Survivors of the Tigray conflict accused twelve Ethiopian and Eritrean officials of war crimes, filing a complaint with the German Federal Prosecutor. The conflict, lasting from 2020 to 2022, resulted in approximately 600,000 deaths. A criminal investigation is requested under universal jurisdiction, with ongoing concerns regarding displacement and potential renewed conflict.
Eight survivors of the catastrophic Tigray conflict have formally accused twelve high-ranking officials from Ethiopia and Eritrea of war crimes and crimes against humanity, according to Legal Action Worldwide (LAW), a legal rights organization. The Tigray region, which shares a border with Eritrea, experienced a brutal war between 2020 and 2022 that resulted in estimates of up to 600,000 fatalities.
The conflict involved the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) rebelling against federal Ethiopian forces, with support from local militias and the Eritrean military. Both factions faced allegations of serious human rights violations, while the Ethiopian government largely restricted humanitarian aid and access to the Tigray region throughout the war.
In January 2024, the survivors submitted a significant criminal complaint to the German Federal Public Prosecutor, asserting that senior officials from both nations had engaged in war crimes. While the identities of the accused remain confidential, a LAW representative was unable to confirm or deny the involvement of Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed or Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki in the allegations.
The case was lodged in Germany, utilizing the principle of universal jurisdiction, which permits the prosecution of serious crimes irrespective of where they took place, as they breach international law. Nick Leddy, head of LAW’s strategic litigation department, has requested that the German authorities launch a criminal investigation and issue arrest warrants for the twelve implicated officials, emphasizing that revealing their names could complicate potential arrests.
One plaintiff shared the personal toll of the conflict, stating, “I have lost two of the most important people in my life in this war: my younger brother and my mom.” They indicated ongoing suffering and called for justice against those accountable for the atrocities. While a peace agreement was reached in November 2022, approximately one million people from Tigray remain displaced. Recently, developments within the TPLF have raised concerns regarding a possible resurgence of conflict.
The accusations against Ethiopian and Eritrean officials highlight serious concerns regarding human rights violations during the Tigray conflict. As survivors seek justice through a legal complaint in Germany, the global community must pay attention to the ongoing plight of Tigrayans who continue to suffer post-conflict. The involvement of high-ranking officials further emphasizes the urgent need for accountability and comprehensive resolution of the humanitarian crisis.
Original Source: thedefensepost.com
