end to national service, young Eritreans must either accept a life of forced labour or flee.
  22. Web site: August 8, 2019 . "They Are Making Us into Slaves, Not Educating Us": How Indefinite Conscription Restricts Young People's Rights, Access to Education in Eritrea . September 27, 2022 . Human Rights Watch.
  23. Web site: December 1, 2015 . Eritrea: Refugees fleeing indefinite conscription must be given safe haven . September 27, 2022 . . …despite claims by officials that conscription would be limited to 18 months, national service continues to be indefinite, often lasting for decades..
  24. Web site: Gebre . Samuel . December 3, 2015 . Eritrea Army Conscription Still Spurs Asylum Pleas, Amnesty Says . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20151212192855/http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2015-12-03/eritrea-army-conscription-still-spurs-asylum-pleas-amnesty-says . December 12, 2015 . . ‘All those who condone violation of international law and tolerate occupation have no rights whatsoever to accuse Eritrea of prolonged service,’ [Eritrean Information Minister Yemane G. Meskel] said on Twitter, in reference to Ethiopia’s presence in Badme, a disputed territory that triggered a 1998-2000 conflict..
  25. Web site: July 8, 2018 . Leaders of Ethiopia, Eritrea restore diplomatic relations after 20-year standoff . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220408053320/https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/ethiopia-eritrea-restore-diplomatic-relations-1.4738578 . April 8, 2022 . CBC News.
  26. Web site: April 2, 2018 . Abiy Ahmed sworn in as Ethiopia's prime minister . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220901132908/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/4/2/abiy-ahmed-sworn-in-as-ethiopias-prime-minister . September 1, 2022 . Al Jazeera.
  27. News: Schemm . Paul . June 5, 2018 . Ethiopia says it is ready to implement Eritrea peace deal and privatize parts of the economy . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20181122123302/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/ethiopia-says-its-ready-to-implement-eritrea-peace-deal-and-privatize-parts-of-the-economy/2018/06/05/f5813936-68e4-11e8-9e38-24e693b38637_story.html . November 22, 2018 . The Washington Post.
  28. Web site: Zere . Abraham . June 11, 2022 . How Ethiopia's peace offer caught Eritrea's regime by surprise . Al Jazeera.
  29. News: Schemm . Paul . June 20, 2018 . Eritrea breaks silence and responds to Ethiopia peace overtures, will send delegation . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180730224657/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/eritrea-breaks-silence-and-responds-to-ethiopia-peace-overtures-will-send-delegation/2018/06/20/80c84c5c-745f-11e8-b4b7-308400242c2e_story.html . July 30, 2018 . The Washington Post.
  30. Web site: July 9, 2018 . Ethiopia, Eritrea officially end war . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220814210457/https://www.dw.com/en/ethiopia-eritrea-officially-end-war/a-44585296 . August 14, 2022 . Deutsche Welle.
  31. News: Schemm . Paul . July 8, 2018 . After 20-year military standoff, Ethiopia and Eritrea agree to normalize ties in historic breakthrough . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210203173826/https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/ethiopias-leader-arrives-in-eritrea-for-unprecedented-summit-between-former-enemies/2018/07/08/a1144f96-826b-11e8-b9a5-7e1c013f8c33_story.html . February 3, 2021 . The Washington Post.
  32. Web site: Dahir . Abdi Latif . July 9, 2018 . The giddy excitement that marked Ethiopia and Eritrea's historic summit . Quartz.
  33. Web site: York . Geoffrey . July 8, 2018 . Surprise summit in militaristic Eritrea could bring peace to Horn of Africa . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20180731191530/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/world/article-surprise-summit-in-militaristic-eritrea-could-bring-peace-to-horn-of/ . July 31, 2018 . The Globe and Mail.
  34. Web site: October 11, 2019 . Nobel Peace Prize: Ethiopia PM Abiy Ahmed wins . unfit . https://web.archive.org/web/20220711220446/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-50013273 . July 11, 2022 . BBC News.
