Ethiopian crisis: PM Abiy says first phase of push back against rebels successful
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (PANA) - Ethiopia's Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed says he is back in his office after the successful completion of the first phase of the push against the terrorist Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) that had captured several towns and cities as it threatened to overrun the capital, Addis Ababa.
The Prime Minister said on Wednesday that the first phase of “Operation for National Unity in Diversity” had been successfully completed as per the plan within two weeks of operation.
"I have completed the first phase of the operation, I will be at my office for some time,” he said in a message.
With the TPLF saying they were continuing their march on the capital, Addis Ababa, as fears grew of the country disintegrating, Prime Minister Abiy said he joined the war on the frontline on 23 November "to save the country" by leading from the battlefront.
The Ethiopian authorities say many towns and cities have since been "liberated" especially in Amhara and Afar regions with their operations exposing the "atrocities" committed by the TPLF.
The state-owned Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) said the PM on Wednesday thanked all those who had responded for the national call he made "to defend their country by sacrificing their lives, wealth, knowledge, time and skill".
He said: “Our strong desire is peace and love. However, the terrorist TPLF, in collaboration with its accomplices, had created danger on our country by rejecting the repeated call for peace and the newly introduced inclusive political culture, by undermining the patience demonstrated to curtail further destructions relying on the support of some foreign enemies.”
He stated that with the sacrifices made by the Ethiopian National Defence Force, Regional Special Forces, Federal Police, militias of all areas and other armed groups “we have made history that will be told to our children”.
ENA quoted PM Abiy as pointing out that the struggle was not yet completed, stressing the need to bring lasting solution to enable the nation to prevent the force that had been challenging Ethiopia not to come again.
He also called on all to continue to support the rebuilding of infrastructures damaged by the TPLF, rehabilitate the displaced and to enhance development and good governance endeavours.
The Ethiopian Council of Ministers on 2 November declared nationwide state of emergency to "protect civilians from atrocities being committed by the TPLF".
Prime Minister Abiy recalled retired soldiers as he rallied his countrymen to confront the rebels.
-0- PANA MA/RA 8Dec2021
