Somali region supports Ethiopia's military actions in Tigray

JIGJIGA - Tigray region continues to be isolated from across the country following the decision by the federal government of Ethiopia to launch a military operation, which has been condemned by various international actors, but which would still go on for some time.

Somali region joined the rest of the states in supporting Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed's decision to deploy Ethiopian National Defense Forces [ENDF] to the troubled region, arguing that the decision was important and timely, in the latest defense for the Prime Minister.

Speaking to Al-Jazeera, the region's President Mustafe Muhamed Omer conceded that he has been campaigning for the onslaught against the Tigray People's Liberation Front [TPLF], which is the de facto political organization from the troubled region.

According to him, TPLF had committed atrocities against Somalis and praised Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's decision to raid the region got the sake of stability in Ethiopia. Mustafa took office after his predecessor was ousted and imprisoned by the government of Abiy Ahmed.

This comes after ENDF troops managed to take over Humera Airport in the Tigray region during an offensive against local leaders defying Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s authority, state media said on Tuesday, as the African Union [AU] called for an end to bloodshed in Ethiopia.

Abiy Ahmed continued to praise the military for crushing the militants in the Tigray region, arguing that the stability and democratization of the country cannot be compromised for "few rogue elements" in the country. He has often defended the operation.

"Our law enforcement operations in Tigray are proceeding as planned: operations will cease as soon as the criminal junta is disarmed, legitimate administration in the region restored, and fugitives apprehended and brought to justice — all of them rapidly coming within reach," he noted.

A statement by the Tigray communication department indicated that the region was ready for dialogue to avert further crisis. Tigray went on to conduct separate elections in August despite warning from the national electoral team which cited covid-19 as the reason behind the postponement of the polls.

"Problems can not be solved through military means .... AU has the responsibility and is better placed to help bring all political and civic stakeholders of the country into an all-inclusive and comprehensive dialogue ..."

GAROWE ONLINE