  35. Web site: Maasho . Aaron . June 11, 2018 . On Ethiopia-Eritrea frontline, anger at Addis' olive branch . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220810094407/http://www.reuters.com/article/us-ethiopia-eritrea/on-ethiopia-eritrea-frontline-anger-at-addis-olive-branch-idUSKBN1J71UM . August 10, 2022 . Reuters.
  36. Web site: Abera . Etenesh . June 13, 2018 . News: TPLF says Ethiopia's recent Eritrea, economy related decisions have "fundamental flaws"; calls for emergency meeting of the ruling EPRDF executive, council committee . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220711180618/https://addisstandard.com/news-tplf-says-ethiopias-recent-eritrea-economy-related-decisions-havefundamental-flaws-calls-for-emergency-meeting-of-the-ruling-eprdf-executive-council-committee/ . July 11, 2022 . Addis Standard.
  37. Web site: Fröhlich . Silja . November 29, 2020 . Once enemies, Ethiopia and Eritrea ally against Tigray . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220809093219/https://www.dw.com/en/once-enemies-ethiopia-and-eritrea-ally-against-tigray/a-55763490 . August 9, 2022 . Deutsche Welle.
  38. Web site: Bruton . Bronwyn . July 12, 2018 . Ethiopia and Eritrea Have a Common Enemy . unfit . https://web.archive.org/web/20190105124712/https://foreignpolicy.com/2018/07/12/ethiopia-and-eritrea-have-a-common-enemy-abiy-ahmed-isaias-afwerki-badme-peace-tplf-eprdf/ . January 5, 2019 . . Abiy Ahmed and Isaias Afwerki are racing toward peace because they both face the same threat: hard-liners in the Tigrayan People’s Liberation Front.
  39. Web site: Kirby . Jen . 24 April 2021 . "Dying by blood or by hunger": The war in Ethiopia's Tigray region, explained . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220428212610/https://www.vox.com/22370629/ethiopia-tigray-eritrea-amhara-war-ethnic-cleansing . 28 April 2022 . Vox.
  40. Web site: November 10, 2022 . Ethiopia's Tigray leader says Eritrea sending troops over border . Reuters.
  41. Web site: 17 April 2021 . Eritrea confirms its troops are fighting in Ethiopia's Tigray . https://web.archive.org/web/20221013211130/http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/4/17/eritrea-confirms-its-troops-are-fighting-ethiopias-tigray . 13 October 2022 . Al Jazeera . en.
  42. Web site: 27 January 2021 . Ethiopia's Tigray crisis: US calls for Eritrea troops to withdraw . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20221014085256/https://www.bbc.com/news/world-africa-55825560 . 14 October 2022 . BBC News.
  43. Web site: Seyoum . Habtamu . Kebede . Alula . Abate . Solomon . March 12, 2021 . Ethiopian Government's Handling of Tigray Conflict . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20221016193438/https://www.voanews.com/a/africa_diaspora-protesters-us-canada-back-ethiopian-governments-handling-tigray-conflict/6203216.html . October 16, 2022 . . The TPLF said it acted preemptively because it got intelligence that the Ethiopian federal government was planning to launch an attack on Tigray in collaboration with Eritrea, with whom Abiy’s government signed a peace deal in 2018..
  44. Web site: Reid . Richard . Eritrea is involved in Tigray to boost its stature. Why the strategy could backfire . 2022-09-24 . The Conversation . en.
  45. Web site: Burke . Jason . 26 February 2021 . Hundreds died in Axum massacre during Tigray war, says Amnesty . The Guardian.
  46. Web site: 26 February 2021 . Ethiopia: The Massacre in Axum . Amnesty International.
  47. Web site: 5 March 2021 . Ethiopia: Eritrean Forces Massacre Tigray Civilians . live . https://archive.today/20210308011441/https://www.hrw.org/news/2021/03/05/ethiopia-eritrean-forces-massacre-tigray-civilians%23 . 8 March 2021 . Human Rights Watch.
