Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – (African Boulevard News) – Behind the government’s public enthusiasm for transitional justice mechanisms, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has been quietly undermining the commissions set up to look into war crimes committed in Tigray, Ethiopia.
The Tigray conflict, which erupted in November 2020, has been marred by allegations of widespread human rights abuses and war crimes. In response to international pressure, the Ethiopian government established a series of commissions to investigate these allegations and ensure justice is served. However, recent reports indicate that these commissions have been facing significant challenges and interference from the government.
One of the key commissions, the Independent Commission on Human Rights, has been struggling to access Tigray and gather evidence due to numerous administrative obstacles. Experts argue that these obstacles are intentionally imposed by the government to impede the commission’s work and prevent it from uncovering the truth.
In addition, the Commission of Inquiry into Tigray, which was tasked with investigating alleged war crimes, has been subject to political interference. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has been accused of undermining the commission by appointing individuals who are believed to have ties to the military or are sympathetic to the government’s narrative. This has raised concerns about the commission’s impartiality and ability to deliver justice.
Human rights organizations and activists have expressed their frustration with the government’s actions. They argue that without independent and impartial commissions, the pursuit of justice in Tigray will remain elusive. Mulugeta Gebrehiwot, a prominent human rights lawyer, stated, “The government’s actions speak louder than its words. It is clear that they do not want the truth to come out, and they are actively working to obstruct the justice process.”
The international community has also expressed its concern over the government’s interference in the justice mechanisms. Several countries and organizations have called for an independent investigation into the alleged war crimes in Tigray and have urged the Ethiopian government to cooperate fully.
The two faces of Tigray justice highlight the challenges faced by Ethiopia in its pursuit of accountability. While the government publicly claims its commitment to justice, its actions behind the scenes tell a different story. The lack of transparency and interference in the commissions’ work raise serious doubts about the government’s intentions and its willingness to address the atrocities committed in Tigray.
As the international pressure mounts, it remains to be seen if the Ethiopian government will take concrete steps to ensure justice for the victims of the Tigray conflict. The world is watching, and the truth must prevail for the sake of the countless individuals who have suffered unimaginable atrocities in Tigray.
