Western Diplomats Rush to Tigray Amid Growing Internal Political Fragmentation
Opposition Leader Lidetu Ayalew Barred from Boarding Flight
Western Diplomats Rush to Tigray Amid Growing Internal Political Fragmentation
The war-torn Tigray region is facing severe internal political fragmentation, with rising hostility within the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) faction creating unprecedented challenges in focusing on humanitarian aid and rebuilding efforts.
A delegation of envoys from the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Denmark, and the European Union (EU) traveled to Tigray on Tuesday to discuss the implementation of the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) and the region's political situation with Tigray Interim Regional Administration (IRA) President Getachew Reda in the regional capital, Mekelle.
During the discussion, Getachew urged the envoys to play an active role in ensuring the full implementation of the CoHA. The envoys emphasized that the return of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) should be a priority for all stakeholders involved in the Agreement and pledged to do all they could to support this effort.
The delegation also met with IDPs in Mekelle, where displaced individuals expressed their ongoing suffering in makeshift shelters. Additionally, the envoys discussed the political situation with Debretsion Gebremichael, chairman of the TPLF.
WFP Raises Concerns Over TPLF's Mandatory Contributions from IDPs
The World Food Program (WFP) has raised concerns with the Tigray Interim Administration about the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) collecting mandatory contributions of 200 birr per person from Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the region.
The Interim Administration condemned the practice and instructed lower-level authorities to halt the collection of these mandatory contributions. TPLF officials were reportedly collecting the funds in the name of supporting the party and its upcoming Golden Jubilee celebrations.
While the TPLF denied forcing IDPs to make these contributions, they admitted to raising funds through voluntary donations, including from the IDPs themselves.
Ethiopia Ranks 99th in 2024 Corruption Perception Index
Ethiopia has been ranked 99th out of 180 countries globally in the 2024 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) by Transparency International. The country scored 37 out of 100, maintaining the same score as in 2023. This score is above the sub-Saharan African average of 33 but still below the global average of 43. A score below 50 indicates serious levels of corruption in the public sector.
Opposition Leader Lidetu Ayalew Barred from Boarding Ethiopian Airlines Flight
Prominent Ethiopian opposition leader Lidetu Ayalew claimed he was barred from boarding an Ethiopian Airlines flight from Atlanta, US, to Ethiopia for undisclosed reasons.
Despite holding a valid Ethiopian passport and travel documents, Lidetu said airline executives prevented him from boarding, telling him he would need a special permit from the Ethiopian Embassy in Washington. He vowed to return home via another airline.
Lidetu had left for the US three years ago for medical reasons. Last year, Ethiopian authorities issued an arrest warrant for him, accusing him of terrorism and conspiracy to overthrow the government of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
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