As an Eritrean who grew up in Ethiopia, reading the comprehensive report by the New Lines Institute, “Genocide in Tigray: Serious Breaches of International Law in the Tigray Conflict, Ethiopia, and Paths to Accountability,” evokes a deep sense of sorrow and introspection. The involvement of the Eritrean Defense Forces (EDF) in the Tigray conflict is not just a political or military matter—it is a profound human tragedy that implicates us all.
Historical Context
The scars of the Eritrean-Ethiopian War (1998-2000) are especially poignant. Many families, including my own immediate family members, were deported from Ethiopia during this period. The bitterness and distrust towards the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) were ingrained in these experiences, for many Eritreans. Despite the peace agreement in 2018 between our two nations, the subsequent events reveal how deep-seated animosities and political calculations have fuelled further violence. However, no historical context or past grievances can excuse the atrocities committed. Read more