Eritrean Troops Accused of Crimes Against Humanity in Aksum

Name: Eritrean Troops Accused of Crimes Against Humanity in Aksum
Start: 2021-02-26
Location: Unspecified

Uncovering the Tragedy in Aksum

In late November 2021, a shocking report from Amnesty International unveiled serious allegations against Eritrean troops involved in the ongoing Tigray conflict in Ethiopia. According to the findings, these troops may have committed grave violations of international law, potentially amounting to crimes against humanity against civilians in the city of Aksum during an assault carried out on the 28th and 29th of November.

The Attack on Aksum

The eye-opening report detailed how Eritrean forces, alongside Ethiopian federal troops, allegedly targeted civilians indiscriminately, leading to the deaths of hundreds. During this brutal offensive, many individuals were reported to have been executed, and others suffered severe injuries from the violence. The destruction of infrastructure and access restrictions for humanitarian aid exacerbated the suffering in Aksum.

Eyewitness Accounts

Witnesses recounted harrowing tales of violence, with many describing how soldiers stormed residential areas, firing at anyone in sight. The accounts illustrated a pattern of unlawful killings and systematic attacks aimed at civilians, echoing fears among international observers of escalating humanitarian crises rooted in the ethnic tensions behind the Tigray conflict.

The Wider Context of the Tigray Conflict

The situation in Aksum is just one of many crises engulfing the Tigray region since the conflict erupted in late 2020. Eritrean forces were accused by international human rights organizations of collaborating with Ethiopian government troops in a brutal crackdown against those suspected of supporting the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).

Role of Eritrean Forces in the Conflict

Eritrean troops were initially supporting the Ethiopian military's operations against the TPLF. However, reports indicate that their actions extended into areas populated by civilians, raising substantial concerns regarding their tactics and compliance with humanitarian law.

International Response to the Accusations

Following these revelations, there has been a growing chorus of demand for accountability. Human rights groups, along with several governments, have urged for independent investigations into these allegations, stressing the crucial need for justice in light of the escalating violence in the region.

Fun Fact

The Historical Significance of Aksum

Aksum is not only the site of contemporary tragedy; it also holds rich historical significance. The city once served as the capital of the Aksumite Empire, which was one of the great civilizations of the ancient world, known for its monumental obelisks and as an early adopter of Christianity.