Fourteen-year-old Mibrak Esayus recalls the day last November when she says Eritrean soldiers burst into her home in Ethiopia`s Tigray region and killed her mother and father.

It was 10 days into Ethiopia`s military campaign against fighters from the Tigray People`s Liberation Front (TPLF), the region`s former ruling party, following their surprise assault on federal army bases in Tigray.

The family heard shooting outside their home in the town of Zalambessa, on the border with Eritrea, from around dawn, Mibrak said. Eritrean soldiers burst in around midday.

Her father, a priest at the local Ethiopian Orthodox church, begged them "Don`t shoot," she told Reuters.

"They shot him in the chest with three bullets ... Then they shot my mama in her back."

Mibrak said she was shot in the thigh as her five younger siblings, aged from one to 12 years old, screamed in terror.

The soldiers yelled at them to be quiet, setting a haystack alight as they left, she said.

Mibrak is among more than two dozen civilians in Tigray who told Reuters they had been victims of, or witnesses to, shootings, gang rapes and looting by Eritrean soldiers.

Reuters verified parts of Mibrak`s account with her aunt and uncle, now caring for her and her five siblings; through her medical records at a hospital in Adigrat, the nearest major city; and with parishioners from her father`s church who said they attended her parents` memorial service.

Ethiopia`s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who has faced mounting international pressure to address reports of human rights abuses during the conflict in Tigray, said on Friday that Eritrea had agreed to withdraw troops from the region.

Asked about the accounts of killings and abuses by Eritrean soldiers, including those in Zalambessa, Eritrea`s information minister Yemane Gebremeskel said by text message that it was not "in our military tradition to kill civilians."

Ethiopia and Eritrea have called reports of atrocities by Eritrean soldiers overblown, although Abiy, who acknowledged for the first time this week that Eritrean forces had crossed into Tigray during the fighting, said on Tuesday that his government had raised the issue of atrocities with Eritrea. He did not disclose with whom.

Yemane did not respond to requests for comment on Abiy`s announcement of an Eritrean troop withdrawal. He told Reuters on Tuesday that he believed Abiy`s speech that day had been mistranslated but did not respond to queries over which part.

NIGHTS OF TERROR

Speaking to Reuters in her aunt`s two-room apartment, Mibrak said she hid her brothers and sisters under a bed during the fighting. She said they stayed there for two days without food, water or electricity. It felt safer, she said, and they did not have to see their parents` bodies.

When the fighting subsided, she sent the four older children to relatives and took herself and the baby to Adigrat hospital, 36 km (22 miles) further south, where they stayed for more than two months. Her medical records, seen by Reuters, show that she was shot in the thigh and the wound was infected.

The bishop of Adigrat, Abune Merha Kiristos, showed Reuters handwritten lists with the names of 1,151 people he said priests had reported killed in surrounding areas since the conflict began, including Mibrak`s parents. Some parishes were still not accessible to priests, he said.

Mibrak`s aunt retrieved a picture of her younger brother and his wife. A moustachioed young man in a blue suit draped in a priest`s white robes stands beside a serious young woman.

"Don`t show the children, they will start to cry," she said, sliding the photo across the table face down. "Mibrak holds it and cries at night."

Fourteen-year-old Mibrak Esayus recalls the day last November when she says Eritrean soldiers burst into her home in Ethiopia`s Tigray region and killed her mother and father.

Fourteen-year-old Mibrak Esayus recalls the day last November when she says Eritrean soldiers burst into her home in Ethiopia`s Tigray region and killed her mother and father. It was 10 days into Ethiopia`s military campaign against fighters from the Tigray People`s Liberation Front (TPLF), the region`s former ruling party, following their surprise assault on federal army bases in Tigray. The family heard shooting outside their home in the town of Zalambessa, on the border with Eritrea, from around dawn, Mibrak said. Eritrean soldiers burst in around midday. Her father, a priest at the local Ethiopian Orthodox church, begged them "Don`t shoot," she told Reuters. "They shot him in the chest with three bullets ... Then they shot my mama in her back." Mibrak said she was shot in the thigh as her five younger siblings, aged from one to 12 years old, screamed in terror. The soldiers yelled at them to be quiet, setting a haystack alight as they left, she said. Mibrak is among more than two dozen civilians in Tigray who told Reuters they had been victims of, or witnesses to, shootings, gang rapes and looting by Eritrean soldiers. Reuters verified parts of Mibrak`s account with her aunt and uncle, now caring for her and her five siblings; through her medical records at a hospital in Adigrat, the nearest major city; and with parishioners from her father`s church who said they attended her parents` memorial service. Ethiopia`s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, who has faced mounting international pressure to address reports of human rights abuses during the conflict in Tigray, said on Friday that Eritrea had agreed to withdraw troops from the region. Asked about the accounts of killings and abuses by Eritrean soldiers, including those in Zalambessa, Eritrea`s information minister Yemane Gebremeskel said by text message that it was not "in our military tradition to kill civilians." Ethiopia and Eritrea have called reports of atrocities by Eritrean soldiers overblown, although Abiy, who acknowledged for the first time this week that Eritrean forces had crossed into Tigray during the fighting, said on Tuesday that his government had raised the issue of atrocities with Eritrea. He did not disclose with whom. Yemane did not respond to requests for comment on Abiy`s announcement of an Eritrean troop withdrawal. He told Reuters on Tuesday that he believed Abiy`s speech that day had been mistranslated but did not respond to queries over which part. NIGHTS OF TERROR Speaking to Reuters in her aunt`s two-room apartment, Mibrak said she hid her brothers and sisters under a bed during the fighting. She said they stayed there for two days without food, water or electricity. It felt safer, she said, and they did not have to see their parents` bodies. When the fighting subsided, she sent the four older children to relatives and took herself and the baby to Adigrat hospital, 36 km (22 miles) further south, where they stayed for more than two months. Her medical records, seen by Reuters, show that she was shot in the thigh and the wound was infected. The bishop of Adigrat, Abune Merha Kiristos, showed Reuters handwritten lists with the names of 1,151 people he said priests had reported killed in surrounding areas since the conflict began, including Mibrak`s parents. Some parishes were still not accessible to priests, he said. Mibrak`s aunt retrieved a picture of her younger brother and his wife. A moustachioed young man in a blue suit draped in a priest`s white robes stands beside a serious young woman. "Don`t show the children, they will start to cry," she said, sliding the photo across the table face down. "Mibrak holds it and cries at night."

'Don't shoot,' Ethiopian father begged Eritrean soldiers, daughter says

More than 500 rape cases have been reported to five clinics in Ethiopia`s Tigray region, the United Nations said on Thursday, warning that the actual numbers were likely to be much higher due to stigma and a lack of health services. 
 
"Women say they have been raped by armed actors, they also told stories of gang rape, rape in front of family members and men being forced to rape their own family members under the threat of violence," Wafaa Said, deputy UN&nbsp;aid coordinator in Ethiopia, said in a briefing to UN&nbsp;member states in New York. 
 
She said at least 516 rape cases had been reported by five medical facilities in Mekelle, Adigrat, Wukro, Shire and Axum. 
 
"Given the fact that most health facilities are not functioning and also the stigma associated with rape, it is projected that actual numbers are much higher," she added. 
 
A dozen top UN&nbsp;officials called on Monday for a stop to indiscriminate and targeted attacks against civilians in Tigray, particularly calling out reports of rape and "other horrific forms of sexual violence." 
 
Fighting in Tigray broke out in November between government troops and the region`s former ruling party, the Tigray People`s Liberation Front. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has also said troops from neighboring Eritrea were in the region. 
 
The Ethiopian government takes the allegations of sexual violence "very seriously" and has deployed a fact-finding mission, Ethiopia`s UN&nbsp;ambassador, Taye Atskeselassie Amde, told Reuters. 
 
"Ethiopia has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual crimes and anyone found responsible for the despicable acts will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law," he said. 
 
Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh Mohammed and Eritrea`s information minister, Yemane Gebremeskel, did not respond to calls and messages requesting comment on the UN&nbsp;remarks on Thursday. 
 
The violence in Tigray has killed thousands of people and forced hundreds of thousands from their homes in the mountainous region of about 5 million. 
 
"Most of the internally displaced people left with nothing more than the clothes they were wearing. They are generally traumatized and tell stories of the difficult journey they took in search of safety. Some reported walking for two weeks and some as far as 500 km," Said said on Thursday. 
 
"Of the people who traveled with them, some were reportedly killed, particularly youngsters, people were reportedly beaten, women were subject to rape, some were pregnant and delivered on the way losing their babies," she said. 
 
The United Nations has raised concerns about atrocities, while US&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken has described acts carried out as ethnic cleansing. Ethiopia rejected Blinken`s allegation. 
 
This week, Abiy acknowledged for the first time that atrocities such as rape had been committed and said any soldiers committing crimes would be punished. 
 
Dozens of witnesses in Tigray have told Reuters that Eritrean soldiers routinely killed civilians, gang-raped and tortured women and looted households and crops. Eritrea has not responded to queries on reports of atrocities.

More than 500 rape cases have been reported to five clinics in Ethiopia`s Tigray region, the United Nations said on Thursday, warning that the actual numbers were likely to be much higher due to stigma and a lack of health services.

More than 500 rape cases have been reported to five clinics in Ethiopia`s Tigray region, the United Nations said on Thursday, warning that the actual numbers were likely to be much higher due to stigma and a lack of health services. "Women say they have been raped by armed actors, they also told stories of gang rape, rape in front of family members and men being forced to rape their own family members under the threat of violence," Wafaa Said, deputy UN aid coordinator in Ethiopia, said in a briefing to UN member states in New York. She said at least 516 rape cases had been reported by five medical facilities in Mekelle, Adigrat, Wukro, Shire and Axum. "Given the fact that most health facilities are not functioning and also the stigma associated with rape, it is projected that actual numbers are much higher," she added. A dozen top UN officials called on Monday for a stop to indiscriminate and targeted attacks against civilians in Tigray, particularly calling out reports of rape and "other horrific forms of sexual violence." Fighting in Tigray broke out in November between government troops and the region`s former ruling party, the Tigray People`s Liberation Front. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has also said troops from neighboring Eritrea were in the region. The Ethiopian government takes the allegations of sexual violence "very seriously" and has deployed a fact-finding mission, Ethiopia`s UN ambassador, Taye Atskeselassie Amde, told Reuters. "Ethiopia has a zero-tolerance policy for sexual crimes and anyone found responsible for the despicable acts will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law," he said. Eritrean Foreign Minister Osman Saleh Mohammed and Eritrea`s information minister, Yemane Gebremeskel, did not respond to calls and messages requesting comment on the UN remarks on Thursday. The violence in Tigray has killed thousands of people and forced hundreds of thousands from their homes in the mountainous region of about 5 million. "Most of the internally displaced people left with nothing more than the clothes they were wearing. They are generally traumatized and tell stories of the difficult journey they took in search of safety. Some reported walking for two weeks and some as far as 500 km," Said said on Thursday. "Of the people who traveled with them, some were reportedly killed, particularly youngsters, people were reportedly beaten, women were subject to rape, some were pregnant and delivered on the way losing their babies," she said. The United Nations has raised concerns about atrocities, while US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has described acts carried out as ethnic cleansing. Ethiopia rejected Blinken`s allegation. This week, Abiy acknowledged for the first time that atrocities such as rape had been committed and said any soldiers committing crimes would be punished. Dozens of witnesses in Tigray have told Reuters that Eritrean soldiers routinely killed civilians, gang-raped and tortured women and looted households and crops. Eritrea has not responded to queries on reports of atrocities.

Men forced to rape family members in Ethiopia's Tigray, UN says

Doctors without Borders, usually referred to by its French initials MSF, said in a statement that its staff had seen Ethiopian soldiers kill four men in a summary execution.

MSF also said in a statement that three staff members were attacked&nbsp;while travelling in a clearly marked MSF vehicle on Tuesday on the road from regional capital Mekele to Adigrat.

"Along the journey they encountered what appeared to be the aftermath of an ambush of an Ethiopian military convoy by another armed group, in which soldiers were injured and killed. Military vehicles were still on fire," said Karline Kleijer, head of emergency programs for the charity.

The testimony comes as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said atrocities have been reported in Tigray province, his first public acknowledgment of possible war crimes there.

"The soldiers then forced the passengers to leave the minibuses. The men were separated from the women, who were allowed to walk away. Shortly afterward, the men were shot."

The MSF team was allowed to leave, but their vehicle was again stopped by soldiers not long after.

"They pulled the MSF driver out of the vehicle, beat him with the back of a gun and threatened to kill him. Eventually the driver was allowed to get back into the vehicle and the team could return to Mekele."

Ethiopia's army could not be immediately contacted for comment on the statement.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed launched a military campaign in Tigray last year after blaming the region's ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), for attacks on army camps.

Abiy, winner of the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize, declared victory when federal forces entered the regional capital Mekele in late November however fighting continues.

After weeks of efforts to assert that normalcy is returning to Tigray, Abiy conceded Tuesday that there had been atrocities committed in the semi-autonomous region.

