In addition, sources indicate Sudan’s Sovereign Council Chairman and army chief, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, also sent a high-ranking official to Cairo to invite Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to Port Sudan. This invitation appears to coincide with the call extended to Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.

The Sudanese navy welcomed the Eritrean vessels, which arrived on the orders of President Afwerki to show solidarity with the Sudanese people and reinforce the close ties between the two nations. Senior Sudanese naval officers were on hand to greet the Eritrean delegation.

The sudden overture from Asmara appears to be designed to assuage the Sudanese, following Eritrea’s declaration that Sudanese chargé d’affaires Khaled Hassan was persona non grata, giving him three days to leave.

Sudanese Foreign Ministry Undersecretary Hussein al-Amin announced that Sudan is seeking clarification from Asmara about the expulsion decision. Sudan views Eritrea’s dealing with its eastern Beja tribesman with suspicion. Images were recently shared on social media of a meeting between President Isaias Afwerki and Sudanese Beja tribal leader Mohamed Amin Turk.

Dispute recent discrepancies however, the Sudanese army has had good relations with Afwerki, who has been praised by Sudanese officials for his stance against foreign support for the Rapid Support Forces.

The head of the Eritrean naval delegation stated, “We are here to affirm our support for Sudan and its military forces,” expressing hope that Sudan overcomes its crisis and rejecting foreign interference. He highlighted the strategic alliance between Eritrea and Sudan.

Analysts also suggested that Eritrea’s gambit is in response to Ethiopia and other regional players who have recently courted Sudan’s army chief. The subtle diplomatic tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea became more visible recently, as Eritrea sought to suspend Ethiopian Airlines flights into the country. Asmara will seek to dilute Ethiopian influence in Sudan alongside Egypt, which also views Ethiopian initiatives in Sudan with suspicion. This is particularly the case given the fact Egypt and Ethiopia have yet to reach an agreement on the operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which is now for all practical purposes complete.

During his visit to Port Sudan, Ethiopia’s Abiy Ahmed was able to facilitate a call between Al Burhan and UAE monarch Mohammed Bin Zayed, who was up until recently accused by the Sudanese army chief of aiding his opponent, the RSF. There are now plans for the UAE and Sudan’s warring parties to hold an in-person meeting in Addis Ababa. 

Arrival of Eritrean warships followed a visit by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy to Port Sudan reflect frustration over being sidelined from settlement efforts and a desire to emphasize its alliance with Sudan amidst ongoing international and regional negotiations.

The post Eritrea Signals Overtures to Sudan’s Burhan appeared first on Abren.

On Wednesday, Eritrean authorities gave Abbas 72 hours to leave the country, offering no explanation for the decision. The expulsion comes at a time when Sudan and Ethiopia were improving relations following Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s visit to Port Sudan. Previously, Sudanese military leaders had criticized Ethiopia for allegedly backing the RSF, but signs of reconciliation with Addis Ababa have recently emerged.

Asmara’s decision also coincides with a visit by traditional leaders from eastern Sudan, where Eritrea plays a significant role due to cultural ties. Social media recently showed Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki with these leaders, hinting at efforts to mediate regional tensions.

Political analyst Mohamed Latif noted that the expulsion represents a surprising shift in Eritrean policy. He speculated that Afwerki might be reassessing his stance on political Islam and its role in the ongoing Sudanese conflict. Additionally, Dr. Salah Jalal, an Umma Party leader, suggested that the expulsion could be related to Eritrea’s concerns over espionage and recruitment activities by the Sudanese.

Eritrea’s decision comes amid reports that Sudanese forces have enlisted fighters from the Tigray people’s Liberation Front (TPLF), exacerbating regional instability and affecting relations between Sudan, Ethiopia, and Eritrea.

Jalal, who maintains historical ties with President Afwerki, revealed that Asmara had preceded the expulsion of the Sudanese charge d’affaires by removing the Russian ambassador from Asmara the previous week. He hinted at a connection between the two events, stating that the expulsion of the ambassador might prompt Port Sudan to seek answers. He also suggested that the current shift in Eritrean stance could be an opportunity for the country to realign with civilian forces or the RSF if acted upon promptly.

