In a statement put out by the council, a resolution classifying both TPLF and the OLA as terrorist organizations was tabled and approved. Constituting of 20 ministers, including the prime minister and the deputy prime minister, the council claimed the “reform” which came about in 2018 has been under constant threat by both groups and that many innocent lives have been lost, thousands have been displaced, and seriously affected by attacks from both groups.
‘In the last three years, there have been several attacks on civilians in various parts of the country to reverse the reforms that have taken place through the demands and struggles of the Ethiopian people for democracy and human rights’ the statement read.’ As a result, many lives have been lost and maimed, citizens have been displaced and properties were destroyed. These attacks have left society in constant anticipation of danger and tear, undermine trust in the government and among the people. Various pieces of evidence point to the existential threat faced by the state as a result of these organized actions.’
After assigning the responsibility of recent turmoil and instability to both groups, the statement proceeded to argue that TPLF and OLA ‘are being exploited by foreign forces seeking to weaken, disrupt and dismantle Ethiopia.’ Although the statement doesn’t clearly state who the foreign forces are, it’s clear as day-light, when only recently Sudan and Egypt have been depicted on national Ethiopian state media as the destabilizing forces in Ethiopia, especially in issues related to the GERD.
The Prime minister is hoping the house will invoke Article 3 of Proclamation No. 1176/2020 on the Prevention and Suppression of Terrorism Crimes. The council of ministers has already scrutinized evidence that incriminates both organizations, and the house will ultimately deliberate on whether The TPLF and OLA should be designated terrorist organizations.
‘Therefore, per Articles 18 and 19 of Proclamation No. 1176/2020 on the Prevention and Suppression of Terrorism Crimes, and since “Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF)” and “Shene” operate as terrorists and their management or decision-makers have acknowledged or are leading destructive activities on the nation, and since terrorism is a general feature of the organizations, a resolution has been tabled to designate these organizations as terrorist organizations.’
The statement continued: ‘Per Article 23 of Proclamation No. 1176/2020 on the Prevention and Suppression of Terrorism Crimes, this decision will become applicable to organizations and individuals who collaborate, have links with or relate to the ideas and actions of the designated terrorist organizations and others who have engaged in similar activities.’
What comes next?
If the House of Representatives designates both TPLF and OLA as terrorist organizations, then all transactions and dealings of both organizations are made void along with the dissolution of both at the request of the Federal Attorney General.
This move in particular is a huge blow to hopes of a peaceful resolution to the countries woes, especially with the international community pushing for an inclusive national dialogue, where all sides can agree to end hostilities and come to a binding agreement to streamline the reform process.
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