"Battle is destructive, it hurts many, and there is no question about it. There have been damages that happened in Tigray region..." he said.

Residents of Tigray have told human rights groups and journalists of massacres, widespread sexual violence and indiscriminate killings of civilians by security forces.&nbsp;

Abiy also admitted soldiers from neighbouring Eritrea were in the region.

Ethiopia's rights body on Tuesday corroborated studies by international rights groups that a bloody massacre had taken place in the historic town of Axum in November, saying over 100 had been killed by Eritrean soldiers.

(With inputs from agencies)

Doctors without Borders, usually referred to by its French initials MSF, said in a statement that its staff had seen Ethiopian soldiers kill four men in a summary execution.

Doctors without Borders, usually referred to by its French initials MSF, said in a statement that its staff had seen Ethiopian soldiers kill four men in a summary execution. MSF also said in a statement that three staff members were attacked while travelling in a clearly marked MSF vehicle on Tuesday on the road from regional capital Mekele to Adigrat. "Along the journey they encountered what appeared to be the aftermath of an ambush of an Ethiopian military convoy by another armed group, in which soldiers were injured and killed. Military vehicles were still on fire," said Karline Kleijer, head of emergency programs for the charity. The testimony comes as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said atrocities have been reported in Tigray province, his first public acknowledgment of possible war crimes there. "The soldiers then forced the passengers to leave the minibuses. The men were separated from the women, who were allowed to walk away. Shortly afterward, the men were shot." The MSF team was allowed to leave, but their vehicle was again stopped by soldiers not long after. "They pulled the MSF driver out of the vehicle, beat him with the back of a gun and threatened to kill him. Eventually the driver was allowed to get back into the vehicle and the team could return to Mekele." Ethiopia's army could not be immediately contacted for comment on the statement. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed launched a military campaign in Tigray last year after blaming the region's ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), for attacks on army camps. Abiy, winner of the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize, declared victory when federal forces entered the regional capital Mekele in late November however fighting continues. After weeks of efforts to assert that normalcy is returning to Tigray, Abiy conceded Tuesday that there had been atrocities committed in the semi-autonomous region. "Battle is destructive, it hurts many, and there is no question about it. There have been damages that happened in Tigray region..." he said. Residents of Tigray have told human rights groups and journalists of massacres, widespread sexual violence and indiscriminate killings of civilians by security forces. Abiy also admitted soldiers from neighbouring Eritrea were in the region. Ethiopia's rights body on Tuesday corroborated studies by international rights groups that a bloody massacre had taken place in the historic town of Axum in November, saying over 100 had been killed by Eritrean soldiers. (With inputs from agencies)

Ethiopian troops execute civilians in Tigray region: MSF

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed confirmed for the first time on Tuesday that troops from neighbouring Eritrea entered the northern Tigray region during the five-month-old conflict, the first such acknowledgement after months of denials.&nbsp;

In a parliamentary address, he also acknowledged for the first time that atrocities like rape had been committed during the fighting, and promised perpetrators would be punished.&nbsp;

Fighting erupted in Tigray after forces loyal to the then-governing party there - the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) - attacked army bases across the region overnight and in the early hours of November 4.&nbsp;

The attacks initially overwhelmed the federal military, which later launched a counter-offensive alongside Eritrean soldiers and forces from the neighbouring region of Amhara.&nbsp;

The TPLF, which dominated Ethiopia's government for nearly three decades until Abiy came to power in 2018, has long been an archenemy of Eritrea.&nbsp;

Abiy said Eritrean troops had crossed the border because they were concerned they would be attacked by TPLF forces, but the Eritreans had promised to leave when Ethiopia's military was able to control the border. The TPLF repeatedly fired rockets at Eritrea after the conflict began.&nbsp;

The governments of both Eritrea and Ethiopia repeatedly denied Eritrea's involvement in the war, despite reports from rights groups like Human Rights Watch and Annesty International, which documented the killings of hundreds of civilians by Eritrean soldiers in the holy city of Axum.&nbsp;

The journalists on a trip to Tigray last week saw hundreds of men wearing Eritrean uniforms in buses with Eritrean plates on the main road between the regional capital Mekelle and Shire, and on the main streets of Shire.&nbsp;

Abiy quoted the Eritreans as saying to Ethiopian authorities: "You left the trenches while searching for the enemy in central Tigray. So, while you attacked them, they might come to us. We controlled areas along the border because we have our national security concerns. But if your army can control the trenches, we will leave the next day."&nbsp;

He said the Ethiopian government had also raised accusations of widespread looting and rights abuses by Eritrean soldiers in Tigray.&nbsp;

"The Eritrean government has highly condemned it and said they will be accountable if any of their army participated in this," he said.&nbsp;

Dozens of witnesses in Tigray said that Eritrean soldiers routinely killed civilians, gang-raped and tortured women and looted civilian households and crops. Some provided images of Eritrean trucks loaded with household goods.&nbsp;

Eritrea's minister of information was not immediately available for comment.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed confirmed for the first time on Tuesday that troops from neighbouring Eritrea entered the northern Tigray region during the five-month-old conflict, the first such acknowledgement after months of denials.

Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed confirmed for the first time on Tuesday that troops from neighbouring Eritrea entered the northern Tigray region during the five-month-old conflict, the first such acknowledgement after months of denials. In a parliamentary address, he also acknowledged for the first time that atrocities like rape had been committed during the fighting, and promised perpetrators would be punished. Fighting erupted in Tigray after forces loyal to the then-governing party there - the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) - attacked army bases across the region overnight and in the early hours of November 4. The attacks initially overwhelmed the federal military, which later launched a counter-offensive alongside Eritrean soldiers and forces from the neighbouring region of Amhara. The TPLF, which dominated Ethiopia's government for nearly three decades until Abiy came to power in 2018, has long been an archenemy of Eritrea. Abiy said Eritrean troops had crossed the border because they were concerned they would be attacked by TPLF forces, but the Eritreans had promised to leave when Ethiopia's military was able to control the border. The TPLF repeatedly fired rockets at Eritrea after the conflict began. The governments of both Eritrea and Ethiopia repeatedly denied Eritrea's involvement in the war, despite reports from rights groups like Human Rights Watch and Annesty International, which documented the killings of hundreds of civilians by Eritrean soldiers in the holy city of Axum. The journalists on a trip to Tigray last week saw hundreds of men wearing Eritrean uniforms in buses with Eritrean plates on the main road between the regional capital Mekelle and Shire, and on the main streets of Shire. Abiy quoted the Eritreans as saying to Ethiopian authorities: "You left the trenches while searching for the enemy in central Tigray. So, while you attacked them, they might come to us. We controlled areas along the border because we have our national security concerns. But if your army can control the trenches, we will leave the next day." He said the Ethiopian government had also raised accusations of widespread looting and rights abuses by Eritrean soldiers in Tigray. "The Eritrean government has highly condemned it and said they will be accountable if any of their army participated in this," he said. Dozens of witnesses in Tigray said that Eritrean soldiers routinely killed civilians, gang-raped and tortured women and looted civilian households and crops. Some provided images of Eritrean trucks loaded with household goods. Eritrea's minister of information was not immediately available for comment. (With inputs from agencies)

Ethiopian PM confirms Eritrean troops entered Tigray during recent conflict 

The calm is deceptive.

A stubbled crater attests to a recent artillery barrage, but with its bustling streets and shops, the highland Ethiopian city of Mekelle has an air of relative peace.

Then the stories start spilling out.

Of the hospital that begins its days with an influx of bodies bearing gunshot or knife wounds — people killed, relatives and Red Cross workers say, for breaching the nightly curfew.

Of the young man who made the mistake of getting into a heated argument with a government soldier in a bar. Hours later, friends said, four soldiers, followed him home and beat him to death with beer bottles.

Of a nightlong battle between government forces and local militia fighters in a nearby town and its aftermath, when soldiers returning to collect their dead stormed into nearby homes, firing indiscriminately.

“I’m lucky to be alive,” said Alefesha Hadusha, her head swaddled in bandages, as she gave a whispered account in a hospital ward. Her parents and two brothers were killed instantly, she said. An X-ray by her bed showed the bullet lodged in her head.

When Ethiopia’s prime minister, Abiy Ahmed, began a sweeping military operation in the restive region of Tigray on Nov. 4, he cast his goal in narrow terms: to capture the leadership of the region’s ruling party. The party, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, had brazenly defied his authority for months and then attacked a federal military base.

But four months on, the operation has degenerated into a bitter civil conflict marked by accounts of rights violations — massacres, sexual violence, ethnic cleansing and fears that starvation is being used as a war tactic — that have set off alarm across the world.

In Mekelle, the region’s biggest city, many Tigrayans say they feel that they, not their leaders, are the true targets of the campaign.

Hospitals are filled with casualties from the fighting that rages in the countryside, many of them terrified civilians arriving with grievous wounds.

Schools house some of the 71,000 people who fled to the city, often bringing accounts of horrific abuses at the hands of pro-government forces.

A palpable current of fear and resentment courses through the streets, where hostilities between residents and government soldiers often erupt into violence.

“We don’t say that everything was perfect under the TPLF,” said Assimee Misgina, a philosophy lecturer at Mekelle University, referring to the Liberation Front. “But this is a war against the people of Tigray. Basically, we are under an existential threat.”

Abiy, who won the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize, denies responsibility for any atrocities, and United Nations officials say that all sides, including the TPLF, may have committed war crimes.

But the majority of serious accusations have been aimed at government troops and their allies — the ethnic Amhara militias that moved into the western part of Tigray, and soldiers from Eritrea, Ethiopia’s northern neighbour and one-time enemy.

Abiy’s spokesperson and head of an Ethiopian task force dealing with the crisis in Tigray did not respond to a list of questions or repeated requests for comment for this article.

In Mekelle, captured by government troops on November&nbsp;28, residents have learned to toe the government line, even if the nearest battleground is 60 miles away.

Restaurants and bars no longer play certain songs in the local Tigrinya language, fearing retribution. A TV station that once broadcast local news now offers the government perspective.

The interim president of Tigray, Mulu Nega, holds court in a luxury hotel where federal soldiers stand guard by the entrance. The internet has been shut down since November.

In late February, when authorities allowed a visit to Mekelle by international reporters, Tigrayans flocked to hotels where journalists were staying, desperate for news of the outside world — and to tell their own stories.

In the lobby of the Northern Star hotel, Berhane Takelle, manager of a garment factory, produced a video that showed the remains of his business in Adwa, 100 miles to the north — charred machinery, a destroyed roof and garments were strewn across an empty floor. It was all that remained, he said, following a series of raids by plundering Eritrean soldiers.

“They took everything,” Berhane said, shaking his head.

At the city’s main hospital, the Ayder Referral hospital, officials said they received the bodies of 250 men, ages 20 to 35, between Nov. 28, when Ethiopian soldiers seized Mekelle, and March 9. Four-fifths of the bodies had gunshot wounds, and the rest had knife injuries, said a senior official who spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid reprisals.

Most of the attacks appeared to have been carried out by government soldiers, he added.

One morning, three young men gathered in the morgue to identify the body of Getachew Tewolde, 26, the friend whom soldiers beat to death with beer bottles.

The soldiers who killed Getachew had a day earlier accused him of supporting the opposition. “They said he belonged to the junta,” said Kidanu Gidey, using a euphemism for the TPLF.

But Getachew was a labourer, not a political leader, his friends said.

Even more harrowing accounts came from outside the city.

The attack in which Hadusha’s family was killed took place near the town of Abiy Addi, in central Tigray, on Feb. 10.

A 26-year-old man, Berhe, offered a similar account of that day, saying that his brother and seven other men were picked up and taken to a military camp and executed. He asked to use only his first name, fearing reprisals.

A surgeon who treated the wounded showed a photo of a young man with cratered eyes — shot through the temple at close range, apparently in an attempted execution, the surgeon said.

An aid worker with an international group working in that area, speaking on the condition of anonymity to avoid compromising the work, confirmed that attacks on civilians had taken place near Abiy Addi on that date.

The violence, the aid worker said, was typical of a conflict where the worst atrocities often occur in the aftermath of the battle.

Last month Amnesty International accused Eritrean soldiers of massacring hundreds of civilians in Axum, in northern Tigray, in late November, hours after Tigrayan militants attacked an Eritrean military post in the town.

In western Tigray, U.S. officials found evidence of ethnic cleansing led by ethnic Amhara officials and militia fighters, according to an internal U.S. government report obtained by The New York Times.

A spokesperson for the Amhara regional government told Bloomberg this week that it was pressing to officially incorporate western Tigray into Amhara.

In late February, Abiy said that he took the “safety, security and well-being of all Ethiopian citizens very seriously” and that he was ready to cooperate with any joint investigation of abuses with “relevant human rights bodies.” On Wednesday, the opening of an investigation was approved by the U.N.’s Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights

Before Congress last week, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called the situation in Tigray unacceptable and reiterated calls for Eritrean troops to withdraw immediately.

“They need to come out,” Blinken said.

Mulu, the interim leader of Tigray, cuts a lonely figure in Mekelle. An ethnic Tigrayan installed by Abiy nine days into the war, he lives and works from a suite at the Axum Hotel, where he is trying to restart Tigray’s bureaucracy.

