1. The Case of Restoring Law and Order in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia

Politics The Case of Restoring Law and Order in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia

The Government of Ethiopia has geared its focus on rebuilding of what had been destroyed during the conflict, reinstituting the regional government structure at all levels to provide the necessary public services, providing humanitarian assistance to the needy, rehabilitating the displaced, bringing the perpetrators to justice, and undertaking peace building activities in the region.

Photo credit: eeas.europa.eu

H.E. Demeke Mekonnen, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia visited Brussels form 24-25 November 2020, as part of his tour to various European Capitals. During his visit to Brussels, H.E. Mr. Demeke met with H. E. Josep Borrell, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy / Vice-President of the European Commission (HR/VP), Her Excellency Sophie Wilmes, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Belgium, and H.E. Mr. Janez Lerancic, Commissioner for Crisis Management of the European Union, and exchanged views regarding the latest developments in Ethiopia, during which he explained about the law enforcement operation under taken by the Government of Ethiopia in Tigray region to restore order and stability.

He briefed the officials about the efforts made prior to the operation by the Government of Ethiopia to encourage the TPLF leadership to be part and parcel of the popular democratization process, and the intransigence of the latter to engage in the peaceful political undertakings. Underlining the primary responsibility of the Federal Government to maintain the rule of law, ensure peace and security of the people of Ethiopia, and protect and defend the constitution of the land, H.E. Mr. Demeke further explained that the government’s law enforcement operation was targeted only on the perpetrators of the conflict; and the operation was carried out giving maximum care to avoid civilian casualties.

On the occasion, H.E. Demeke also explained at length about the atrocities committed by the TPLF leadership at Mai Kadra, a small town in western Tigray, the destruction caused by the group on major infrastructures, such as bridges, roads and the Axum airport as well as the targeted propaganda that led to the fleeing of innocent civilians to the Sudan.

On the onset of the law-and-order operation, there were speculations by some parts of the international community that the conflict would degenerate into a civil war and would have serious impact on the stability of the Horn of Africa. The government of Ethiopia from the beginning

of the operation reassured those who expressed their genuine concerns and the international community at large that the operation would be swift and handled responsibly. It is to be recalled that the government of Ethiopia concluded the operation within three weeks of its start with maximum care to avoid civilian casualties.

Immediately after the completion of the operation, the government has geared its focus on rebuilding of what had been destroyed during the conflict, reinstituting the regional government structure at all levels to provide the necessary public services, providing humanitarian assistance to the needy, rehabilitating the displaced, bringing the perpetrators to justice, and undertaking peace building activities in the region.

Besides briefing the officials on the law enforcement operations in the Tigray National Regional State, Deputy Prime Minister Demeke had an opportunity to exchange views on how to strengthen the relations and cooperation with the European Union institutions and with the Kingdom of Belgium. He also exchanged views on the progress of the reform process initiated in Ethiopia two and a half years ago. He assured the officials of the unwavering resolve of Ethiopia to continue its reform agenda and ensuring peace and stability in the region.

Having over a century old relationship with the Kingdom of Belgium and more than half a century old partnership with the European Union, Ethiopia values its relationship with both partners and collaborates with them on many issues of mutual interest at bilateral, regional, and global levels based on a mutual and respectful partnership spirit.

Photo credit: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia

Photo credit: diplomatie.belgium.be Photo credit: diplomatie.belgium.be