  48. Web site: Investigation into Grave Human Rights Violations in Aksum - Preliminary Findings. March 24, 2021. Ethiopian Human Rights Commission.
  49. News: Malagardis . Maria . 11 February 2021 . Ethiopie : "A Aksoum, j'ai aidé à transporter plus de 300 morts" . fr . Ethiopia: 'In Axum, I helped transport more than 300 dead bodies' . . live . subscription . https://archive.today/20210214031845/https://ermiashaile.com/2021/02/12/ethiopia-in-axum-i-helped-transport-more-than-300-dead/ . 14 February 2021.
  50. News: Anna . Cara . 18 February 2021 . 'Horrible': Witnesses recall massacre in Ethiopian holy city . . live . https://archive.today/20210218133144/https://apnews.com/article/eritrea-ethiopia-massacres-only-on-ap-kenya-fa1b531fea069aed6768409bd1d20bfa . 18 February 2021.
  51. Web site: Osman . Jamal . 19 March 2021 . Horrific human rights abuses during Ethiopian Tigray offensive . Channel 4 News . en-GB.
  52. Web site: 27 February 2021 . 'Many hundreds' killed by Eritrean soldiers in Ethiopian massacre, Amnesty International says . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20220812195623/https://news.sky.com/story/many-hundreds-killed-by-eritrean-soldiers-in-ethiopian-massacre-amnesty-international-says-12229332 . 12 August 2022 . Sky News.
  53. Web site: 4 February 2021 . UN: Ethiopia may not have control of a large part of Tigray . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210204172622/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/un-ethiopia-may-not-have-control-of-a-large-part-of-tigray-ethiopia-un-eritrea-mark-lowcock-government-b1797612.html . 4 February 2021 . 27 February 2021 . The Independent.
  54. Web site: "They Started Burning the Homes": Ethiopians Say Their Towns Are Being Razed In Ethnic Cleansing Campaign . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20210227211117/https://www.vice.com/en/article/n7vgex/they-started-burning-the-homes-ethiopians-say-their-towns-are-being-razed-in-ethnic-cleansing-campaign . 27 February 2021 . 27 February 2021 . Vice World News.
  55. Web site: 2022-09-03 . News: US condemns "Eritrea's reentry" into Ethiopia war, sending Horn envoy to make parties "engage in peace talks" . 2022-09-24 . Addis Standard . en-US.
  56. Web site: 16 June 2021 . Eritrean troops in Tigray to 'leave soon': Ethiopia UN envoy . 18 June 2021.
  57. Web site: 21 November 2022 . News: Tigrayan officials say peace agreement aims to "rescue people of Tigray", accuse Eritrean forces of continued atrocities on civilians . Addis Standard.
  58. Web site: Muhumuza . Rodney . 27 November 2022 . Kidnappings, looting cited in Ethiopia's Tigray after truce . Associated Press.
  59. Web site: 2 December 2022 . Looting, forced removals plague Ethiopia's Tigray despite truce, witnesses say . The Globe and Mail . Reuters.
  60. Web site: Marks . Simon . Gebre . Samuel . 30 November 2022 . Ethiopia Peace Process Undermined as Eritrean Forces Continue Attacking Civilians . Bloomberg News.
  61. Web site: Mezzofiore . Gianluca . 2023-05-26 . Eritrean forces stop UN mission in Tigray, Ethiopia, aid workers tell CNN . 2024-06-19 . CNN . en.
  62. Web site: 2023-09-04 . Amnesty finds Eritrean troops 'committed war crimes' in Tigray after peace deal . 2023-11-27 . France 24 . en.
  63. Web site: Nicholls . Catherine . 2023-09-04 . Eritrean Defense Forces committed war crimes and possible crimes against humanity in Tigray, Amnesty International alleges . 2023-11-27 . CNN . en.