Unlike Abiy, Mulu does not deny the Eritrean presence in Tigray. And in an interview, he said he had initiated his own inquiry into reported atrocities.

“It’s not acceptable that people should die like this,” he said. “But we need evidence. We have requested our security forces to investigate it.”

Tigray’s health services, once among the best in Ethiopia, have been ravaged. On Monday, Doctors without Borders said dozens of clinics had been destroyed and plundered by soldiers.

Berhanu Mekonnen, head of the Ethiopian Red Cross in Tigray, said in an interview that Eritrean soldiers had killed seven of his workers, including a driver who was dragged from his ambulance and shot.

The Red Cross’ fleet of 254 ambulances has been reduced to 30, Berhanu added. Most were seized by soldiers or destroyed in the fighting. Those still in use are often hidden to prevent Eritrean soldiers from stealing them, he said.

The battle is also one of the narratives.

The government often accuses critics and foreign news outlets of falling for TPLF spin, a charge made by backers of Abiy who recently protested outside the New York offices of The Times.

In Washington a day earlier, a senior diplomat at the Ethiopian Embassy quit his job over the reports of atrocities in Tigray, accusing Abiy of leading Ethiopia “down a dark path toward destruction and disintegration.”

Inside Tigray, soldiers detained Ethiopian translators and reporters working for four international outlets, including The Times, last month. Days later, the men were released without being charged, but by then most foreign reporters had been forced to leave Tigray.

In such a fraught environment, even massacres are contested.

Abiy’s officials frequently cite a massacre in Mai Kadra, a town in western Tigray, on Nov. 9, as an example of TPLF war crimes. Witnesses cited in an Amnesty International report blamed the deaths on Tigrayan fighters.

But at a camp in Mekelle, eight residents of Mai Kadra said the killings had in fact been carried out by the Fano, an ethnic Amhara militia group with a reputation for brutality, and insisted that the majority of victims were Tigrayans.

Solomon Haileselassie, 28, said he watched the slaughter as he hid in a garbage dump. “I saw them cut off people’s legs and arms with axes,” he said.

Fisseha Tekle, Amnesty International’s Horn of Africa researcher, said the group has received credible new evidence of Tigrayan deaths, but stood by the finding that the majority of victims were Amharas.

Restricted access and the “high politicization of violence” make it hard to establish the truth about much of anything in Tigray, Fisseha added.

The calm is deceptive. A stubbled crater attests to a recent artillery barrage, but with its bustling streets and shops, the highland Ethiopian city of Mekelle has an air of relative peace.

The calm is deceptive. A stubbled crater attests to a recent artillery barrage, but with its bustling streets and shops, the highland Ethiopian city of Mekelle has an air of relative peace. Then the stories start spilling out. Of the hospital that begins its days with an influx of bodies bearing gunshot or knife wounds — people killed, relatives and Red Cross workers say, for breaching the nightly curfew. Of the young man who made the mistake of getting into a heated argument with a government soldier in a bar. Hours later, friends said, four soldiers, followed him home and beat him to death with beer bottles. Of a nightlong battle between government forces and local militia fighters in a nearby town and its aftermath, when soldiers returning to collect their dead stormed into nearby homes, firing indiscriminately. “I’m lucky to be alive,” said Alefesha Hadusha, her head swaddled in bandages, as she gave a whispered account in a hospital ward. Her parents and two brothers were killed instantly, she said. An X-ray by her bed showed the bullet lodged in her head. When Ethiopia’s prime minister, Abiy Ahmed, began a sweeping military operation in the restive region of Tigray on Nov. 4, he cast his goal in narrow terms: to capture the leadership of the region’s ruling party. The party, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, had brazenly defied his authority for months and then attacked a federal military base. But four months on, the operation has degenerated into a bitter civil conflict marked by accounts of rights violations — massacres, sexual violence, ethnic cleansing and fears that starvation is being used as a war tactic — that have set off alarm across the world. In Mekelle, the region’s biggest city, many Tigrayans say they feel that they, not their leaders, are the true targets of the campaign. Hospitals are filled with casualties from the fighting that rages in the countryside, many of them terrified civilians arriving with grievous wounds. Schools house some of the 71,000 people who fled to the city, often bringing accounts of horrific abuses at the hands of pro-government forces. A palpable current of fear and resentment courses through the streets, where hostilities between residents and government soldiers often erupt into violence. “We don’t say that everything was perfect under the TPLF,” said Assimee Misgina, a philosophy lecturer at Mekelle University, referring to the Liberation Front. “But this is a war against the people of Tigray. Basically, we are under an existential threat.” Abiy, who won the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize, denies responsibility for any atrocities, and United Nations officials say that all sides, including the TPLF, may have committed war crimes. But the majority of serious accusations have been aimed at government troops and their allies — the ethnic Amhara militias that moved into the western part of Tigray, and soldiers from Eritrea, Ethiopia’s northern neighbour and one-time enemy. Abiy’s spokesperson and head of an Ethiopian task force dealing with the crisis in Tigray did not respond to a list of questions or repeated requests for comment for this article. In Mekelle, captured by government troops on November 28, residents have learned to toe the government line, even if the nearest battleground is 60 miles away. Restaurants and bars no longer play certain songs in the local Tigrinya language, fearing retribution. A TV station that once broadcast local news now offers the government perspective. The interim president of Tigray, Mulu Nega, holds court in a luxury hotel where federal soldiers stand guard by the entrance. The internet has been shut down since November. In late February, when authorities allowed a visit to Mekelle by international reporters, Tigrayans flocked to hotels where journalists were staying, desperate for news of the outside world — and to tell their own stories. In the lobby of the Northern Star hotel, Berhane Takelle, manager of a garment factory, produced a video that showed the remains of his business in Adwa, 100 miles to the north — charred machinery, a destroyed roof and garments were strewn across an empty floor. It was all that remained, he said, following a series of raids by plundering Eritrean soldiers. “They took everything,” Berhane said, shaking his head. At the city’s main hospital, the Ayder Referral hospital, officials said they received the bodies of 250 men, ages 20 to 35, between Nov. 28, when Ethiopian soldiers seized Mekelle, and March 9. Four-fifths of the bodies had gunshot wounds, and the rest had knife injuries, said a senior official who spoke on condition of anonymity to avoid reprisals. Most of the attacks appeared to have been carried out by government soldiers, he added. One morning, three young men gathered in the morgue to identify the body of Getachew Tewolde, 26, the friend whom soldiers beat to death with beer bottles. The soldiers who killed Getachew had a day earlier accused him of supporting the opposition. “They said he belonged to the junta,” said Kidanu Gidey, using a euphemism for the TPLF. But Getachew was a labourer, not a political leader, his friends said. Even more harrowing accounts came from outside the city. The attack in which Hadusha’s family was killed took place near the town of Abiy Addi, in central Tigray, on Feb. 10. A 26-year-old man, Berhe, offered a similar account of that day, saying that his brother and seven other men were picked up and taken to a military camp and executed. He asked to use only his first name, fearing reprisals. A surgeon who treated the wounded showed a photo of a young man with cratered eyes — shot through the temple at close range, apparently in an attempted execution, the surgeon said. An aid worker with an international group working in that area, speaking on the condition of anonymity to avoid compromising the work, confirmed that attacks on civilians had taken place near Abiy Addi on that date. The violence, the aid worker said, was typical of a conflict where the worst atrocities often occur in the aftermath of the battle. Last month Amnesty International accused Eritrean soldiers of massacring hundreds of civilians in Axum, in northern Tigray, in late November, hours after Tigrayan militants attacked an Eritrean military post in the town. In western Tigray, U.S. officials found evidence of ethnic cleansing led by ethnic Amhara officials and militia fighters, according to an internal U.S. government report obtained by The New York Times. A spokesperson for the Amhara regional government told Bloomberg this week that it was pressing to officially incorporate western Tigray into Amhara. In late February, Abiy said that he took the “safety, security and well-being of all Ethiopian citizens very seriously” and that he was ready to cooperate with any joint investigation of abuses with “relevant human rights bodies.” On Wednesday, the opening of an investigation was approved by the U.N.’s Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights Before Congress last week, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken called the situation in Tigray unacceptable and reiterated calls for Eritrean troops to withdraw immediately. “They need to come out,” Blinken said. Mulu, the interim leader of Tigray, cuts a lonely figure in Mekelle. An ethnic Tigrayan installed by Abiy nine days into the war, he lives and works from a suite at the Axum Hotel, where he is trying to restart Tigray’s bureaucracy. Unlike Abiy, Mulu does not deny the Eritrean presence in Tigray. And in an interview, he said he had initiated his own inquiry into reported atrocities. “It’s not acceptable that people should die like this,” he said. “But we need evidence. We have requested our security forces to investigate it.” Tigray’s health services, once among the best in Ethiopia, have been ravaged. On Monday, Doctors without Borders said dozens of clinics had been destroyed and plundered by soldiers. Berhanu Mekonnen, head of the Ethiopian Red Cross in Tigray, said in an interview that Eritrean soldiers had killed seven of his workers, including a driver who was dragged from his ambulance and shot. The Red Cross’ fleet of 254 ambulances has been reduced to 30, Berhanu added. Most were seized by soldiers or destroyed in the fighting. Those still in use are often hidden to prevent Eritrean soldiers from stealing them, he said. The battle is also one of the narratives. The government often accuses critics and foreign news outlets of falling for TPLF spin, a charge made by backers of Abiy who recently protested outside the New York offices of The Times. In Washington a day earlier, a senior diplomat at the Ethiopian Embassy quit his job over the reports of atrocities in Tigray, accusing Abiy of leading Ethiopia “down a dark path toward destruction and disintegration.” Inside Tigray, soldiers detained Ethiopian translators and reporters working for four international outlets, including The Times, last month. Days later, the men were released without being charged, but by then most foreign reporters had been forced to leave Tigray. In such a fraught environment, even massacres are contested. Abiy’s officials frequently cite a massacre in Mai Kadra, a town in western Tigray, on Nov. 9, as an example of TPLF war crimes. Witnesses cited in an Amnesty International report blamed the deaths on Tigrayan fighters. But at a camp in Mekelle, eight residents of Mai Kadra said the killings had in fact been carried out by the Fano, an ethnic Amhara militia group with a reputation for brutality, and insisted that the majority of victims were Tigrayans. Solomon Haileselassie, 28, said he watched the slaughter as he hid in a garbage dump. “I saw them cut off people’s legs and arms with axes,” he said. Fisseha Tekle, Amnesty International’s Horn of Africa researcher, said the group has received credible new evidence of Tigrayan deaths, but stood by the finding that the majority of victims were Amharas. Restricted access and the “high politicization of violence” make it hard to establish the truth about much of anything in Tigray, Fisseha added.

Fear and hostility simmer as Ethiopia’s military keeps hold on Tigray

Ethiopia on Saturday rejected US allegations that there has been ethnic cleansing in Tigray, pushing back against the latest criticism of its military operation in its northern region by the new administration in Washington.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday, he wanted to see Eritrean forces and those from the Amhara region replaced in Tigray by security forces that will respect human rights and not 'commit acts of ethnic cleansing'.&nbsp;

"(The accusation) is a completely unfounded and spurious verdict against the Ethiopian government," the ministry of foreign affairs said in a statement on Saturday.&nbsp;

"Nothing during or after the end of the main law enforcement operation in Tigray can be identified or defined by any standards as a targeted, intentional ethnic cleansing against anyone in the region," it said. "The Ethiopian government vehemently opposes such accusations."&nbsp;

Ethiopia's federal army ousted the former regional ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), from the capital Mekelle in November, after what it said was a surprise assault on its forces in the region bordering Eritrea.&nbsp;

The government has said that most fighting has ceased but has acknowledged, there are still isolated incidents of shooting.&nbsp;

Ethiopia and Eritrea have denied the involvement of Eritrean troops in the fighting alongside Ethiopian forces, although dozens of witnesses, diplomats and an Ethiopian general have reported their presence.&nbsp;

Thousands of people have died following the fighting, hundreds of thousands have been forced from their homes and there are shortages of food, water and medicine in Tigray, a region of more than five million people.&nbsp;

Ethiopia's foreign ministry said it was ready to work with international human rights experts to conduct investigations on allegations of abuses.&nbsp;

"The Ethiopian government has demonstrated its readiness to engage positively and constructively with all the relevant regional and international stakeholders in responding to the serious allegations of human rights abuses and crimes," it said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Ethiopia on Saturday rejected US allegations that there has been ethnic cleansing in Tigray, pushing back against the latest criticism of its military operation in its northern region by the new administration in Washington.

