Natalia Makaridze

Master of International Relations

Georgian Institute of Public Affairs (GIPA)

Tbilisi, Georgia

Abstract

In 2022, while global attention fixated on the war in Ukraine, a devastating conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region resulted in more fatalities than several other high-profile conflicts combined. This article delves into the harrowing details of the war between the Ethiopian government, allied with Eritrea, and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). It examines the widespread atrocities committed, the severe humanitarian crisis that ensued, and the muted international response. By highlighting the geopolitical and media dynamics that contributed to the global neglect of the Tigray War, this piece underscores the urgent need for justice and sustained attention to prevent future atrocities.

Keywords

Tigray War, Ethiopia, TPLF, Eritrea, Human Rights, War Crimes, Humanitarian Crisis, International Response, Media Coverage, Atrocities, Geopolitical Neglect, Transitional Justice

The Unseen Conflict – A Grim Reality in Tigray

In 2022, as the world’s attention fixated on the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a less publicized yet equally catastrophic conflict raged on in Tigray, the northernmost region of Ethiopia. The war, which began in November 2020, pitted the Ethiopian government and its Eritrean allies against the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). This brutal conflict, characterized by widespread atrocities, resulted in an estimated 600,000 deaths, a staggering number surpassing the fatalities in Ukraine, Yemen, Myanmar, Nigeria, Somalia, Mali, and Burkina Faso combined.

The war in Tigray unfolded amidst a backdrop of long-standing ethnic tensions and historical conflicts. Ethiopia’s three major ethnic groups—the Oromos, Amharas, and Tigrayans—have a complex and often contentious history. Additionally, the border conflict with Eritrea, which shares a northern boundary with Tigray, further complicated the situation. The immediate cause of the war was a clash between the federal government led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the TPLF, which controlled the Tigrayan regional government. Both sides accused each other of unconstitutional actions, culminating in the TPLF’s alleged attack on the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF) headquarters in Mekelle, the capital of Tigray.

The federal government’s response was swift and severe. In collaboration with Eritrean forces and regional Amhara militias, they launched a full-scale military offensive against Tigray. The conflict quickly escalated, leading to massive mobilizations on both sides. The Tigrayan Defence Forces managed to recapture Mekelle in June 2021 and even advanced towards Addis Ababa before being pushed back in November 2021. The final phase of the conflict saw a relentless assault by Eritrean, Ethiopian, and Amhara forces, culminating in the signing of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) in November 2022.

The human toll of this conflict was devastating. A total blockade of Tigray was enforced, cutting off electricity, banking services, telecommunications, and internet access. Humanitarian agencies were barred from entering, and the region was plunged into darkness, both literally and figuratively. Reports of atrocities began to surface, painting a harrowing picture of the war’s impact on civilians. According to the UN International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia (ICHREE), all parties to the conflict committed war crimes and crimes against humanity on a staggering scale.

One of the most horrific aspects of the Tigray war was the widespread use of sexual violence. Tigrayan women and girls were subjected to brutal and systematic rape by Ethiopian and Eritrean forces, as well as regional militias. ICHREE’s findings revealed that sexual violence was perpetrated on an unprecedented scale throughout the conflict. In addition to physical violence, the blockade led to severe shortages of food and medicine, resulting in the deaths of tens of thousands of people due to famine and lack of medical care.

Amnesty International’s report on the situation in Western Tigray documented a campaign of ethnic cleansing against Tigrayan civilians. Newly-appointed officials and security forces from the Amhara region, with the possible participation of Ethiopian federal forces, expelled hundreds of thousands of Tigrayans from their homes. These expulsions were accompanied by unlawful killings, mass arbitrary detentions, sexual violence, and the denial of humanitarian assistance. The systematic deprivation of essential services, including healthcare, shelter, water, sanitation, education, and food, contributed to the humanitarian catastrophe.

Despite the cessation of hostilities, the situation in Tigray remains dire. Eritrean troops continue to control certain areas, blocking aid agencies and perpetuating reports of atrocities, particularly sexual violence. Within the Western Tigray Zone, ethnic cleansing campaigns by Amhara regional forces and militias persist, and nearly 40% of the Tigrayan population suffers from extreme food shortages. In May 2023, the World Food Program suspended aid deliveries to Tigray due to an internal investigation into food theft, exacerbating the already dire situation.

The Tigray conflict serves as a grim reminder of the world’s selective attention to human suffering. While the war in Ukraine dominated headlines and elicited a strong international response, the atrocities in Tigray were largely overlooked. The lack of media coverage, combined with geopolitical interests, contributed to the muted response to one of the deadliest conflicts of the 21st century. This neglect not only deepened the suffering of those affected but also allowed perpetrators of heinous crimes to evade accountability, underscoring the need for a more equitable and just approach to global conflicts.

Media Silence and Global Neglect

Despite the scale and intensity of the Tigray conflict, it remained largely in the shadows of global media coverage. The year 2022 saw more battle-related deaths in Tigray than in any other conflict, surpassing even the widely reported war in Ukraine. Yet, the international response was muted, with the Tigray war often sidelined in news reports and international discourse.

