Ethiopia crisis: A country in turmoil, India says it needs world's support - in pics

Ethiopia, since 1994, had a federal system of government where different ethnic groups controlled the affairs of the country's ten regions. The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), a powerful party from Tigray, was a key factor in the setting up of this system. According to reports, Tigrayans make up around 7% of the population. But in 2018 it all changed with Abiy Ahmed's party coming to power. A member of the Oromo, Ethiopia's largest ethnic group, Abiy - now the Prime Minister of Ethiopia - brought about sweeping changes.

In the picture, members of Amhara special forces stand along a street in Humera town (Pic: Reuters)

 

Since November 2020, fighting has ensued between the government of Ethiopia and forces in its northern Tigray region. There has been turmoil in the country that have left thousands dead, with 350,000 others living in famine conditions, reported BBC. Both sides have been accused of gross human rights violaions.

The picture shows food aid running out in the Tigray region of Ethiopia (Pic: Reuters)

Speaking at United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on Peace and Security in Africa, India's Permanent Representative to UN, TS Tirumurti said, "There is an urgent need to scale up efforts consistent with UN guiding principles for humanitarian assistance. Ethiopia needs all the support it can get from the international community."

(Pic: Twitter/@ambtstirumurti)

The conflict in Tigray is having a severe impact on the civilian population. The fighting in Tigray broke out in last November after the Ethiopian government accused the TPLF of attacking a regional military base to hijack weapons and arm the anti-government militia. The Ethiopian forces launched a military operation in the conflict-torn region, with Eritrea sending its troops to help Addis Ababa (Capital of Ethiopia). "The unilateral ceasefire announced by the Government of Ethiopia on June 28, 2021, was an important step. Unfortunately, the opportunity provided by the ceasefire seems not to have been grasped, with the continuing aggression and belligerence of one side, and the spread of fighting beyond the Tigray region," said Tirumurti.

In the picture, troops in Eritrean uniforms are seen on top of a truck near the town of Adigrat. (Pic: Reuters)

Tirumurti strongly denounced and condemned all atrocities committed by armed groups against civilians including children. "Those responsible for human rights violations and sexual violence perpetrated in Tigray should be prosecuted," said the Indian envoy.

In the picture, a tank damaged during the fighting between Ethiopia’s National Defense Force (ENDF) and Tigray Special Forces stands on the outskirts of Humera town.  (Pic: Reuters)