ENDF airstrike in Tigray condemned as PM Abiy Ahmed's record is questioned

NAIROBI, Kenya - Tuesday's airstrike in the Tigray region continues to attract international condemnation with the death toll now hitting 80, in one of the latest massacres against innocent civilians, who have been on the receiving end from the Ethiopian military.

Ethiopia National Defense Forces [ENDF] has been pursuing Tigray People's Liberation Front [TPLF] fighters, who have been opposing the government of Abiy Ahmed, who took over as Prime Minister in 2018, but has struggled to stamp authority in the country.

The European Union, the US, and the UN have called for independent investigations into the airstrike that targeted a market, where a number of civilians were present. It's not clear who the partners want to take over investigations but the Ethiopian administration has vowed to cooperate.

But of growing concern is the inaccessibility of certain regions due to blockades imposed by the Ethiopian and Eritrea troops, who have continued to run away from responsibility. They are accused of using the blockades to starve thousands of people who need urgent humanitarian assistance.

"I am deeply shocked by the murder of three Médecins Sans Frontiers (MSF) humanitarian workers in Tigray, Ethiopia. This is totally unacceptable and an appalling violation of International Humanitarian Law. The perpetrators must be found and severely punished," Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General said.

'I stand in solidarity with our humanitarian partners who are risking their lives to provide protection and relief to people in Tigray," he added.

The United States also waded into the growing humanitarian crisis in Tigray, asking that the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed take full responsibility. The US is now demanding for cessation of hostilities for the sake of the public.

"The Government of Ethiopia ultimately bears full responsibility for ensuring the safety of humanitarian workers and free and unhindered access to humanitarian assistance," State Department said. " A cessation of hostilities is essential to ensure that humanitarian workers can safely assist citizens, prevent further suffering, and address the myriad challenges, including famine."

The military said the airstrike targeted Tigray fighters dressed in civilian clothes who had gathered to celebrate Martyrs’ Day. But witnesses told the AP that although fighters loyal to Tigray’s former leaders had been active in the surrounding countryside days before the airstrike, armed men were not in Togoga on the day of the attack.

Most of the victims were women and children, said a doctor who treated people at the scene.

In a war that has been largely fought in the shadows, with communications and transport links often cut since fighting in Tigray began in November, the airstrike in Togoga was a rare instance of a massacre emerging almost immediately. Within minutes, one former resident had tweeted the news. Within hours, there was international condemnation.

GAROWE ONLINE