Several factors contributed to this media silence. The war in Ukraine, with its geopolitical implications and extensive media coverage, dominated headlines, overshadowing other conflicts. The European setting and the direct involvement of Russia, a major global power, ensured continuous global attention. In contrast, Tigray, a region with limited strategic interest to major powers, failed to capture sustained international focus.

Moreover, the Ethiopian government imposed a total blockade on Tigray, cutting off the region from external scrutiny. Humanitarian agencies were barred from entering, and communications, including internet and telecommunications, were shut down. This blackout made it exceedingly difficult for journalists and human rights organizations to report on the atrocities being committed. The lack of images and firsthand accounts contributed to the international community’s relative indifference.

This neglect had profound implications. The war in Tigray resulted in an estimated 600,000 deaths, a figure that includes a significant number of civilians who perished due to famine and lack of medical care. The blockade led to severe shortages of food and essential supplies, causing widespread suffering. Between 228,000 and 356,100 people are believed to have died from famine-related causes, while between 124,000 and 155,000 succumbed to the lack of medical attention.

The atrocities committed during the Tigray conflict were staggering. The UN International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia (ICHREE) found evidence of war crimes and crimes against humanity perpetrated by all parties involved. Ethiopian and Eritrean forces, along with regional militias, were implicated in systematic ethnic cleansing, mass killings, and widespread sexual violence. Amnesty International documented the expulsion of hundreds of thousands of Tigrayan civilians from their homes through threats, unlawful killings, sexual violence, mass arbitrary detention, pillage, and denial of humanitarian assistance.

Despite the severity of these crimes, the international response remained tepid. The Ethiopian government’s lobbying efforts successfully influenced key international actors, leading to a lack of sustained pressure or meaningful action. The mandate of ICHREE, established to investigate these crimes, was not renewed in October 2023, largely due to the lobbying by the Ethiopian government and the prioritization of diplomatic normalization over accountability by major international actors.

This lack of attention and accountability is not just a historical oversight but a present danger. With the eyes of the world turned elsewhere, the risk of further atrocities remains high. Eritrean troops continue to occupy parts of Tigray, blocking aid and perpetuating abuses. In Western Tigray, ethnic cleansing by Amhara forces continues, and nearly 40% of the Tigrayan population faces severe food shortages. The suspension of aid deliveries by the World Food Program in May 2023, due to internal theft investigations, further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis.

The muted global response also reflects broader systemic issues in international media and geopolitical priorities. Conflicts in Africa often receive less attention and are more readily dismissed as perennial and unresolvable. This perception undermines efforts to address root causes and hold perpetrators accountable. It also fuels a sense of abandonment among affected populations, who see their suffering ignored by the global community.

For individuals like Gebrekirstos G. Gebremeskel, who founded the media organization Tghat to document the war, the lack of international solidarity is a bitter revelation. The war has fundamentally altered his view of global justice and humanity. The blockade, which cut off communication with his family for two years, was a harrowing experience shared by many in the diaspora. The international community’s failure to respond adequately has left a deep scar, fostering a belief that geopolitical interests, rather than humanitarian concerns, drive global attention and intervention.

The Tigray conflict exposes the flaws and biases in global media coverage and international response. The war’s atrocities, largely hidden from the world, underscore the need for greater vigilance and accountability in addressing human rights abuses, regardless of where they occur. The neglect of Tigray serves as a stark reminder of the disparities in global concern and the urgent need to rectify these imbalances to prevent future tragedies.

The Struggle for Justice and Accountability

As the guns fell silent in Tigray with the signing of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) in November 2022, the immense task of seeking justice and accountability for the war’s atrocities began. However, the path to justice has been fraught with challenges, and the international community’s response has been inconsistent and, at times, inadequate.

The CoHA brought an official end to the full-scale fighting and lifted the devastating blockade on Tigray, allowing humanitarian aid to enter the region. However, it did not address the deeply rooted issues of accountability for the war crimes and human rights violations committed during the conflict. The Ethiopian and Eritrean governments, along with regional militias, were implicated in some of the most severe abuses, including ethnic cleansing, systematic rape, and extrajudicial killings. Despite this, the mechanisms for holding perpetrators accountable have been weak and insufficient.

The UN International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia (ICHREE), established in 2021, played a crucial role in documenting these atrocities. In its reports, ICHREE found credible evidence of widespread war crimes and crimes against humanity. The commission highlighted the systematic nature of the violence, particularly against Tigrayans, and called for comprehensive investigations and accountability measures. However, the Ethiopian government consistently obstructed the commission’s work, refusing it free and unfettered access to conflict zones and limiting its ability to conduct thorough investigations.

In October 2023, the mandate of ICHREE came up for renewal. Despite the commission’s vital work and the ongoing need for accountability, the UN Human Rights Council failed to renew its mandate. This decision, influenced by the Ethiopian government’s lobbying efforts, dealt a significant blow to justice for the victims of the Tigray conflict. Human Rights Watch and other organizations condemned the move, emphasizing that it left the peace process and transitional justice in the hands of the Ethiopian government—a situation deemed unsatisfactory by most observers.