Ethiopia on Saturday rejected US allegations that there has been ethnic cleansing in Tigray, pushing back against the latest criticism of its military operation in its northern region by the new administration in Washington. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Wednesday, he wanted to see Eritrean forces and those from the Amhara region replaced in Tigray by security forces that will respect human rights and not 'commit acts of ethnic cleansing'. "(The accusation) is a completely unfounded and spurious verdict against the Ethiopian government," the ministry of foreign affairs said in a statement on Saturday. "Nothing during or after the end of the main law enforcement operation in Tigray can be identified or defined by any standards as a targeted, intentional ethnic cleansing against anyone in the region," it said. "The Ethiopian government vehemently opposes such accusations." Ethiopia's federal army ousted the former regional ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), from the capital Mekelle in November, after what it said was a surprise assault on its forces in the region bordering Eritrea. The government has said that most fighting has ceased but has acknowledged, there are still isolated incidents of shooting. Ethiopia and Eritrea have denied the involvement of Eritrean troops in the fighting alongside Ethiopian forces, although dozens of witnesses, diplomats and an Ethiopian general have reported their presence. Thousands of people have died following the fighting, hundreds of thousands have been forced from their homes and there are shortages of food, water and medicine in Tigray, a region of more than five million people. Ethiopia's foreign ministry said it was ready to work with international human rights experts to conduct investigations on allegations of abuses. "The Ethiopian government has demonstrated its readiness to engage positively and constructively with all the relevant regional and international stakeholders in responding to the serious allegations of human rights abuses and crimes," it said. (With inputs from agencies)

Ethiopia rejects US allegations of ethnic cleansing in Tigray 

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi visited Sudan on Saturday for the first time since the overthrow of former President Omar al-Bashir, as the neighbours push to break a diplomatic deadlock over a giant dam being built by Ethiopia.&nbsp;

Sisi was also due to discuss Red Sea security and developments on Sudan's borders during his visit to Khartoum, Egypt's presidency said in a statement.&nbsp;

Sudan faces security challenges including an increase in violence in the western Darfur region and recent armed skirmishes in a disputed area on its border with Ethiopia.&nbsp;

Both Egypt and Sudan lie downstream from the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which Addis Ababa says is crucial to its economic development.&nbsp;

Ethiopia, which says it has every right to use Nile waters long exploited by Egypt, started filling the reservoir behind the dam last summer after Egypt and Sudan failed to secure a legally binding agreement over the hydropower dam's operation.&nbsp;

Khartoum fears the dam, which lies on the Blue Nile close to the border with Sudan, could increase the risk of flooding and affect the safe operation of its own Nile dams, while water-scarce Egypt fears its supplies from the Nile could be hit.&nbsp;

Years of diplomatic talks over the project have repeatedly stalled.&nbsp;

Sudan recently proposed that the United States, European Union, United Nations and African Union should actively mediate in the dispute, rather than simply observing talks, a suggestion that Egypt supports.&nbsp;

Ethiopia this week indicated its opposition to adding mediators to an existing, African Union-led process.&nbsp;

In a phone call with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry 'stressed the need to launch a serious and effective negotiation process' over the dam before a second round of filling expected this summer.&nbsp;

Since Bashir was toppled following mass protests in 2019, a military-civilian council has held power in Sudan under a political transition expected to last until the end of 2023.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi visited Sudan on Saturday for the first time since the overthrow of former President Omar al-Bashir, as the neighbours push to break a diplomatic deadlock over a giant dam being built by Ethiopia.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi visited Sudan on Saturday for the first time since the overthrow of former President Omar al-Bashir, as the neighbours push to break a diplomatic deadlock over a giant dam being built by Ethiopia. Sisi was also due to discuss Red Sea security and developments on Sudan's borders during his visit to Khartoum, Egypt's presidency said in a statement. Sudan faces security challenges including an increase in violence in the western Darfur region and recent armed skirmishes in a disputed area on its border with Ethiopia. Both Egypt and Sudan lie downstream from the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), which Addis Ababa says is crucial to its economic development. Ethiopia, which says it has every right to use Nile waters long exploited by Egypt, started filling the reservoir behind the dam last summer after Egypt and Sudan failed to secure a legally binding agreement over the hydropower dam's operation. Khartoum fears the dam, which lies on the Blue Nile close to the border with Sudan, could increase the risk of flooding and affect the safe operation of its own Nile dams, while water-scarce Egypt fears its supplies from the Nile could be hit. Years of diplomatic talks over the project have repeatedly stalled. Sudan recently proposed that the United States, European Union, United Nations and African Union should actively mediate in the dispute, rather than simply observing talks, a suggestion that Egypt supports. Ethiopia this week indicated its opposition to adding mediators to an existing, African Union-led process. In a phone call with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry 'stressed the need to launch a serious and effective negotiation process' over the dam before a second round of filling expected this summer. Since Bashir was toppled following mass protests in 2019, a military-civilian council has held power in Sudan under a political transition expected to last until the end of 2023. (With inputs from agencies)

Egypt President visits Sudan with dam diplomacy, security on agenda 

As UN humanitarian Chief Mark Lowcock called on the Eritrean government on Thursday to pull out troops from the heavily conflicted region of Tigray in Ethiopia.

Tigray Crisis: UN demand Eritrean troops to leave Ethiopia's Tigray region

Eritrean forces shot dead hundreds of children and civilians in a November massacre in neighbouring Ethiopia's war-hit Tigray region, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said Friday.

On a similar note, an Amnesty International investigation into the same events detailed how Eritrean troops "went on a rampage and systematically killed hundreds of civilians in cold blood."&nbsp;

The findings from the rights watchdogs come as &nbsp;global concern mount over atrocities by Eritrean troops in Tigray.&nbsp;

Ethiopian and Eritrean forces entered Axum on November 20 after "indiscriminate" shelling that killed civilians, said the HRW report published Friday.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Eritreans then engaged in "widespread pillaging" as Ethiopian troops mostly looked on, the report said.

The massacre began on November 28 after Tigrayan militia members, joined by some residents, attacked Eritrean soldiers, HRW said.&nbsp;

After calling in reinforcements, the Eritreans began "moving through the town, going house to house, searching for young men and boys, and executing them."&nbsp;

Like Amnesty, HRW said it was impossible to provide an exact death toll but estimated that "over 200 civilians were most likely killed on November 28-29 alone."&nbsp;

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced military operations against the leadership of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), Tigray's then-ruling party, in early November, saying they came in response to TPLF attacks on federal army camps.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Since the publication of Amnesty's report, Abiy's government has said federal investigators are probing "credible allegations" of atrocities and abuses including in Axum.&nbsp;But the government has also tried to cast doubt on Amnesty's findings and accused it of "reinforcing the misinformation and propaganda by TPLF and its cohorts."&nbsp;

To this end, HRW called Friday for an urgent UN investigation into possible war crimes and crimes against humanity in Tigray.&nbsp;

"Eritrean troops committed heinous killings in Axum with wanton disregard for civilian lives," HRW Horn of Africa director Laetitia Bader said.&nbsp;

"Ethiopian and Eritrean officials can no longer hide behind a curtain of denial, but should allow space for justice and redress, not add to the layers of trauma that survivors already face."

UN leaders on Thursday alleged possible crimes against humanity in Ethiopia's Tigray region including by Eritrean troops, as they urged a pullout by the neighbouring country, which denies involvement. The United Nations also warned of potentially catastrophic hunger as it pleaded for urgent humanitarian access, although divisions at the Security Council stopped the international community from showing a common front.

The UN rights chief's, Michelle Bachelet, office said it had corroborated information about incidents including indiscriminate shelling in the regional capital of Mekele and towns of Humera and Adigrat in November when Ethiopia launched an offensive.

It had also verified "reports of grave human rights violations and abuses including mass killings in Axum, and in Dengelat in central Tigray by Eritrean armed forces."

The United Nations for the first time also publically pointed the blame at Eritrea, Ethiopia's onetime rival that has found shared objectives in Tigray. Both the Addis Ababa and Asmara governments have denied the Eritrean presence.

(with inputs from AFP)

Eritrean forces shot dead hundreds of children and civilians in a November massacre in neighbouring Ethiopia's war-hit Tigray region, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said Friday.

Eritrean forces shot dead hundreds of children and civilians in a November massacre in neighbouring Ethiopia's war-hit Tigray region, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said Friday. On a similar note, an Amnesty International investigation into the same events detailed how Eritrean troops "went on a rampage and systematically killed hundreds of civilians in cold blood." The findings from the rights watchdogs come as global concern mount over atrocities by Eritrean troops in Tigray. Ethiopian and Eritrean forces entered Axum on November 20 after "indiscriminate" shelling that killed civilians, said the HRW report published Friday. The Eritreans then engaged in "widespread pillaging" as Ethiopian troops mostly looked on, the report said. The massacre began on November 28 after Tigrayan militia members, joined by some residents, attacked Eritrean soldiers, HRW said. After calling in reinforcements, the Eritreans began "moving through the town, going house to house, searching for young men and boys, and executing them." Like Amnesty, HRW said it was impossible to provide an exact death toll but estimated that "over 200 civilians were most likely killed on November 28-29 alone." Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced military operations against the leadership of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), Tigray's then-ruling party, in early November, saying they came in response to TPLF attacks on federal army camps. Since the publication of Amnesty's report, Abiy's government has said federal investigators are probing "credible allegations" of atrocities and abuses including in Axum. But the government has also tried to cast doubt on Amnesty's findings and accused it of "reinforcing the misinformation and propaganda by TPLF and its cohorts." To this end, HRW called Friday for an urgent UN investigation into possible war crimes and crimes against humanity in Tigray. "Eritrean troops committed heinous killings in Axum with wanton disregard for civilian lives," HRW Horn of Africa director Laetitia Bader said. "Ethiopian and Eritrean officials can no longer hide behind a curtain of denial, but should allow space for justice and redress, not add to the layers of trauma that survivors already face." UN leaders on Thursday alleged possible crimes against humanity in Ethiopia's Tigray region including by Eritrean troops, as they urged a pullout by the neighbouring country, which denies involvement. The United Nations also warned of potentially catastrophic hunger as it pleaded for urgent humanitarian access, although divisions at the Security Council stopped the international community from showing a common front. The UN rights chief's, Michelle Bachelet, office said it had corroborated information about incidents including indiscriminate shelling in the regional capital of Mekele and towns of Humera and Adigrat in November when Ethiopia launched an offensive. It had also verified "reports of grave human rights violations and abuses including mass killings in Axum, and in Dengelat in central Tigray by Eritrean armed forces." The United Nations for the first time also publically pointed the blame at Eritrea, Ethiopia's onetime rival that has found shared objectives in Tigray. Both the Addis Ababa and Asmara governments have denied the Eritrean presence. (with inputs from AFP)

Eritrean troops killed hundreds in Ethiopia massacre, HRW says

It's time world leaders woke up to what's happening in Ethiopia's Tigray region. After reports of rape being used as a tool of war, satellite images show 500+ buildings have been gutted. Ethnic tensions are running high. WION's Palki Sharma says it's time to act.

Gravitas: Tigray Conflict: A wake-up call

Fires that appear to have been deliberately set destroyed more than 500 structures this week in and around Ethiopia's Gijet town, an analysis of satellite imagery shared with Reuters has found, adding credence to reports of continued conflict in parts of the northern region of Tigray.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared victory over a rebellious regional force, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), at the end of November after its fighters withdrew from the region's main cities and towns. But sporadic fighting continues in some parts of Tigray, according to residents and United Nations assessments.

The government has acknowledged isolated incidents of shooting but has said that most fighting has stopped in Tigray.

Mulu Nega, head of Tigray's government-appointed interim administration, told Reuters he had sent a team to the Gijet area to investigate.

"According to preliminary information I have received in Gijet there was fighting between Ethiopian federal forces and local militias," he said later.

The DX Open Network, a security research organization based in Britain, analysed images collected by private satellite operator Planet Labs on Sunday and Tuesday around Gijet and three nearby settlements, which are about 35 km (22 miles) southwest of the Tigray regional capital Mekelle.

They showed at least 508 structures that appeared to have been destroyed by fire over that period, the network said, citing the blackening of earth and vegetation, ash circles indicative of roof collapse, and debris from collapsed walls and ceilings.

A fire detection service run by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), which uses visible and infrared imagery captured from space, detected numerous fires in the area on Monday, according to its website.

The DX Open Network said the absence of fire clusters or scorch marks connecting burnt structures in the images it analysed makes it unlikely that the fires were all accidental, and there was no evidence of craters to suggest they might be the result of shelling.

"These factors support the analytic judgment that this was an intentional effort by a conflict party to destroy this civilian habitation area, and not the product of combat," it said in its analysis. It was not clear from the images who might have set the fires.

The prime minister's spokeswoman and the head of a government task force on Tigray did not respond to messages seeking comment. Reuters has been unable to reach TPLF officials since early December.

Both sides in the Tigray conflict, which began in early November, have accused each other of abuses and denied responsibility for carrying them out.

Reuters could not reach people in the area by phone. Communications to Tigray remain patchy, and the government tightly controls media access.

Fires that appear to have been deliberately set destroyed more than 500 structures this week in and around Ethiopia's Gijet town, an analysis of satellite imagery shared with Reuters has found, adding credence to reports of continued conflict in parts of the northern region of Tigray.

