Government slams commission for demanding action against Ethiopia after resumption of war in north

By Addis Getachew

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (AA) - Ethiopia slammed a request Friday by the International Commission of Human Rights Experts on Ethiopia who urged the UN Security Council to “take action” against the country.

The experts made the request Sept. 7, two weeks after the resumption of fighting between federal forces and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) rebels, shattering a five-month humanitarian truce.

“The Commission has no competence or proper appreciation of the conflict triggered by the TPLF in violation of the humanitarian truce,” the Foreign Ministry said in a statement. “The Commission’s ultra vires and blatant call for action against Ethiopia by the Security Council only show the reckless behavior of the Commission and vindicates the Government’s assertion that the resolution establishing the Commission, and the works of the Commission are politically motivated.”

“The Commission weaponized human rights for political pressure and exposed its true intentions, foreclosing all doors of cooperation with the Government,” according to the statement.

It said Ethiopia would continue to respect and ensure respect for human rights and bridging violations to justice.