Reports reaching ESAT from Ethiopia say the TPLF regime is deploying
thousands of its troops and Agazi Special Forces to the Amhara region where
uprising against the regime is gaining momentum as more towns and
localities removed local administrations and the security, and replaced
them with interim administrations elected by the people.
Thousands of troops in a dozens of convoys and heavy machinery were seen
heading towards northern Gondar via Wuchale, Wollo as the alternative and
direct routes were closed by protesters, according to a sources who spoke
to ESAT.
ESAT is yet to verify the information but high ranking TPLF military and
civilian officials led by chief of staff Samora Yenus have arrived in
Gondar. Close observers of the new developments say the regime was heading
towards forming military posts and putting in place a military
administration as seen in the Oromo region of the country where a nine
month protest has relatively quieted this month.
Deadly protests have however continued on Tuesday in Gondar and Gojam where
seven protesters – three in Adet and four in Simada – were shot and killed
by TPLF forces. Three people were also killed in Merawi.
In Bahir Dar, angry protesters went to the Sebatamit prison and freed 700
prisoners who were detained in the recent protests. Several people were
injured in the shoot out to free the prisoners, according to hospital
sources. Gun fire could be heard on Tuesday in the city of Bahir Dar which
saw deadly protests on Monday as four people were killed and protesters
attacked businesses belonging to the regime.
In Amba Giorgis, regime forces attacked residents who on Monday targeted
businesses and set on fire houses belonging regime officials.
Tensions remained high in Fnote Selam that has seen deadly protests in
recent days. Offices and businesses remained closed on Tuesday in Finote
Selam.
Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn blamed the unrest on what he called
“foreign forces” bent on distracting the country from its development and
fomenting ethnic conflicts. He declined to name the “foreign forces” but
went on to accuse them of providing financial support to Ethiopian
opposition forces in the diaspora. The Premier’s accusations did not come
as a surprise to political observers who said that it has been customary
for the regime to blame external forces for all its internal crises.
Meanwhile, human rights groups called for an independent investigations
into the killings and incarceration of civilians by security forces in
Ethiopia. Defend Defenders, Amnesty International, Ethiopian Human Rights
Project, Frontline Defenders and FIDH called in a joint statement for the
immediate cessation of the killings and detention of peaceful citizens and
members of the civic society.
Received on Wed Aug 31 2016 - 18:40:27 EDT