According to report Asharq Al-Awsat, a London based Arabic news site, ‘this emerging rift between the Eritrean regime and Sudan’s Burhan will likely mean Asmara may be planning to increase support for Eastern Sudan’s Beja tribes who have a historically rocky relationship with Sudan’s central government’. An upcoming planned summit in Addis Ababa between the UAE which has backed the RSF, Burhan and Ethiopian leader Abiy is expected to take place in Addis Ababa.

The complicated nature of relations between Horn of Africa countries has seen an ever-evolving rollercoaster of alliances and rivalries, in addition to continued involvement by gulf states. Mohamed Latif sated, “this is the new normal countries must adapt to, and pivot as needed”.

The post Eritrea has expelled Sudanese Charge d’Affaires Khalid Abbas From Asmara appeared first on Abren.

This conversation marked the first direct contact between the two leaders since June 2023, when the Sudanese army accused the UAE at the UN Security Council of providing weapons and support to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), with which the army has been in conflict since April last year.

Sources close to the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) indicated that the phone call was proposed during Abiy’s visit to Port Sudan the previous week. During this visit, Burhan accompanied Abiy through Sudan’s wartime capital, leading to speculation about the secrecy surrounding discussions between the leaders, both experienced in civil conflicts.

“During Abiy Ahmed’s visit, he persuaded Burhan to ease tensions with the UAE, conveying the desire of Emirati leadership, including Mohammed bin Zayed to see an end to the war” source close to the army told Middle East Eye, a news outlet focused on the region.

Initially intended to remain confidential, the call was reported by the Emirati state news agency WAM, prompting contrasting narratives from Sudanese military circles and the UAE regarding its purpose and who initiated it. The discussions purportedly addressed accusations of UAE support for rebels and initiatives to resolve Sudan’s crisis, underscoring persistent diplomatic challenges. 

The UAE persists in refuting allegations of arming and supporting the RSF, led by its longstanding ally Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, the general and former Janjaweed commander recognized as Hemeti.

Prime Minister Abiy’s close ties with the UAE, his warming up to Al Burhan, his own experience in civil conflict at home, and his demonstrated neutral position on the conflict in Sudan could provide the breakthrough needed to ease tensions and possibly end Sudan’s devastating war. 

In addition to seeking a peaceful end of Sudan’s war, recent agreements between Ethiopia and the UAE aim to enhance financial liquidity in local currencies and facilitate cross-border transactions through linked payment and messaging systems, signaling efforts to bolster economic ties amid ongoing regional tensions.

The post Ethiopia Mediates Call Between UAE Monarch and Sudan’s Burhan appeared first on Abren.

Last year, one of Burhan’s deputies accused Ethiopian forces of supporting the RSF. Abiy’s current meeting with Al-Burhan is thus a step towards fostering good relations with both sides, while seeking stability in Sudan, following nearly 15 months of destructive fighting.

The conflict between Sudanese military factions is one of the biggest crises in the world now, on par with the war in Ukraine and Gaza in its destructive nature. It has displaced nearly 10 million people, triggered famine-like conditions in some areas, and posed a threat to regional stability.

Efforts to mediate a ceasefire in Jeddah, led by Saudi Arabia and the United States, hit a stalemate last year, and attempts to bring the army back to the negotiating table have been unsuccessful. The two warring sides are farther apart than at any point, with prospects of peace fading.

In the meantime, RSF appears to be making advances. On Friday, it declared the capture of Al-Dinder in Sennar state for the second time within a week, following intense battles with the Sudanese army and allied armed groups.

Images depict the Sudanese and Ethiopian leaders, Burhan and Abiy, sharing a laugh and camaraderie upon Abiy’s visit. Abiy’s office described the visit as part of a broader initiative to seek sustainable solutions for Sudan’s stability.

According to a source familiar with the situation, Abiy believes being physically present in Sudan enhances his prospects for achieving a breakthrough.

