Ethiopian crisis: Gov't rallies 'all capable Ethiopians of age' to join the fight against 'treasonous' TPLF
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia (PANA) - The Ethiopian government on Tuesday called on "all capable Ethiopians of age" to join in the fight to halt the march of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which has been fighting the National Defence Forces (NDF) and regional forces in a bloody war that has claimed many lives and created a huge humanitarian crisis.
"Our Defence Forces, Regional Special Forces and Militia are directed to halt the destruction of the treasonous and terrorist TPLF organization and the machinations of foreign hands once and for all," a statement from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said.
"Now is the right time for all capable Ethiopians who are of age to join the Defence Forces, Special Forces and militias and show your patriotism," it said.
The Ethiopian government has declared TPLF, the regional political group in the northern region of Tigray, as a terrorist organisation.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy on 4 November 2020 ordered a military offensive in Tigray after TPLF forces attacked a federal army base.
Fighting has sparked massive displacement, widespread destruction of livelihoods and infrastructure, loss of employment and a huge humanitarian crisis.
The UN and humanitarian agencies are warning of hunger in several parts of Tigray and some neighbouring regions.
Although the government has declared a unilateral ceasefire, the TPLF has been fighting its way southwards after capturing Mekelle, the Tigray regional capital.
The government's statement said part of the society that is not able to directly join the security forces must strengthen its involvement in development activities more than ever before.
"Let the civil servants do their jobs in all capacity and without the hurdles of bureaucracy... Be pillars by providing supplies and moral support for the army. The media, artists and social activists are expected to contribute towards strengthening the people’s support for the country."
The statement urged every Ethiopian to work closely with the security forces "in being the eyes and ears of the country in order to track down and expose spies and agents of the terrorist TPLF.
"Let religious leaders stand in prayer, elders apply counsel and all Ethiopians be diligent in their full capacity for Ethiopia."
The government said "all patriots should stand with all their hearts to protect their sovereignty today, as in the past, with determination to defend the dignity and glory of their country".
The statement said although humanitarian flight permits have been granted, "the treasonous TPLF could not extricate itself from its terrorist behaviour and goal of disintegrating Ethiopia".
It accused the leadership of the TPLF of "arrogantly" declaring that its goal and purpose is to disintegrate Ethiopia, saying "with the help of foreign support, they have chosen to pull the trigger for further destruction".
-0- PANA MA 10Aug2021