Fires that appear to have been deliberately set destroyed more than 500 structures this week in and around Ethiopia's Gijet town, an analysis of satellite imagery shared with Reuters has found, adding credence to reports of continued conflict in parts of the northern region of Tigray. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed declared victory over a rebellious regional force, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), at the end of November after its fighters withdrew from the region's main cities and towns. But sporadic fighting continues in some parts of Tigray, according to residents and United Nations assessments. The government has acknowledged isolated incidents of shooting but has said that most fighting has stopped in Tigray. Mulu Nega, head of Tigray's government-appointed interim administration, told Reuters he had sent a team to the Gijet area to investigate. "According to preliminary information I have received in Gijet there was fighting between Ethiopian federal forces and local militias," he said later. The DX Open Network, a security research organization based in Britain, analysed images collected by private satellite operator Planet Labs on Sunday and Tuesday around Gijet and three nearby settlements, which are about 35 km (22 miles) southwest of the Tigray regional capital Mekelle. They showed at least 508 structures that appeared to have been destroyed by fire over that period, the network said, citing the blackening of earth and vegetation, ash circles indicative of roof collapse, and debris from collapsed walls and ceilings. A fire detection service run by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), which uses visible and infrared imagery captured from space, detected numerous fires in the area on Monday, according to its website. The DX Open Network said the absence of fire clusters or scorch marks connecting burnt structures in the images it analysed makes it unlikely that the fires were all accidental, and there was no evidence of craters to suggest they might be the result of shelling. "These factors support the analytic judgment that this was an intentional effort by a conflict party to destroy this civilian habitation area, and not the product of combat," it said in its analysis. It was not clear from the images who might have set the fires. The prime minister's spokeswoman and the head of a government task force on Tigray did not respond to messages seeking comment. Reuters has been unable to reach TPLF officials since early December. Both sides in the Tigray conflict, which began in early November, have accused each other of abuses and denied responsibility for carrying them out. Reuters could not reach people in the area by phone. Communications to Tigray remain patchy, and the government tightly controls media access.

Hundreds of buildings burned around Tigray town, research group says 

Ethiopia has briefed India about the crisis in the Tigray Region, during the country's foreign minister's New Delhi visit last week. Ethiopia's Deputy Prime Minister and foreign minister Demeke Mekonnen Hassen visited India last week and held talks with his Indian counterpart EAM Jaishankar. &nbsp;

Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Ethiopian envoy Tizita Mulugeta to India, said, "Ethiopian side took an opportunity to explain to Indian side" regarding the existing political situation in the country especially the conflict in Tigray and humanitarian assistance being delivered to the Tigrayan people at this moment".&nbsp;

The Tigray crisis has been making global headlines after worsening the situation in that part of Ethiopia. The development comes after clashes broken between the Ethiopian government forces and the local Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Tigray is a region in the northern part of Ethiopia and shares borders with Eritrea, Sudan.&nbsp;

The envoy also spoke on India's outreach amid the Covid pandemic. She said, "Always whenever there have been any kinds of difficulties, India has been there to support Africa and particularly Ethiopia." Adding, "We know India is the hub of pharma" and it has the "capacity to support many countries and we have seen them supporting neighbouring and African countries."&nbsp;

WION: How do you see India-Ethiopia ties?&nbsp;

Tizita Mulugeta: First of all, when we see the relationship between these two countries, we have to see that the relationship has been there for a long period of time and is historical. It started in the first century BC, and Indians went to Ethiopia to sell different kinds of items including silk, spices and they used to get ivory and gold from Ethiopia. So, this relationship is historic, and the trade relationship has grown very well, and we started our diplomatic ties in 1948, just immediately after India got its independence. So, from then onwards we have got a very profound kind of relationship, especially one that focuses on capacity building. When we have seen a capacity building with a lot of Indian professors and teachers going to Ethiopia to teach in Ethiopian high schools and universities. This means Indians were playing a very good role in producing generation in Ethiopia, which is the base for development and growth also. This relationship has grown into trade and investment relation, especially for last 15 years number of Indian investors have been growing in Ethiopia. Trade relations, I can say we have good trade ties, so generally social, political, diplomatic, we have profound relation. We are working to develop this relationship into strategic relationship.&nbsp;

WION: Key outcome of Ethiopian FM's India visit?&nbsp;

Tizita Mulugeta: Basically, we have been waiting for this visit for a long time, it means something for us. During the visit, bilateral issues were discussed especially the Ethiopian side took an opportunity to explain to the Indian side, the Indian government regarding the existing political situation in the country especially the conflict in Tigray, and humanitarian assistance being delivered to the Tigrayan people at this moment. Ethiopian government explained to its Indian counterpart, how much access is open to providing humanitarian assistance to the needy over there and how much the Ethiopian govt is ready to respect the human rights, of the Tigrayan people, and also the refugees, especially Eritrean refugees in the Tigrayan region. Beyond that, it was an opportunity to explain regarding border conflict between Ethiopia and Sudan. Ethiopian government explained that the position is to amicably solve this problem based on negotiation. We managed to sign different agreements, especially, visa wavier agreements for diplomats and also agreements on education between two different institutions. It will help us to go further to the next level and develop a relationship into a strategic relationship.&nbsp;

WION: How do you see India's role in Africa?&nbsp;

Tizita Mulugeta: When we talk about Indian Involvement in Africa, it is not recent history. It has been like a long period of time. We could find a lot of Indian Diaspora in any part of the Africa that has been there for a long period of time, in addition to that, Indians have been playing a very big role in the national movement of independence. So, I can say, relationship between India and Africa is very profound, and India and Africa have worked a lot for the development of capacity in African countries, and the trade and investment relationship has also grown very well. So, they share a lot of commonalities especially in UN reforms and the International agenda. So far, Indians playing a very good role in entering Africa and making their presence better than the previous ones. India and Africa share lot of development trajectories. There is a lot, Africa can learn and a lot Africa can get from India especially in terms of adaptable technologies, because we really share many things, for instance, both Indian and African societies based on agriculture. We can learn how India is trying to get to a high level in terms of the economy and many levels. We can learn from Indian democracy, governance. I can say so far role of India is really, it means a lot. We can refer to three India-Africa summits, that has been there for last 15 years. All these summits have seen different development issues as agenda. Current PM Modi has given priority to presence of India in Africa, taking this into consideration, I can say India could be one of the great partners of Africa and for African development.&nbsp;

WION: How has been covid cooperation between India and Ethiopia?&nbsp;

Tizita Mulugeta: Always whenever there has been any kind of difficulties India has been there, to support Africa and particularly Ethiopia. So, when covid pandemic came last year, India was one of the first country that sent different kinds of medical equipment to Ethiopia. We are really grateful to that. Our PM has spoken to PM Modi, they have talked a lot on how to cooperate in terms of covid and other related issues. We know India is the hub of pharma and it has capacity to support many countries and we have seen they are supporting neighboring and African countries. We are studying on how to get support from India and my government will consider on how to benefit from this relation.&nbsp;

Ethiopia has briefed India about the crisis in the Tigray Region, during the country's foreign minister's New Delhi visit last week. Ethiopia's Deputy Prime Minister and foreign minister Demeke Mekonnen Hassen visited India last week and held talks with his Indian counterpart EAM Jaishankar.

Ethiopia has briefed India about the crisis in the Tigray Region, during the country's foreign minister's New Delhi visit last week. Ethiopia's Deputy Prime Minister and foreign minister Demeke Mekonnen Hassen visited India last week and held talks with his Indian counterpart EAM Jaishankar. Speaking to our diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Ethiopian envoy Tizita Mulugeta to India, said, "Ethiopian side took an opportunity to explain to Indian side" regarding the existing political situation in the country especially the conflict in Tigray and humanitarian assistance being delivered to the Tigrayan people at this moment". The Tigray crisis has been making global headlines after worsening the situation in that part of Ethiopia. The development comes after clashes broken between the Ethiopian government forces and the local Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Tigray is a region in the northern part of Ethiopia and shares borders with Eritrea, Sudan. The envoy also spoke on India's outreach amid the Covid pandemic. She said, "Always whenever there have been any kinds of difficulties, India has been there to support Africa and particularly Ethiopia." Adding, "We know India is the hub of pharma" and it has the "capacity to support many countries and we have seen them supporting neighbouring and African countries." WION: How do you see India-Ethiopia ties? Tizita Mulugeta: First of all, when we see the relationship between these two countries, we have to see that the relationship has been there for a long period of time and is historical. It started in the first century BC, and Indians went to Ethiopia to sell different kinds of items including silk, spices and they used to get ivory and gold from Ethiopia. So, this relationship is historic, and the trade relationship has grown very well, and we started our diplomatic ties in 1948, just immediately after India got its independence. So, from then onwards we have got a very profound kind of relationship, especially one that focuses on capacity building. When we have seen a capacity building with a lot of Indian professors and teachers going to Ethiopia to teach in Ethiopian high schools and universities. This means Indians were playing a very good role in producing generation in Ethiopia, which is the base for development and growth also. This relationship has grown into trade and investment relation, especially for last 15 years number of Indian investors have been growing in Ethiopia. Trade relations, I can say we have good trade ties, so generally social, political, diplomatic, we have profound relation. We are working to develop this relationship into strategic relationship. WION: Key outcome of Ethiopian FM's India visit? Tizita Mulugeta: Basically, we have been waiting for this visit for a long time, it means something for us. During the visit, bilateral issues were discussed especially the Ethiopian side took an opportunity to explain to the Indian side, the Indian government regarding the existing political situation in the country especially the conflict in Tigray, and humanitarian assistance being delivered to the Tigrayan people at this moment. Ethiopian government explained to its Indian counterpart, how much access is open to providing humanitarian assistance to the needy over there and how much the Ethiopian govt is ready to respect the human rights, of the Tigrayan people, and also the refugees, especially Eritrean refugees in the Tigrayan region. Beyond that, it was an opportunity to explain regarding border conflict between Ethiopia and Sudan. Ethiopian government explained that the position is to amicably solve this problem based on negotiation. We managed to sign different agreements, especially, visa wavier agreements for diplomats and also agreements on education between two different institutions. It will help us to go further to the next level and develop a relationship into a strategic relationship. WION: How do you see India's role in Africa? Tizita Mulugeta: When we talk about Indian Involvement in Africa, it is not recent history. It has been like a long period of time. We could find a lot of Indian Diaspora in any part of the Africa that has been there for a long period of time, in addition to that, Indians have been playing a very big role in the national movement of independence. So, I can say, relationship between India and Africa is very profound, and India and Africa have worked a lot for the development of capacity in African countries, and the trade and investment relationship has also grown very well. So, they share a lot of commonalities especially in UN reforms and the International agenda. So far, Indians playing a very good role in entering Africa and making their presence better than the previous ones. India and Africa share lot of development trajectories. There is a lot, Africa can learn and a lot Africa can get from India especially in terms of adaptable technologies, because we really share many things, for instance, both Indian and African societies based on agriculture. We can learn how India is trying to get to a high level in terms of the economy and many levels. We can learn from Indian democracy, governance. I can say so far role of India is really, it means a lot. We can refer to three India-Africa summits, that has been there for last 15 years. All these summits have seen different development issues as agenda. Current PM Modi has given priority to presence of India in Africa, taking this into consideration, I can say India could be one of the great partners of Africa and for African development. WION: How has been covid cooperation between India and Ethiopia? Tizita Mulugeta: Always whenever there has been any kind of difficulties India has been there, to support Africa and particularly Ethiopia. So, when covid pandemic came last year, India was one of the first country that sent different kinds of medical equipment to Ethiopia. We are really grateful to that. Our PM has spoken to PM Modi, they have talked a lot on how to cooperate in terms of covid and other related issues. We know India is the hub of pharma and it has capacity to support many countries and we have seen they are supporting neighboring and African countries. We are studying on how to get support from India and my government will consider on how to benefit from this relation.

Ethiopia briefs India about Tigray, says humanitarian aid being delivered

Speaking to WION Diplomatic correspondent Siddhant Sibbal, Ethiopian envoy Tizita Mulugeta to India said," Ethiopian side took an opportunity to explain to Indian side" regarding the existing political situation in the country especially the conflict in Tigray and humanitarian assistance being delivered to the Tigrayan people at this moment".

Exclusive:  Ethiopian envoy Tizita Mulugeta to India says, "humanitarian aid being delivered"

Amnesty International said on Friday that that Eritrean soldiers fighting across border in Ethiopia's Tigray region killed hundreds of people in a massacre last year. For its new report, the human rights watchdog spoke to survivors of the atrocities and used satellite images to piece together the bloody events of last November in the ancient town of Axum.

"The evidence is compelling and points to a chilling conclusion. Ethiopian and Eritrean troops carried out multiple war crimes in their offensive to take control of Axum," said Deprose Muchena of Amnesty International.

"Above and beyond that, Eritrean troops went on a rampage and systematically killed hundreds of civilians in cold blood, which appears to constitute crimes against humanity.

"This atrocity ranks among the worst documented so far in this conflict."

Since November 2020, Ethiopia's Tigray region had&nbsp;been a theatre of fighting between the regions soldiers and Ethiopian forces.

Ethiopia PM Abiy Ahmed declared victory after pro-government forces captured region's capital Mekele.

