If Int’l community wants an end to conflict, it must push for punitive measure against TPLF – Security Scholar
Addis Ababa, September 16, 2022 (FBC) – Approached by FBC, the renowned international security scholar, Ann Fitz-Gerald said the the Ethiopian Government has declared a unilateral ceasefire in June 2021 and then a humanitarian truce in March 2022 to give peace a chance and create favorable conditions for relief operations into Tigray.
“But TPLF did not reciprocate the same, rather continued its belligerent activity,” Professor Ann Fitz-Gerald noted.
“If a rebel force is attacking a country, no responsible government is going to sit by passively and watch this happen without protecting the people,” She underscored.
If the international community really wants to see the end of the conflict in Ethiopia, it must push for punitive measures against the TPLF which is blocking peace options.
Ann Fitz-Geral recalled that sanctions have been levied on the Ethiopian government. But no sanctions or even a threat of sanction have been projected towards the other party of this conflict, the rebellious TPLF force and its leaders.
Sanctions have to be levied against the party which is blocking the peace talks without hesitation, he stressed.
TPLF leaders had been in power for 27 years. And, it developed relationships and friendships with members of the international diplomatic community, leaders and different prominent figures. And these bodies are echoing only what the TPLF is saying, she said.
The TPLF dominated regime also put in place very debilitating laws and legislation thereby moving forward through democratic pathways was not possible, the scholar indicated.
“TPLF’s leaders have overseas assets and bank accounts. It’s a blank check for them to continue with warfare and efforts to pursue economic objectives and power grab objectives. And that is why they are continuing the belligerence.”
But, there are still ways to bring an end to the conflict, and the international partners should stand behind the African Union-led process, she stated.
Professor Ann Fitz-Gerald said that African leaders are very skilled at facilitating this dialogue between parties, calling the international community to support the AU-led process toward peaceful resolution of the conflict.