The visit comes on the heels of an RSF assault on Sennar state, which brought the conflict nearer to Sudan’s border with Ethiopia. There are indications that the RSF is advancing into Gedaref state, home to over 600,000 displaced Sudanese as well as tens of thousands of Ethiopian refugees. Ethiopian authorities voiced concern about the safety of these refugees and their possible relocation to a safer zone.

Speaking in front of Ethiopia’s Parliament last week, Prime Minister Abiy said, “the survival of Sudan itself is at risk, and it is in the national interest of Ethiopia to see the war end —while the world looks away, we must confront the crisis head-on for the sake of peace in our region”.

Sudan Tribune has been reporting the presence of Ethiopian Fano militia in the contested Al-Fashaga region between the two nations. There was also speculation Ethiopia’s federal government was covertly backing the Fano takeover of Al Fashga, while simultaneously signaling peace. However, these rumors appear to be false, not only due to recent splits between Fano and the federal government of Ethiopia, but also in response, the Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated the government’s stance of not exploiting the crisis in Sudan to settle scores, affirming neutrality towards all parties involved. In late 2020, Sudan took advantage of internal conflict in Ethiopia to forecibly reclaim much of the historically disputed territory, displacing Ethiopian faming communities in the process.

Abiy’s trip to Port Sudan marks a notable development despite previous tensions with the army. It places Ethiopia as a possible neutral arbiter towards ending the conflict, something that has so far eluded many would be peacemakers.

Abiy also maintains close ties with the United Arab Emirates, which has been widely accused of providing logistical support to the RSF—a claim denied by the UAE but deemed credible by U.N. experts.

As per recent report by U.S News, Alan Boswell, Director of Crisis Group’s Horn of Africa project said, “The key question for many observers is whether Abiy can position himself as a mediator between Burhan and the UAE or facilitate some kind of communication between them”.

So far Ethiopia has managed to stay neutral, avoiding the temptation to settle scores on the disputed Al-Fashaga territories. In addition, it continues to supply Sudan with cheap electric power, despite not being paid due to difficult circumstance.

Nonetheless, observers worry Ethiopia’s mediation efforts will be viewed with suspicion in Egypt, which has fully backed Al Burhan’s SAF against the RSF. Egypt and Ethiopia continue to haggle over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam, which now controls a significant portion of the Nile river water flow. Despite the two nations’ rivalries however, both sides would benefit from a peaceful Sudan.

The post Prime Minister Abiy of Ethiopia Meets Sudan’s Army Chief on Red Sea Coast appeared first on Abren.

At the inaugural conference of Tagadum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, attended by 600 participants, Abdallah Hamdok highlighted five critical issues for discussion over the three-day event: security reforms, humanitarian aid, health, education, and post-war reconstruction for Sudan. The agenda also includes presentations and deliberations on humanitarian concerns and hate speech.

Hamdok reaffirmed Tagadum’s neutral position, declaring, “We stand with the families of the martyrs, both civilian and military, and with those involuntarily caught up in this war.” This assertion was aimed at addressing claims that the anti-war coalition is biased towards the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) over the Sudanese army, a perception that has reportedly complicated communication with the army commander regarding potential peace negotiations.

The opening session saw the attendance of various dignitaries, including Ethiopian government officials, international envoys, and representatives from diplomatic missions in Addis Ababa. Hamdok praised Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed for his efforts in mediating the conflict in Sudan.

Contrary to simultaneous peace initiatives happening in Egypt and Saudi Arabia, fixated on mediating between Sudan’s warring army generals, efforts in Ethiopia are mainly focused on Sudan’s civilian leadership and civil society. 

The former Prime Minister expressed sorrow over the severe impact of the two-year conflict, highlighting the tragic loss of thousands of lives, the displacement of millions, and the extensive destruction it has wrought. He also extended his gratitude to the nations that have welcomed Sudanese refugees and urged them to continue their support and assistance.