Tigray has been without internet and difficult to access since the start of the conflict, making claims and counter-claims of violence hard to confirm.&nbsp;

The presence of Eritrean troops in Ethiopia is widely documented but has been denied by Addis Ababa and Asmara.

Eritrea fought a brutal border war with Ethiopia in 1998-2000, back when the TPLF dominated Ethiopia's governing coalition.&nbsp;

Abiy won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 in large part for initiating a rapprochement with Eritrea, whose President Isaias Afwerki and the TPLF remain bitter enemies.

'Killing randomly'

Amnesty said it had spoken to 41 survivors and witnesses of the violence who said that on November 19, 2020, Ethiopian and Eritrean military forces took control of Axum "in a large-scale offensive, killing and displacing civilians with indiscriminate shelling and shooting."

"In the nine days that followed, the Eritrean military engaged in widespread looting of civilian property and extrajudicial executions." 
Witnesses said the Eritrean forces were easily identifiable, via their vehicles, language and unique ritual facial scars, while they also openly declared themselves as such.

The worst violence unfolded after a small group of pro-TPLF militiamen attacked the soldiers' base on 28 November and they retaliated, leaving the town strewn with bodies.

"The Eritrean soldiers came into the city and started killing randomly," said a 22-year-old man who had wanted to bring food to the militia, who he described as young and barely knowing how to fight.

Residents told Amnesty that many victims in Axum carried no weapons and were running away from the soldiers when they were shot.

(With AFP inputs)

Amnesty International said on Friday that that Eritrean soldiers fighting across border in Ethiopia's Tigray region killed hundreds of people in a massacre last year.

Amnesty International said on Friday that that Eritrean soldiers fighting across border in Ethiopia's Tigray region killed hundreds of people in a massacre last year. For its new report, the human rights watchdog spoke to survivors of the atrocities and used satellite images to piece together the bloody events of last November in the ancient town of Axum. "The evidence is compelling and points to a chilling conclusion. Ethiopian and Eritrean troops carried out multiple war crimes in their offensive to take control of Axum," said Deprose Muchena of Amnesty International. "Above and beyond that, Eritrean troops went on a rampage and systematically killed hundreds of civilians in cold blood, which appears to constitute crimes against humanity. "This atrocity ranks among the worst documented so far in this conflict." Since November 2020, Ethiopia's Tigray region had been a theatre of fighting between the regions soldiers and Ethiopian forces. Ethiopia PM Abiy Ahmed declared victory after pro-government forces captured region's capital Mekele. Tigray has been without internet and difficult to access since the start of the conflict, making claims and counter-claims of violence hard to confirm. The presence of Eritrean troops in Ethiopia is widely documented but has been denied by Addis Ababa and Asmara. Eritrea fought a brutal border war with Ethiopia in 1998-2000, back when the TPLF dominated Ethiopia's governing coalition. Abiy won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2019 in large part for initiating a rapprochement with Eritrea, whose President Isaias Afwerki and the TPLF remain bitter enemies. 'Killing randomly' Amnesty said it had spoken to 41 survivors and witnesses of the violence who said that on November 19, 2020, Ethiopian and Eritrean military forces took control of Axum "in a large-scale offensive, killing and displacing civilians with indiscriminate shelling and shooting." "In the nine days that followed, the Eritrean military engaged in widespread looting of civilian property and extrajudicial executions." Witnesses said the Eritrean forces were easily identifiable, via their vehicles, language and unique ritual facial scars, while they also openly declared themselves as such. The worst violence unfolded after a small group of pro-TPLF militiamen attacked the soldiers' base on 28 November and they retaliated, leaving the town strewn with bodies. "The Eritrean soldiers came into the city and started killing randomly," said a 22-year-old man who had wanted to bring food to the militia, who he described as young and barely knowing how to fight. Residents told Amnesty that many victims in Axum carried no weapons and were running away from the soldiers when they were shot. (With AFP inputs)

Eritrean soldiers killed 'hundreds' in Ethiopia massacre, says Amnesty

The govt of Ethiopia has admitted that rape is being used as a tool of war in the ongoing conflict. WION's Palki tells you how sexual violence has been used in every conflict in the world.

Gravitas: Ethiopia used rape as a tool of war

Scores of women have been raped in Ethiopia`s northerly Tigray region, authorities have confirmed, in the chaotic aftermath of an armed conflict last year that ousted the local ruling party.

"We have received the report back from our Taskforce team on the ground in the Tigray region, they have unfortunately established rape has taken place conclusively and without a doubt," Ethiopian Women`s Minister Filsan Abdullahi tweeted late on Thursday.

Though witnesses, medics and aid workers had spoken of widespread sexual abuse since fighting began in November, Filsan`s comments were the first confirmation by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed`s government.

The state-appointed Ethiopian Human Rights Commission said that 108 rapes had been reported in Tigray - nearly half in the regional capital Mekelle - in the last two months.

Though Abiy`s federal troops captured Mekelle at the end of November from the Tigray People`s Liberation Front (TPLF), sporadic fighting has continued, with communications and access to the mountainous region of 5 million people restricted.

While some victims have identified their abusers as federal forces or allied soldiers, Reuters has been unable to independently verify accounts of rape. The government has said it has zero tolerance towards sexual violence.

The Rights Commission said many rapes were likely to have gone unreported.

"The war and the dismantling of the regional administration have led to a rise in gender-based violence in the region. Local structures such as police and health facilities where victims of sexual violence would normally turn to report such crimes are no longer in place," it said.

Spokesman Adinew Abera said the Women`s Ministry had so far assessed only Mekelle and the nearby town of Quiha, adding: "We will deploy experts to all districts of Tigray. So the number will be higher than what is mentioned."

Scores of women have been raped in Ethiopia`s northerly Tigray region, authorities have confirmed, in the chaotic aftermath of an armed conflict last year that ousted the local ruling party.

Scores of women have been raped in Ethiopia`s northerly Tigray region, authorities have confirmed, in the chaotic aftermath of an armed conflict last year that ousted the local ruling party. "We have received the report back from our Taskforce team on the ground in the Tigray region, they have unfortunately established rape has taken place conclusively and without a doubt," Ethiopian Women`s Minister Filsan Abdullahi tweeted late on Thursday. Though witnesses, medics and aid workers had spoken of widespread sexual abuse since fighting began in November, Filsan`s comments were the first confirmation by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed`s government. The state-appointed Ethiopian Human Rights Commission said that 108 rapes had been reported in Tigray - nearly half in the regional capital Mekelle - in the last two months. Though Abiy`s federal troops captured Mekelle at the end of November from the Tigray People`s Liberation Front (TPLF), sporadic fighting has continued, with communications and access to the mountainous region of 5 million people restricted. While some victims have identified their abusers as federal forces or allied soldiers, Reuters has been unable to independently verify accounts of rape. The government has said it has zero tolerance towards sexual violence. The Rights Commission said many rapes were likely to have gone unreported. "The war and the dismantling of the regional administration have led to a rise in gender-based violence in the region. Local structures such as police and health facilities where victims of sexual violence would normally turn to report such crimes are no longer in place," it said. Spokesman Adinew Abera said the Women`s Ministry had so far assessed only Mekelle and the nearby town of Quiha, adding: "We will deploy experts to all districts of Tigray. So the number will be higher than what is mentioned."

Ethiopia confirms widespread rape in conflict-hit north

The Ethiopian government has confirmed that recorded scores of women who have been raped in Ethiopia's Tigray region in the last 2 months are around 108. rape has taken place conclusively and without a doubt in Ethopia

Ethiopian Govt: 'Rape has taken place conclusively and without a doubt'

An international aid group on Monday denounced the destruction of its facilities at refugee camps caught up in the brutal conflict in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region.

The damage was confirmed using satellite imagery depicting the two camps for Eritrean refugees, known as Hitsats and Shimelba, the Norwegian Refugee Council said in a statement.

"We condemn the criminal destruction of our buildings and facilities that we set up to serve refugees in great need," Jan Egeland, NRC's secretary-general, said in a statement.

"This rampage of burning and looting by armed men deepens an already dire crisis for millions of people."

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize winner, announced military operations against leaders of Tigray's ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), in early November.

He said they were prompted by TPLF-orchestrated attacks on federal army camps in the region.

Within weeks, Hitsats and Shimelba saw fighting including intense gun battles, according to residents, and the two camps remain inaccessible to the UN refugee agency and its Ethiopian counterpart.

Former residents of Hitsats have told AFP that pro-TPLF forces and Eritrean forces fighting for Abiy committed abuses there including killings and abductions.

Some refugees, who have since fled to other another camp in southern Tigray, said Eritrean soldiers were in control of Hitsats by early January and forced everyone to leave.

Last week DX Open Network, a British investigations firm, released satellite imagery showing widespread damage to both Hitsats and Shimelba.

"There are clear and consistent patterns across both camps over a two-month period demonstrating that these refugee camps were systematically targeted despite their protected humanitarian status," it said in a statement.&nbsp;

Eritrea and Ethiopia deny that Eritrean soldiers are involved in the Tigray conflict.

But their presence has been described by residents, aid workers and even some civilian and military officials in Tigray.

The European Union on Monday called for Eritrean forces to withdraw from the region, saying they were "fuelling the conflict in Tigray, reportedly committing atrocities, and exacerbating ethnic violence."

The US has issued a similar call, drawing a rebuke last week from Eritrea, which accused Washington of floating "false and presumptive allegations".

An international aid group on Monday denounced the destruction of its facilities at refugee camps caught up in the brutal conflict in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region.

An international aid group on Monday denounced the destruction of its facilities at refugee camps caught up in the brutal conflict in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region. The damage was confirmed using satellite imagery depicting the two camps for Eritrean refugees, known as Hitsats and Shimelba, the Norwegian Refugee Council said in a statement. "We condemn the criminal destruction of our buildings and facilities that we set up to serve refugees in great need," Jan Egeland, NRC's secretary-general, said in a statement. "This rampage of burning and looting by armed men deepens an already dire crisis for millions of people." Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize winner, announced military operations against leaders of Tigray's ruling party, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), in early November. He said they were prompted by TPLF-orchestrated attacks on federal army camps in the region. Within weeks, Hitsats and Shimelba saw fighting including intense gun battles, according to residents, and the two camps remain inaccessible to the UN refugee agency and its Ethiopian counterpart. Former residents of Hitsats have told AFP that pro-TPLF forces and Eritrean forces fighting for Abiy committed abuses there including killings and abductions. Some refugees, who have since fled to other another camp in southern Tigray, said Eritrean soldiers were in control of Hitsats by early January and forced everyone to leave. Last week DX Open Network, a British investigations firm, released satellite imagery showing widespread damage to both Hitsats and Shimelba. "There are clear and consistent patterns across both camps over a two-month period demonstrating that these refugee camps were systematically targeted despite their protected humanitarian status," it said in a statement. Eritrea and Ethiopia deny that Eritrean soldiers are involved in the Tigray conflict. But their presence has been described by residents, aid workers and even some civilian and military officials in Tigray. The European Union on Monday called for Eritrean forces to withdraw from the region, saying they were "fuelling the conflict in Tigray, reportedly committing atrocities, and exacerbating ethnic violence." The US has issued a similar call, drawing a rebuke last week from Eritrea, which accused Washington of floating "false and presumptive allegations".

Refugee group condemns damage at camps hit by Tigray war

The former ruling party in Ethiopia`s northern region of Tigray is committed to "extended resistance", according to an audio message purporting to be from its leader, who accused federal government forces and their allies of rape and looting.

The comments attributed to Debretsion Gebremichael would be his first in public or via media since early December.

The recording was posted on Facebook by a media outlet affiliated with the former ruling party the Tigray People`s Liberation Front (TPLF), which has battled the government since Nov. 4.

"They (the federal government) have temporary military dominance," said the recording, alleging abuses like rape and looting, reports of which have also been highlighted by the United Nations.

"We are engaged in extended resistance."

Reuters could not verify the audio`s authenticity or date.

Asked to comment, Billene Seyoum, spokeswoman for Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, said: I "cannot to speak to the delusions of a criminal clique`s Facebook page."

The TPLF and foreign backers have sought to divert attention with unfounded genocide claims since November to cover up their own "horrendous crimes", she said, urging foreign nations and media to expose them.

THOUSANDS KILLED

Abiy claimed victory in late November after his forces captured the regional capital Mekelle, but reports of low-level fighting have continued.

Thousands of people have died, hundreds of thousands have been forced from homes and there are shortages of food, water and medicine across the region of more than 5 million people.

"The cities and rural areas of Tigray are being bombarded day and night by heavy artilleries," Debretsion said.

Reports from all sides are difficult to verify since the government has largely sealed off Tigray from media and foreign aid workers. Telecommunications to many areas are not working.

Debretsion called on Tigrayans abroad to contribute time and money to supporting the fighters and foreign nations to condemn the Ethiopian government, saying Abiy and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki should be charged in an international court.

Dozens of eyewitnesses have said Eritrean troops are present in Tigray to support Ethiopian forces, though both nations deny that.

Abiy`s government says the TPLF provoked the conflict by attacking army bases in Tigray and that the government is sending aid.

