GSTS Expresses Disappointment with African Union Chairperson’s Statement
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The Global Society of Tigrian Scholars and Professionals (GSTS) has issued a critique of the recent statement by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, regarding the new clashes in southern #Tigray.
In a press release on Friday, GSTS expressed deep disappointment with what it described as an “alarmist and misleading” statement by the chairman, stating that Mahamat failed to acknowledge the areas in question are legally under the administration of Tigray and were illegally annexed by forces of the Amhara regional government.
“This statement by Mr. Faki Mahamat is deeply disappointing and misleading,” said GSTS in their press release. “It is very surprising that H.E. seems to be unaware, or premeditatedly chose to ignore, that the areas he mentions in his statement are part of the constitutionally recognized territories of Tigray.”
GSTS also condemned the AU’s decision to suspend its investigation into human rights abuses in Tigray, including ethnic cleansing, war crimes, and acts of genocide.
“We call upon Mr. Faki Mahamat to discharge his responsibilities in a manner that supports and not hinders the implementation of the CoHA,” stated GSTS.
“Failure to apply all pressures and available instruments to enact the full implementation of the AUC-sponsored and led Pretoria Agreement not only endangers the ongoing peace process but also sets a dangerous precedent for perpetuating more conflicts in Ethiopia and other parts of Africa.”
On Thursday, AU Chair Moussa Faki Mahamat issued a statement expressing his concern over recent clashes in what he called “contested areas in Northern Ethiopia.”
Speaking to the BBC this week, Tigray IRA President Getachew Reda said that there was no fighting involving regular forces from both sides. He reiterates his administration’s commitment to the full implementation of the Pretoria agreement.
GSTS called on the African Union to ensure “the immediate, complete and unconditional withdrawal of all foreign (Eritrean) and Non-ENDF (Amhara) forces from the constitutionally recognized territories of Tigray according to the CoHA and Nairobi declaration of the senior commanders.”
Abel Tsgabu
