“We will fight to the death to protect Ethiopia”: Ambassador Henok

Addis Ababa, December 14, 2021 (FBC) – In an exclusive interview with France Culture, A French public radio channel and part of the Radio France, Ethiopian Ambassador to France, Spain, Portugal, Holy See and Monaco, Henok Tefera explained a lot of issues regarding the current situation in Ethiopia.

Ambassador Henok underlined the significance of the joint UN-EHRC report on alleged allegations in Tigray in holding those involved in the atrocities accountable.

Ambassador Henok said, “The joint report, which was publicly accepted by the government, was rejected by the TPLF. Why is did it reject this report? Because this report established a number of truths. First, it refuted the idea that the government used famine as a weapon of war. Second, the report refutes the idea that there was any form of genocide that was committed in Tigray. Third, the report highlights that the biggest massacres that have been perpetrated in this conflict have been perpetrated by the TPLF, and in particular the MaiKadra massacre, committed at the start of the conflict, a year ago, or more over 1,000 civilians, men, women and children have been slaughtered just because they belong to a certain ethnic group.

“The report therefore shed light on a number of truths and misinformation circulating in the press under the influence of the TPLF. Based on this report, a number of people have already been brought to justice and even sentenced by court martial for human rights abuses. We take all aspects of this report seriously at the highest level, while the TPLF categorically rejects it.”, the Ambassador added.

Regarding attempts by the western powers in intervene in Ethiopia’s internal affairs, the Ambassador said “We Ethiopian have a mentality that makes us resilient against any external pressure. You know, this is not the first time Ethiopia has come under pressure. She has seen others. For example in 1936, when Benito Mussolini decided to invade the country, the international community of the time put pressure on Ethiopia to accept the Italian invasion. Ethiopia said no, we would rather fight for our freedom than accept to live under the domination of anyone. We have that experience. We will fight to the death to protect Ethiopia”