On Sunday, state-affiliated broadcaster Fana reported that the government was establishing a taskforce to investigate heightened concern over violence against women in Tigray.

Minister of Women, Children and Youth Filsan Abdullahi was quoted as saying the government had a zero tolerance policy towards any form of sexual violence.

The former ruling party in Ethiopia`s northern region of Tigray is committed to "extended resistance", according to an audio message purporting to be from its leader, who accused federal government forces and their allies of rape and looting.

The former ruling party in Ethiopia`s northern region of Tigray is committed to "extended resistance", according to an audio message purporting to be from its leader, who accused federal government forces and their allies of rape and looting. The comments attributed to Debretsion Gebremichael would be his first in public or via media since early December. The recording was posted on Facebook by a media outlet affiliated with the former ruling party the Tigray People`s Liberation Front (TPLF), which has battled the government since Nov. 4. "They (the federal government) have temporary military dominance," said the recording, alleging abuses like rape and looting, reports of which have also been highlighted by the United Nations. "We are engaged in extended resistance." Reuters could not verify the audio`s authenticity or date. Asked to comment, Billene Seyoum, spokeswoman for Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, said: I "cannot to speak to the delusions of a criminal clique`s Facebook page." The TPLF and foreign backers have sought to divert attention with unfounded genocide claims since November to cover up their own "horrendous crimes", she said, urging foreign nations and media to expose them. THOUSANDS KILLED Abiy claimed victory in late November after his forces captured the regional capital Mekelle, but reports of low-level fighting have continued. Thousands of people have died, hundreds of thousands have been forced from homes and there are shortages of food, water and medicine across the region of more than 5 million people. "The cities and rural areas of Tigray are being bombarded day and night by heavy artilleries," Debretsion said. Reports from all sides are difficult to verify since the government has largely sealed off Tigray from media and foreign aid workers. Telecommunications to many areas are not working. Debretsion called on Tigrayans abroad to contribute time and money to supporting the fighters and foreign nations to condemn the Ethiopian government, saying Abiy and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki should be charged in an international court. Dozens of eyewitnesses have said Eritrean troops are present in Tigray to support Ethiopian forces, though both nations deny that. Abiy`s government says the TPLF provoked the conflict by attacking army bases in Tigray and that the government is sending aid. On Sunday, state-affiliated broadcaster Fana reported that the government was establishing a taskforce to investigate heightened concern over violence against women in Tigray. Minister of Women, Children and Youth Filsan Abdullahi was quoted as saying the government had a zero tolerance policy towards any form of sexual violence.

Fugitive ex-leader of Ethiopia's Tigray region vows 'extended resistance'

UN has received reports of an increase in sexual violence and abuse in Ethiopia's conflict-hit Tigray region. There has been a high number of reported rapes in the capital, Mekelle.

UN: Disturbing rise in rape in Ethiopia’s conflict-hit Tigray region

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is a grand dam that has left three African nations divided. The dam is a source of national pride for Ethiopia but, for Egypt and Sudan, the dam is a headache. They fear it will cut off vital water supplies.

The six-way talks on GERD failed to make any progress, due to a disagreement on how to resume the negotiations and other procedural aspects of the negotiating process.

All three partners have been trying to reach an agreement but, the latest round of negotiations has failed. 
&nbsp; 
The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has been a source of tension in the Nile River basin ever since Ethiopia broke ground on it in 2011, with downstream countries Egypt and Sudan worried it will restrict vital water supplies. 
&nbsp; 
Ethiopia, the second-most populous country in Africa, says the hydroelectric power produced by the dam will be vital to meet the power needs of its 110 million people.

Egypt, which depends on the Nile for about 97 per cent of its irrigation and drinking water, sees the dam as an existential threat. 
&nbsp; 
Sudan expresses frustration after negotiations stall but Egypt, Ethiopia blame Sudanese objections for the new impasse. 
&nbsp; 
Ethiopia, which has said it reached its first-year target for filling the dam's reservoir, has recently signalled it would proceed with the filling regardless of whether a deal was concluded.

The Nile, the world's longest river, is a lifeline supplying both water and electricity to the 10 countries it traverses.

Its main tributaries, the White and Blue Nile, converge in the Sudanese capital Khartoum before flowing north through Egypt to drain into the Mediterranean Sea.

Last year the matter reached the United Nations and both Egypt and the Sudan raised their objections. Since then, all three parties have held several rounds of talks but yet failed to break the deadlock on Africa's biggest dam.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is a grand dam that has left three African nations divided. The dam is a source of national pride for Ethiopia but, for Egypt and Sudan, the dam is a headache.

The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is a grand dam that has left three African nations divided. The dam is a source of national pride for Ethiopia but, for Egypt and Sudan, the dam is a headache. They fear it will cut off vital water supplies. The six-way talks on GERD failed to make any progress, due to a disagreement on how to resume the negotiations and other procedural aspects of the negotiating process. All three partners have been trying to reach an agreement but, the latest round of negotiations has failed. The Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) has been a source of tension in the Nile River basin ever since Ethiopia broke ground on it in 2011, with downstream countries Egypt and Sudan worried it will restrict vital water supplies. Ethiopia, the second-most populous country in Africa, says the hydroelectric power produced by the dam will be vital to meet the power needs of its 110 million people. Egypt, which depends on the Nile for about 97 per cent of its irrigation and drinking water, sees the dam as an existential threat. Sudan expresses frustration after negotiations stall but Egypt, Ethiopia blame Sudanese objections for the new impasse. Ethiopia, which has said it reached its first-year target for filling the dam's reservoir, has recently signalled it would proceed with the filling regardless of whether a deal was concluded. The Nile, the world's longest river, is a lifeline supplying both water and electricity to the 10 countries it traverses. Its main tributaries, the White and Blue Nile, converge in the Sudanese capital Khartoum before flowing north through Egypt to drain into the Mediterranean Sea. Last year the matter reached the United Nations and both Egypt and the Sudan raised their objections. Since then, all three parties have held several rounds of talks but yet failed to break the deadlock on Africa's biggest dam. (With inputs from agencies)

Talks on Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam fail again

The new round of negotiations between Ethiopia, Sudan and Egypt to resolve a decade long dispute over the Nile river has broken down once again.

Egypt, Ethiopia & Sudan talks over Nile Dam project fail, again

Soldiers and police in the northern Ethiopian city of Mekelle have expressed concerns about insecurity, with one saying women were raped this week, after the city fell to federal forces during a war late last year.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed`s government declared victory in its conflict with the Tigray region`s former ruling party after seizing Mekelle, the local capital and home to half a million people, on Nov. 28

Though the government says it is restoring law and order, aid agencies, residents and the United Nations are concerned at ongoing instability and shortages.

At Friday`s meeting in Mekelle broadcast on ETV, a state TV channel, an unidentified man in Ethiopian military uniform spoke of repeated abuses against women.

"I was angry yesterday. Why does a woman get raped in Mekelle city? It wouldn`t be shocking if it happened during the war because it is not manageable and could be expected for such a thing to happen," he said.

"But women were raped yesterday and today when the local police and federal police are around. We need to communicate among ourselves and act together and strengthen our chain of command."

No more details were given and Reuters was unable to verify his account. Communications and access to Tigray remain hard.

Mekelle`s mayor did not answer phone calls seeking comment, while national military and police spokesmen, Abiy`s spokeswoman and the spokesman for a government taskforce on Tigray did not immediately respond to questions.

At the meeting on state TV, the new government-appointed mayor of Mekelle, Ataklti Haileselassie, said security forces would work more closely to guarantee peace and security.

Another soldier complained that when criminals were arrested, there was no one to hand them to. "Basic institutional structure has been destroyed," he said.

A policeman said he and colleagues had not been paid.

Air strikes and battles since early November in Tigray are believed to have killed thousands of people. Fighting is continuing in some parts and more than 2 million people need aid, the United Nations said this week.

Fugitive leaders of the Tigray People`s Liberation Front (TPLF) had vowed to continue to fight from the mountains, but Reuters has been unable to contact them for weeks.

Soldiers and police in the northern Ethiopian city of Mekelle have expressed concerns about insecurity, with one saying women were raped this week, after the city fell to federal forces during a war late last year.

Soldiers and police in the northern Ethiopian city of Mekelle have expressed concerns about insecurity, with one saying women were raped this week, after the city fell to federal forces during a war late last year. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed`s government declared victory in its conflict with the Tigray region`s former ruling party after seizing Mekelle, the local capital and home to half a million people, on Nov. 28 Though the government says it is restoring law and order, aid agencies, residents and the United Nations are concerned at ongoing instability and shortages. At Friday`s meeting in Mekelle broadcast on ETV, a state TV channel, an unidentified man in Ethiopian military uniform spoke of repeated abuses against women. "I was angry yesterday. Why does a woman get raped in Mekelle city? It wouldn`t be shocking if it happened during the war because it is not manageable and could be expected for such a thing to happen," he said. "But women were raped yesterday and today when the local police and federal police are around. We need to communicate among ourselves and act together and strengthen our chain of command." No more details were given and Reuters was unable to verify his account. Communications and access to Tigray remain hard. Mekelle`s mayor did not answer phone calls seeking comment, while national military and police spokesmen, Abiy`s spokeswoman and the spokesman for a government taskforce on Tigray did not immediately respond to questions. At the meeting on state TV, the new government-appointed mayor of Mekelle, Ataklti Haileselassie, said security forces would work more closely to guarantee peace and security. Another soldier complained that when criminals were arrested, there was no one to hand them to. "Basic institutional structure has been destroyed," he said. A policeman said he and colleagues had not been paid. Air strikes and battles since early November in Tigray are believed to have killed thousands of people. Fighting is continuing in some parts and more than 2 million people need aid, the United Nations said this week. Fugitive leaders of the Tigray People`s Liberation Front (TPLF) had vowed to continue to fight from the mountains, but Reuters has been unable to contact them for weeks.

Ethiopian women raped in Mekelle, says soldier

Almost 2.3 million people, or nearly half of the population, in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region need aid as fighting continues to rage in several parts of the region, a UN report said.

The report, the most comprehensive public assessment of the humanitarian situation in Tigray since conflict erupted there on November 4, was posted online late on Thursday.

Notably, Ethiopia's own estimates of people in need of aid are even higher than UN figures. The UN said 950,000 needed aid before the conflict and another 1.3 million would now need help.

The report said food supplies were very limited, looting was widespread and insecurity remained high.

Federal government troops are fighting the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), a political party that was governing the province. The government declared victory in late November though the TPLF vowed to fight on.

Ethiopia's National Defence Force said late on Thursday that four senior TPLF members had been killed and nine arrested.

The state-run Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation said on Friday that Sebhat Nega, a founding member of the TPLF, had also been captured. The whereabouts of TPFL leader and other members of the party's central committee and many high-ranking former military officers remain unknown.

The findings in the humanitarian report stem from two missions conducted at the end of December by UN and government agencies. They said the humanitarian situation was dire and two out of four refugee camps in Tigray remained inaccessible.

The report said fighting was reported in rural areas as well as on the periphery of regional capital Mekelle and the towns of Shire and Sheraro, among other locations.

The fact-finding teams also said schools, hospitals and administrative offices had been looted and damaged. They said only five out of 40 hospitals in Tigray were physically accessible, with another four reachable by mobile networks.

Also, the health facilities in the major cities that were partially functioning had "limited to no stock of supplies and absence of health workers". The disruption might also coincide with a massive spike in COVID-19 cases, the report said.

(with inputs)

Almost 2.3 million people, or nearly half of the population, in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region need aid as fighting continues to rage in several parts of the region, a UN report said.

Almost 2.3 million people, or nearly half of the population, in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region need aid as fighting continues to rage in several parts of the region, a UN report said. The report, the most comprehensive public assessment of the humanitarian situation in Tigray since conflict erupted there on November 4, was posted online late on Thursday. Notably, Ethiopia's own estimates of people in need of aid are even higher than UN figures. The UN said 950,000 needed aid before the conflict and another 1.3 million would now need help. The report said food supplies were very limited, looting was widespread and insecurity remained high. Federal government troops are fighting the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), a political party that was governing the province. The government declared victory in late November though the TPLF vowed to fight on. Ethiopia's National Defence Force said late on Thursday that four senior TPLF members had been killed and nine arrested. The state-run Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation said on Friday that Sebhat Nega, a founding member of the TPLF, had also been captured. The whereabouts of TPFL leader and other members of the party's central committee and many high-ranking former military officers remain unknown. The findings in the humanitarian report stem from two missions conducted at the end of December by UN and government agencies. They said the humanitarian situation was dire and two out of four refugee camps in Tigray remained inaccessible. The report said fighting was reported in rural areas as well as on the periphery of regional capital Mekelle and the towns of Shire and Sheraro, among other locations. The fact-finding teams also said schools, hospitals and administrative offices had been looted and damaged. They said only five out of 40 hospitals in Tigray were physically accessible, with another four reachable by mobile networks. Also, the health facilities in the major cities that were partially functioning had "limited to no stock of supplies and absence of health workers". The disruption might also coincide with a massive spike in COVID-19 cases, the report said. (with inputs)

UN assesses Ethiopia's Tigray crisis, says almost 2.3 M people need aid

Sudan joins a new round of talks with Egypt and Ethiopia in a bid to resolve a long-running dispute over a huge Ethiopian dam on the Blue Nile.

