Eritrean Troops Accused of War Crimes in Tigray, Amnesty International Reports

Eritrean Troops Accused of War Crimes in Tigray, Amnesty International Reports

Eritrean troops, in alliance with Ethiopia’s government, are being accused of committing war crimes and potential crimes against humanity in the region of Tigray, according to a report released by Amnesty International. The report reveals a pattern of atrocities, including rape, sexual enslavement, and extrajudicial executions, that continued even after the signing of a peace agreement.

Amnesty International’s East and Southern Africa director, Tigere Chagutah, stated that despite the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, Eritrean soldiers subjected women in Tigray to horrific abuse, including gang rape and sexual enslavement. Major human rights violations, tantamount to war crimes and possibly crimes against humanity, were extensively documented in Amnesty’s report.

Disturbing accounts from survivors and witnesses highlight the horrifying experiences endured by civilians. Some women were raped within Eritrean military camps, while others were attacked and held captive in their own homes. A single mother of three disclosed that she was repeatedly raped for three months and imprisoned in a military camp along with 14 other women. These victims were not only subjected to sexual violence but were also deprived of basic necessities like food and water.

Amnesty International further reported that between November 2022 and January 2023, 24 civilians, including one woman, were executed. These findings were based on interviews with survivors, eyewitnesses, victims’ families, and local officials.

In response to the allegations, Eritrea’s mission to the United Nations criticized Amnesty International, accusing the organization of pursuing a campaign against their country and aiming to create division between Eritrea and Ethiopia. They dismissed the allegations as lacking substance and merit, attributing them to flawed methodology and the regurgitation of unsubstantiated claims from anonymous sources.

Amnesty International has called for investigations into the accusations by both the governments of Addis Ababa and Asmara. They have also urged the United Nations’ Human Rights Council to extend the mandate of the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia, which had previously reported evidence of widespread violations and potential war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Furthermore, Amnesty has requested that the African Union’s rights commission reconsider its decision to halt an investigation into atrocities in Tigray without publishing its findings or recommendations. Ethiopia has consistently rejected international efforts to investigate abuses relating to the conflict in Tigray, expressing concerns about the potential impact on the progress of the peace agreement brokered by the African Union.

Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki has previously dismissed allegations of rights abuses by Eritrean troops in Tigray as fantasy. However, due to restricted media access in Tigray, independent verification of the situation on the ground remains challenging.

The accusations against Eritrean troops and the harrowing accounts of the victims highlight the urgent need for a thorough investigation into the alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Tigray. The international community must work together to ensure accountability and justice for the victims while also promoting lasting peace and stability in the region.