The Ethiopian government has taken steps to create domestic mechanisms for accountability. However, these efforts are widely seen as inadequate and more focused on deflecting international scrutiny than delivering genuine justice. The government’s strategy of “quasi-compliance” involves establishing processes that appear to ensure accountability but, in reality, serve to protect perpetrators and avoid meaningful scrutiny. This approach has deepened skepticism about the prospects for justice within Ethiopia.

The situation remains dire in Tigray and neighboring regions. Eritrean troops, who were supposed to withdraw under the CoHA, continue to control parts of the region, obstructing aid and perpetrating abuses. In Western Tigray, Amhara forces continue an ethnic cleansing campaign, forcibly expelling Tigrayans from their homes. The humanitarian crisis persists, with nearly 40% of the Tigrayan population suffering from severe food shortages. The World Food Program’s suspension of aid deliveries in May 2023, due to internal theft investigations, has exacerbated the crisis, leaving millions in dire need.

The international community’s response has been criticized for prioritizing diplomatic normalization with Ethiopia over accountability. Major powers, including the EU and the USA, have sought to restore relations with Ethiopia, sidelining the need for justice for the Tigray conflict’s victims. This shift has been demoralizing for those who suffered during the war and for advocates of human rights and justice.

For the victims and survivors of the Tigray conflict, the struggle for justice is deeply personal. Many, like Gebrekirstos G. Gebremeskel, who lost family members and saw their communities ravaged, feel abandoned by the international community. The lack of accountability and the muted global response have fostered a sense of disillusionment with international institutions and their commitment to human rights.

Steven Ratner, a professor of law at the University of Michigan and one of the ICHREE commissioners, underscored the importance of international oversight in preventing future atrocities. He highlighted that wars without witnesses are particularly devastating for victims, and the absence of external scrutiny allows perpetrators to act with impunity. The decision to end ICHREE’s mandate, Ratner argued, was a setback not only for addressing past crimes but also for safeguarding against future abuses.

The Ethiopian government’s continued resistance to meaningful accountability measures raises serious concerns about the future. Without robust international pressure and oversight, the risk of further atrocities remains high. The peace process, while crucial, cannot be decoupled from justice. True reconciliation and stability in Tigray and Ethiopia as a whole depend on addressing the root causes of the conflict and holding those responsible for the atrocities accountable.

In the absence of strong international mechanisms, the burden falls on local and regional actors to push for justice. Civil society organizations, human rights groups, and the diaspora community play a crucial role in keeping the spotlight on the Tigray conflict and advocating for accountability. Their efforts are essential in documenting ongoing abuses, providing support to survivors, and pressing for international action.

The struggle for justice and accountability in Tigray is a long and arduous journey. It requires persistent advocacy, international solidarity, and a commitment to human rights that transcends geopolitical interests. The lessons from Tigray highlight the need for a more equitable and responsive international system that values all lives equally and holds perpetrators of atrocities accountable, regardless of where they occur. Only through such a commitment can we hope to prevent future tragedies and build a world where justice and human dignity are upheld for all.

Conclusion

The conflict in Tigray stands as a stark reminder of the profound suffering that can arise from political and ethnic strife, and of the devastating impact of global indifference. While the war between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has officially ended, the repercussions of the violence, human rights abuses, and humanitarian crisis continue to haunt the region. The staggering death toll and the widespread atrocities committed during the conflict underscore the urgent need for justice and accountability.

The muted international response to the Tigray conflict, in stark contrast to other contemporary conflicts, reveals troubling disparities in how global attention and empathy are distributed. The reasons for this neglect are complex, involving geopolitical interests, media coverage challenges, and deep-seated biases. However, the consequences are clear: a failure to adequately address and respond to the Tigray conflict not only perpetuates injustice for the victims but also sets a dangerous precedent for future crises.

Efforts to bring justice to Tigray have been hampered by political resistance and insufficient international support. The UN International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia (ICHREE) provided crucial documentation of the atrocities, yet its mandate was not renewed, leaving a significant gap in accountability mechanisms. The Ethiopian government’s strategy of “quasi-compliance” further complicates the pursuit of justice, as domestic processes fall short of genuine accountability.

For the victims and survivors, the struggle for justice is deeply personal and fraught with challenges. The international community’s prioritization of diplomatic normalization over accountability has been disheartening, fostering a sense of abandonment among those who have suffered the most. Nevertheless, the resilience of local and regional actors, human rights organizations, and the diaspora community offers a glimmer of hope. Their continued advocacy and documentation efforts are vital in keeping the issue alive and pressing for meaningful action.

Ultimately, the path to justice and reconciliation in Tigray requires a concerted effort from the international community. It demands a re-evaluation of global priorities to ensure that all conflicts, regardless of their location or perceived strategic importance, receive the attention and response they deserve. Upholding human rights and delivering justice must be paramount, transcending geopolitical interests and biases.

The Tigray conflict serves as a poignant reminder of the need for a more equitable and responsive international system. One that values all human lives equally, holds perpetrators of atrocities accountable, and prioritizes the protection of vulnerable populations. Only through such a commitment can we hope to prevent future tragedies, address ongoing injustices, and build a world where justice and human dignity are upheld for all.

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