Sudan, Egypt, Ethiopia agrees to continue negotiations on Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam

Nile dam talks: Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan reopen years-long negotiations

Sudan, Egypt and Ethiopia on Sunday agreed to hold further talks to settle dispute over Ethiopia's huge dam on Blue Nile, said Sudan's water ministry. Previous such three-way talks have failed to produce agreement on operation and filling of the vast reservoir behind Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). The hydropower project broke ground in 2011.

Three countries held a new round of talks by video conference on Sunday in the virtual presence of South African officials, as well as other international observers. South Africa currently holds the African Union's rotating chair.&nbsp;

"The meeting concluded ... that this week will be devoted to bilateral talks between the three countries, the experts, and the observers," Sudan's water ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

"The meeting concluded ... that this week will be devoted to bilateral talks between the three countries, the experts, and the observers," Sudan's water ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

The ministry noted that this week's talks would pave way "for the resumption of tripartite negotiations on Sunday January 10 in the hope of concluding by the end of January"

Egypt, which depends on the Nile for about 97 percent of its irrigation and drinking water, fears Ethiopia's dam would severely cut its water share.&nbsp;

Sudan hopes the dam will help ameliorate flooding, but has also warned that millions of lives would be at "great risk" if no binding agreement was reached.&nbsp;

Ethiopia says the hydroelectric power produced at the dam is vital to meet the power needs of its population.

It insists downstream countries' water supplies will not be affected.&nbsp;

The Nile, the world's longest river, is a lifeline supplying both water and electricity to the 10 countries it traverses.

Its main tributaries, the White and Blue Niles, converge in the Sudanese capital Khartoum before flowing north through Egypt to drain into the Mediterranean Sea.

(With AFP inputs)

Sudan, Egypt and Ethiopia on Sunday agreed to hold further talks to settle dispute over Ethiopia's huge dam on Blue Nile, said Sudan's water ministry. Previous such three-way talks have failed to produce agreement on operation and filling of the vast reservoir behind Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

Sudan, Egypt and Ethiopia on Sunday agreed to hold further talks to settle dispute over Ethiopia's huge dam on Blue Nile, said Sudan's water ministry. Previous such three-way talks have failed to produce agreement on operation and filling of the vast reservoir behind Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). The hydropower project broke ground in 2011. Three countries held a new round of talks by video conference on Sunday in the virtual presence of South African officials, as well as other international observers. South Africa currently holds the African Union's rotating chair. "The meeting concluded ... that this week will be devoted to bilateral talks between the three countries, the experts, and the observers," Sudan's water ministry said in a statement. "The meeting concluded ... that this week will be devoted to bilateral talks between the three countries, the experts, and the observers," Sudan's water ministry said in a statement. The ministry noted that this week's talks would pave way "for the resumption of tripartite negotiations on Sunday January 10 in the hope of concluding by the end of January" Egypt, which depends on the Nile for about 97 percent of its irrigation and drinking water, fears Ethiopia's dam would severely cut its water share. Sudan hopes the dam will help ameliorate flooding, but has also warned that millions of lives would be at "great risk" if no binding agreement was reached. Ethiopia says the hydroelectric power produced at the dam is vital to meet the power needs of its population. It insists downstream countries' water supplies will not be affected. The Nile, the world's longest river, is a lifeline supplying both water and electricity to the 10 countries it traverses. Its main tributaries, the White and Blue Niles, converge in the Sudanese capital Khartoum before flowing north through Egypt to drain into the Mediterranean Sea. (With AFP inputs)

Sudan, Egypt, Ethiopia agree to talk more to settle Nile dispute

The death toll from the recent armed attack in western Ethiopia`s Benishangul-Gumuz regional state has risen to 207, the country`s federal rights group confirmed late Friday.

Among the victims were 133 adult men, 35 adult women, some 20 elderly persons as well as 17 children, one of them a six-month-old baby, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC), a rights group established by the Ethiopian parliament, said in a statement late Friday.

Efforts are underway to identify the victims with the help of survivors and identity cards, the EHRC said, adding that a committee comprising members of the police, regional authorities and the General Attorney`s Office has been set up to monitor the identification, registration and burial of victims.

A local official also informed the EHRC that two victims died while receiving treatment in Bulen Hospital on Thursday.

"The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) continues to monitor with relevant authorities the situation in Benishangul-Gumuz region," the commission said.

"In Bulen town, thousands of displaced persons are currently sheltered in a primary school and a meeting hall," the statement added.

The EHRC also urged relevant authorities "to provide urgently needed humanitarian assistance to the victims and persons displaced by the attack."The bloodshed occurred at around 10:00 pm local time (1900 GMT) on Tuesday and was carried out by armed men who set fire and shot at residents while they were asleep, the commission confirmed on Wednesday.

The death toll from the recent armed attack in western Ethiopia`s Benishangul-Gumuz regional state has risen to 207, the country`s federal rights group confirmed late Friday.

The death toll from the recent armed attack in western Ethiopia`s Benishangul-Gumuz regional state has risen to 207, the country`s federal rights group confirmed late Friday. Among the victims were 133 adult men, 35 adult women, some 20 elderly persons as well as 17 children, one of them a six-month-old baby, the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC), a rights group established by the Ethiopian parliament, said in a statement late Friday. Efforts are underway to identify the victims with the help of survivors and identity cards, the EHRC said, adding that a committee comprising members of the police, regional authorities and the General Attorney`s Office has been set up to monitor the identification, registration and burial of victims. A local official also informed the EHRC that two victims died while receiving treatment in Bulen Hospital on Thursday. "The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) continues to monitor with relevant authorities the situation in Benishangul-Gumuz region," the commission said. "In Bulen town, thousands of displaced persons are currently sheltered in a primary school and a meeting hall," the statement added. The EHRC also urged relevant authorities "to provide urgently needed humanitarian assistance to the victims and persons displaced by the attack."The bloodshed occurred at around 10:00 pm local time (1900 GMT) on Tuesday and was carried out by armed men who set fire and shot at residents while they were asleep, the commission confirmed on Wednesday.

Death toll from the armed attack in western Ethiopia climbs to 207

Gunmen killed more than 100 people in a dawn attack in the western Benishangul-Gumuz region of Ethiopia on Wednesday, the human rights commission said, as residents described fleeing the latest deadly assault in an area bedevilled by ethnic violence.

The attack occurred in the village of Bekoji in Bulen county in the Metekel zone, the state-run Ethiopian Human Rights Commission said in a statement, an area where multiple ethnic groups are living.

Africa`s second-most populous nation has been grappling with regular outbreaks of deadly violence since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was appointed in 2018 and accelerated democratic reforms that loosened the state`s iron grip on regional rivalries.

Elections due next year have further inflamed simmering tensions over land, power and resources.

In a separate part of the country, Ethiopia`s military has been fighting rebels in the northern Tigray region for over six weeks in a conflict that has displaced close to 950,000 people. The deployment of federal troops there has raised fears of a security vacuum in other restive regions.

Ethiopia is also fighting an insurgency in the Oromiya region and faces long-running security threats from Somali Islamist militants along its porous eastern border.

Gashu Dugaz, a senior regional security official, said authorities were aware of the Benishangul-Gumuz attack and were verifying the identities of the attackers and the victims, but did not give further information.

The region is home to several ethnic groups including the Gumuz people. But in recent years farmers and businessmen from the neighbouring Amhara region have begun moving into the area, prompting some Gumuz to complain that fertile land has been taken.

Some Amhara leaders are now saying that some of the land in the region - especially in the Metekel zone - rightfully belongs to them, claims that have angered Gumuz people.

"In previous attacks it was people who came from `the forest` who were involved but, in this case, victims said they knew the people involved in the attack," the rights commission said in its statement.

82 BODIES COUNTED IN FIELD

Belay Wajera, a farmer in the western town of Bulen, told Reuters he counted 82 dead bodies in a field near his home after Wednesday`s raid. He and his family awoke to the sound of gunshots and ran out of their home as men shouted "catch them", he said. His wife and five of his children were shot dead, he was shot in the buttocks while four other children escaped and are now missing, Wajera told Reuters by phone late on Wednesday.

Another resident of the town, Hassen Yimama, said armed men stormed the area around 6 a.m. (0300 GMT). He told Reuters that he counted 20 bodies in a different location. He grabbed his own weapon but assailants shot him in the stomach.

A local medic said he and colleagues treated 38 injured people, most suffering from gunshot wounds. Patients told him of relatives who were killed with knives and told him that gunmen set houses on fire and shot at people trying to escape, he said.

"We weren’t prepared for this and we are out of medicine," a nurse at the same facility told Reuters, adding that a five-year-old child died while being transferred to the clinic.

The attack came a day after Abiy, the military chief of staff and other senior federal officials visited the region to urge calm after several deadly incidents in recent months, such as a Nov. 14 assault in which gunmen targeted a bus and killed 34 people.

"The desire by enemies to divide Ethiopia along ethnic and religious lines still exists. This desire will remain unfulfilled," Abiy tweeted on Tuesday along with photos of his meetings that day in the town of Metekel, near where the Nov. 14 attack occurred.

He said residents` wish for peace "outweighs any divisive agenda".

Gunmen killed more than 100 people in a dawn attack in the western Benishangul-Gumuz region of Ethiopia on Wednesday, the human rights commission said, as residents described fleeing the latest deadly assault in an area bedevilled by ethnic violence.

Gunmen killed more than 100 people in a dawn attack in the western Benishangul-Gumuz region of Ethiopia on Wednesday, the human rights commission said, as residents described fleeing the latest deadly assault in an area bedevilled by ethnic violence. The attack occurred in the village of Bekoji in Bulen county in the Metekel zone, the state-run Ethiopian Human Rights Commission said in a statement, an area where multiple ethnic groups are living. Africa`s second-most populous nation has been grappling with regular outbreaks of deadly violence since Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed was appointed in 2018 and accelerated democratic reforms that loosened the state`s iron grip on regional rivalries. Elections due next year have further inflamed simmering tensions over land, power and resources. In a separate part of the country, Ethiopia`s military has been fighting rebels in the northern Tigray region for over six weeks in a conflict that has displaced close to 950,000 people. The deployment of federal troops there has raised fears of a security vacuum in other restive regions. Ethiopia is also fighting an insurgency in the Oromiya region and faces long-running security threats from Somali Islamist militants along its porous eastern border. Gashu Dugaz, a senior regional security official, said authorities were aware of the Benishangul-Gumuz attack and were verifying the identities of the attackers and the victims, but did not give further information. The region is home to several ethnic groups including the Gumuz people. But in recent years farmers and businessmen from the neighbouring Amhara region have begun moving into the area, prompting some Gumuz to complain that fertile land has been taken. Some Amhara leaders are now saying that some of the land in the region - especially in the Metekel zone - rightfully belongs to them, claims that have angered Gumuz people. "In previous attacks it was people who came from `the forest` who were involved but, in this case, victims said they knew the people involved in the attack," the rights commission said in its statement. 82 BODIES COUNTED IN FIELD Belay Wajera, a farmer in the western town of Bulen, told Reuters he counted 82 dead bodies in a field near his home after Wednesday`s raid. He and his family awoke to the sound of gunshots and ran out of their home as men shouted "catch them", he said. His wife and five of his children were shot dead, he was shot in the buttocks while four other children escaped and are now missing, Wajera told Reuters by phone late on Wednesday. Another resident of the town, Hassen Yimama, said armed men stormed the area around 6 a.m. (0300 GMT). He told Reuters that he counted 20 bodies in a different location. He grabbed his own weapon but assailants shot him in the stomach. A local medic said he and colleagues treated 38 injured people, most suffering from gunshot wounds. Patients told him of relatives who were killed with knives and told him that gunmen set houses on fire and shot at people trying to escape, he said. "We weren’t prepared for this and we are out of medicine," a nurse at the same facility told Reuters, adding that a five-year-old child died while being transferred to the clinic. The attack came a day after Abiy, the military chief of staff and other senior federal officials visited the region to urge calm after several deadly incidents in recent months, such as a Nov. 14 assault in which gunmen targeted a bus and killed 34 people. "The desire by enemies to divide Ethiopia along ethnic and religious lines still exists. This desire will remain unfulfilled," Abiy tweeted on Tuesday along with photos of his meetings that day in the town of Metekel, near where the Nov. 14 attack occurred. He said residents` wish for peace "outweighs any divisive agenda".

Gunmen kill more than 100 in attack in Ethiopia's Benishangul-Gumuz region

Political crisis and Civil unrest in Ethiopia's Tigray is no where near an end moreover tensions has now have stared to rise between two neighbours, Ethiopia and Sudan in the latest development Sudan sends additional troops to Ethiopian border.

Tensions intensify between Sudan and Ethiopia

Ethiopian refugees are evacuating border camps as aid resources are diverted to Um Rakouba camp. The countries main camp, where many still lack food and shelter.

Ethiopian refugees evacuate Sudan border camp

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