Humanitarian warning

Hamdok highlighted the severe impact of the ongoing conflict in Sudan, noting unprecedented levels of devastation and humanitarian crisis. He emphasized the urgent threat of famine, which could claim millions of lives if not addressed, and called on regional and international communities to pressure both sides to allow unconditional aid. Hamdok also urged expedited negotiations for a ceasefire and transition to civilian rule.

Addressing allegations of bias, Hamdok reaffirmed Tagadum’s impartial stance and condemned the use of food and medicine as weapons against civilians. He stressed the catastrophic consequences of prolonging the war, including significant loss of life and the destruction of future generations. He also highlighted the rise of hate speech, calling for a strong response against racism and incitement.

Hamdok confirmed that efforts to engage both military leaders were ongoing, with invitations extended to the army and RSF commanders to discuss ending the war. He underscored that Tagadum aims to unify civil forces and form a broad coalition to ensure the survival of the Sudanese state. A round table conference was proposed to address national issues, with delegations from various political groups attending the conference’s opening session.

The post At Conference in Addis Ababa, Former PM Hamdok Calls for Peace and Unity in Sudan appeared first on Abren.

The military leader who typically maintains a low profile avoids travel abroad, but has recently gone to Uganda, where he held discussions with President Yoweri Museveni. While in Addis Ababa, Daglo expressed a vision for negotiations, cessation of hostilities, and the reconstruction of the Sudanese state on what he terms “new, just foundations.”

The RSF leader is anticipated to visit Kenya in the coming days. Emphasizing the importance of “securing peace and security,” Daglo met with Ethiopian Foreign Minister Demeke Mekonnen as well as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. In a statement made on X, Daglo mentioned that their discussions encompassed the urgent need to conclude the ongoing war, address the historical crisis in Sudan, and find effective ways to alleviate the hardships faced by the Sudanese people.

Dagalo’s trip to Addis Ababa occurs amid a flurry of diplomatic efforts to arrange a meeting between the RSF commander and his adversary, Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who also recently met with regional leaders, including those in Ethiopia, Kenya and Eritrea.

The conflicting generals have not held a face-to-face meeting since the hostilities began between their forces, resulting tens of thousands of civilians deaths according to conservative estimates, and the displacement of millions.

The Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD), a regional bloc representing eight countries in the broader East Africa region, has been working to facilitate a meeting between al-Burhan and Daglo since the onset of the war.

A planned meeting in Djibouti between the rivals on December 28 has been postponed to early January 2024 for technical reasons, as communicated by Djiboutian authorities.

Facing its own internal unrest in addition to a border dispute with Sudan, Ethiopia has remained muted regarding the on going war in Sudan. Maintaining neutrality is seen to be in the long term interest of the country.

Expressing concern about the escalating violence in Sudan, the UN Security Council recently highlighted the spread of fighting to areas that were previously considered safe havens for those displaced by the conflict.

In recent months, clashes have progressively expanded in central Sudan to areas previously held by the , with RSF combatants establishing checkpoints along the villages between Khartoum and Wad Madani. The RSF, whose main backer remains the United Arab Emirates is having the military upper hand in recent weeks of fighting.

According to the UN, the war has led to the internal displacement of more than seven million people, with an additional 1.5 million fleeing to neighboring countries. Both sides have faced accusations of committing war crimes.

The post Sudan’s RSF Leader Makes Public Trip to Ethiopia appeared first on Abren.

The conflict between the Sudanese army led by General Al Burhan and Rapid Support Forces led by General Dagalo has morphed into a full-blown civil war over the course of the eight months. Fighting has not spared even the capital, Kartoum. This week, the outskirts of Wad Madani, a town that had previously been untouched by the fighting has come under fire. A report by AFP indicates, Hundreds of thousands of Sudanese, seeking refuge in the city, had gathered there, but now find themselves in danger.

Since the conflict erupted on April 15 between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), Wad Madani, the capital of al-Jazira state located 180 kilometers south of Khartoum, has become a haven for approximately half a million displaced individuals escaping the strife in the capital, according to UN statistics.

