Ceasefire Agreement seeks to end Tigrayan Conflict, as Millions left Displaced and at Risk of Malnourishment
A November ceasefire agreement between Tigrayan forces and the Ethiopian Government has sought to bring an end to months of ethnic violence, which have left millions displaced, hundreds of thousands at risk of famine, and thousands killed. As reported in the Guardian, the terms of the ceasefire are currently being implemented, with Tigrayan forces handing over weapons, accompanied by the restoration of humanitarian aid channels, the resumption of communication services, and the withdrawal of Eritrean troops. The Eastern African conflict has exacerbated political tensions in the region.
As reported by the University Observer in our November issue, the Tigrayan diaspora overseas have been outspoken in their calls for greater solidarity with the Tigrayan people, who have faced funding cuts and unfair targeting under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s administration. (“Tigrayans protest in Dublin, as War on Ethnicity rages on in Ethiopia”, Features, Nov 16th 2022). The Dublin protestors highlighted the appalling conditions experienced by Tigrayan refugees, fleeing atrocities and human rights abuses committed by the Ethiopian military. The atrocities have been described by some activists as tantamount to Genocide.
Many Tigrayans forced to flee their homeland have been separated from their families, divulging eyewitness accounts of drone strikes, bombings, and slaughter, as reported by Vice World News. As the terms of the ceasefire are enforced, many in the Horn of Africa region remain sceptical of the prospects of any meaningful form of justice, accountability, or reconciliation under the present conditions.
Readers who would like to contribute to the global solidarity effort can donate to reputable humanitarian organisations, including UNICEF, Oxfam, ActionAid, and the International Rescue Committee.