However, in recent months, clashes have progressively expanded in the area, with combatants establishing checkpoints along the villages between Khartoum and Wad Madani.

On social media, displaced individuals from Khartoum shared images of billowing black smoke, expressing concerns about having to flee the conflict once again. On Friday, an AFP correspondent noted explosions emanating from the northern outskirts of the town.

Stores and businesses hastily shut down on Friday, while families took to the streets in search of transportation to move farther south, once again seeking refuge, as per AFP’s correspondent.

In a statement on Friday, the RSF declared its intention to “assure the dear citizens” of Al-Jazeera and Wad Madani that their forces aimed to “destroy the strongholds” of the army only and did not seek to harm civilians.

Human rights groups have accused both sides of attacking civilians throughout this conflict.

Earlier this month, hopeful signs emerged when regional heads of state in the Horn of Africa gathered in Djibouti to seek a ceasefire in Sudan. It was said army chief General al-Burhane and his nemesis General Daglo, leader of the formidable RSF paramilitaries would finally meet face to face to seek a negotiated settlement.

Eight months of conflict in Sudan has resulted in tens of thousands of fatalities, a figure likely significantly underestimated, given the relative isolation of the country. The Horn of Africa continues to experience security challenges, as countries in the region grapple with a myriad of conflicts and tensions made worse by external meddling in this highly strategic region of Africa.

The post Sudan: Conflict Spreads Amidst Growing Hopes for Peace appeared first on Abren.

The turmoil in Sudan escalated after tensions between military chief Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan and Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo erupted into open fighting in mid-April in Khartoum and other parts of the country. The conflict has its roots in the aftermath of a popular uprising in 2019 that led to the removal of longtime dictator Omar al-Bashir. The subsequent transition to democracy was short-lived, disrupted when the two generals joined forces for a military coup in October 2021. War ensued after their falling out 18 months later.

In a recent meeting of the IGAD, a consortium of East African countries, both Sudanese generals committed to “an unconditional cease-fire and resolution of the conflict through political dialogue.” The leaders also agreed to a “one-on-one meeting,” according to a statement from the bloc on Sunday. The details, including the time and place of the meeting between the generals, were not disclosed.

The toll of the conflict has been severe, with up tens of thousands of lives lost by October 2023, according to the United Nations. Activists and doctors’ groups claim that the actual number is much higher. While General Burhan attended the meeting in Djibouti, his arch nemesis General Dagalo’s whereabouts remained unknown. It was said he participated via phone.

According to AP News, Alexis Mohamed, an adviser to Djibouti’s president, stated on social media that the Sudanese generals had accepted the principle of meeting within 15 days to pave the way for confidence-building measures, ultimately leading to political talks to end the conflict.

The U.S. government, represented by Special Envoy Mike Hammer, welcomed the generals’ commitment to a cease-fire and a face-to-face meeting. The State Department called on them to “abide by these commitments and enter talks without delay.”

The Inter-Governmental Authority on Development, which includes, Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, Eritrea, South Sudan, Djibouti, and Uganda is actively involved in mediation efforts to end the conflict, alongside Saudi Arabia and the United States, which facilitated rounds of indirect talks between the warring parties in early November.

As the war unfolded, it initially centered in Khartoum but quickly spread to other areas, including the western region of Darfur. Over 6 million people were displaced, with 1.2 million seeking refuge in neighboring countries, according to U.N. figures. In Darfur, the conflict has evolved into ethnic violence, with the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) led by Dagalo and allied Arab militias targeting supporters of the Sudanese Armed Forces led by General Burhan. Earlier this month, the U.S. State Department accused the RSF and the Sudanese military of being responsible for war crimes or crimes against humanity, or both, in Darfur. The international community seeks to end the war soon before it becomes a wider configuration that threatens the very survival of the Sudanese state.

The post Progress towards peace as Sudan warring sides agree to talk appeared first on Abren.

The UNHCR told the BBC Amharic service that it had “credible reports” as far back as months ago of efforts to recruit fighters among the refugees. Based on previous allegations by Ethiopian officials and reports by Sudanese media the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), an armed insurgency currently at war with the government of Ethiopia, had been actively recruiting fighters from these shelters.

The report of forced recruitment by the UN agency comes days after the resumption of fighting between the militants and Ethiopian government forces, ending a tacit humanitarian truce agreed to by both parties in April, 2022.

Officials of the UNHCR said they had reported their concerns to Sudanese authorities in Khartoum as well as locally. However, it is not clear exactly how many fighters had been recruited or when the recruitment was carried out.

Experts in Ethiopia had warned of the dangers of refugee camps becoming incubation grounds for insurgents. In the 1980s the TPLF had used similar tactics to recruit fighters among refugees that had encamped in eastern Sudan. The same patterns of using the region as a launching pad for the group’s fresh insurrection is thus likely to continue. Ethiopian authorities worry this could draw in other regional actors who seek to use Tigray’s rebels as proxy to attack Ethiopia’s central government.

Citing fears of an Ethiopian incursion to deal with the cross border TPLF militants, the Sudanese government recently announced closing down of the Hamdayet border reception center near Humera. Ethiopian authorities have made clear their desire to see refugee camps along the border relocate to other areas away from zones they view as threatening. Many officials believe the camps are too closely positioned, thus accommodate subversive actors.

On several occasions, authorities in Addis Ababa have accused the TPLF of disguising fighters as refugees registered in eastern Sudanese UNHCR shelters. Some of the purported refugees are members of the TPLF allied, Samre youth group, which was involved in the Mai Cadra massacre, in which several hundred Amhara civilians were brutally murdered, however, refrained from saying Sudanese officials were involved in facilitating military recruitment.

One week ago, Bloomberg reported that former Ethiopian UN-Peacekeepers in Abyei who had defected from the army at the outset of the Tigray war, were resettled in UNHCR refugee camps in eastern Sudan, where they joined up with TPLF militants. Ethiopian official says the bulk of these UN Peacekeepers had been “card carrying members” of the TPLF prior to the outbreak of the conflict on November 4, 2020.

Spokesperson for the TPLF, Getachew Reda, confirmed to Bloomberg the existence of Ex-UN Peacekeeper among the TPLF rank in eastern Sudan. Sudanese officials have neither confirmed nor denied this claim.

Following renewed clashes in northern Ethiopia, the UN refugee agency said it is concerned about the potential for more refugee arrivals and is monitoring the situation closely. This will threaten to immerse Sudan deeper into the conflict.

Given their history, TPLF leaders have a keen understanding of the use for such proximity refugee camps where recruitment and organizing for their cause can occur. Ethiopian authorities also fear the potential effects of these camps becoming military equipment smuggling centers, as was the case in the 1980s. 

As far as the Ethiopians are concerned, Sudan is quietly providing real-estate to the TPLF fighters disguised as UNHCR refugees, while Egypt continues to funnel weapons as well as training to the group, which aims to dislodge both the government of Ethiopia and Eritrea. Given the history of the region this is not all that outlandish

More troubling is the UNHCR’s lack of credible investigations into these serious allegations. Up until now, the UN institutions seem to have implicitly turned a blind eye to it. World Health Organization Director General, Tedros Adhanom, an Ethiopian himself and longtime senior member of the TPLF has repeatedly blamed the government of Ethiopia for atrocities, but has never shown the slightest concern about military recruitment at UNHCR camps based in Eastern Sudan.

In this regard, the UN, US, and EU seem to have implicitly expressed support for activities of the TPLF and their foreign sponsors. This is increasingly being interpreted as covert support for the armed insurgency, which portends to fester and widen.

The post UN Refugee Camps in Sudan as Recruitment Centers for TPLF appeared first on Abren.

On September 10, 2021 CNN published an article entitled “Men are marched out of prison camps. Then corpses float down the river”, in which a gruesome portrayal of alleged executions of ethnic Tigray men in Northern Ethiopia is presented.

The town is Ethiopia’s Humera and the suspected perpetrators are Ethiopia’s security services. To the average Western audience, it all sounds plausible, and the premise is all too familiar. A poor African country, and a regime with a natural inclination to brutalize its own people is the image that comes up instinctively. Regrettably, this level of ignorance can easily pass unnoticed in the prejudiced framework in which many in the mainstream media dwell. This is exactly the agenda setting reporting exploited by authors of the article to mislead readers. Stories like this prey on an audience already steeped in many tropes and stereotypes about Africans that makes such egregious misinformation possible in the first place.

In brief, the article outlines how dead bodies had floated down the Tekeze and Setit rivers and made their way into Sudan where they were discovered. The authors’ investigations lead them to the town of Humera, where allegedly, Ethiopia’s security services are executing Tigrayan prisoners and dumping their bodies in the river. The story is indeed carefully designed to grab attention, illicit sadness and even anger among its readers. But it misses on critical feature of journalism, which is to provide evidence for the story being told. Indeed, very little evidence exists for the claim besides hearsay largely coming from TPLF fixers and activists.

In fact, the primary testimonial provided is from a certain Gebretensae Gebrekristos “Gerrie” who states “We get calls from people in Humera that witnesses — often escaped detainees — saw people marched down to the river in one of the facilities and heard gunshots, or that a number of people were taken by soldiers from the detention facilities and never returned.  We’re told to look out for their bodies coming down the river.” Of course, while Gerrie is giving his testimony he’s donning a ballcap with TPLF insignia. Clearly, he is a Sudan based fixer for the insurgents, yet the reporter never cares to consider this major inconsistency. they just run with the story.

Perhaps more intriguing is the original article published on September 5, 2021 clearly mentions “Ongoing independent investigations by international and local forensic experts found no evidence that the victims had drowned. The experts, who asked not to be identified due to security concerns, told CNN that the bodies had all been exposed to some form of chemical agent after death, leading to a process which had effectively preserved them before entering the water”. For what purpose the bodies would be injected with preservatives after being killed is not elaborated. However, a closer look at a later version published on the 10^th of September 2021, raises some serious issues of credibility. Namely, the new version of article features a silent edit, in which CNN removed all mention of finding chemical agents, likely preservatives in the dead bodies floating down river. Why disguise such an important piece of information?  

The presence of preservatives in the corpses is intriguing. Ethiopian News outlets have alleged these are the bodies of TPLF’s war dead, which had been injected with chemical preservatives, disguised as tortured civilians, dumped in the river, and then later fished out by the group for attention grabbing sensational news story to deceive the International Community. Certainly, this needs more corroboration. But can we really say it’s too far fetched? For a group that has thus far shown the depths of its depravity, anything is possible.

All of this lends credence to forewarning provided by many social media commentators and bloggers that had indicated the TPLF had been planning to stage an attention-grabbing news around the time of USAID’s Samantha Power’s visit to Sudan in late July to early August of 2021. Right on cue, Reuters reports on August 2, 2021 “At least 30 bodies float down river between Ethiopia’s Tigray region and Sudan”; while AP News on the same day writes, “Bodies found in river between Ethiopia’s Tigray, Sudan” In a seemingly coordinated propaganda ploy, mainstream media pick up the tidbits of information and run with without confirming the sources or the evidence whatsoever.

This sort of irresponsible journalism has unfortunately become the norm when it comes to reporting current events in Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa in general. At this point it has become clear mainstream media has willfully and deliberately choosing to misinform its audiences on a continues bases. However, manufacturing consent for regime change has proven difficult as more people continue to challenge the credibility of such stories.

Readers can find both the original and the modified versions through links provided below. In this Regard, we would like to thank the important services provided by the Wayback Machine, an internet archives platform preserving digital history.

References

Silently edited version of the report with no mention of chemical agents. in this later version, CNN removed this as it would pose serious credibility based question.

The original version before redactions. This version is currently only found on CNN Philippines website. It has been erased from other CNN sources. But don’t worry. We have it achieved, just in case.

The post When CNN Misrepresented News on Ethiopia appeared first on Abren.