Eight survivors from the Tigray conflict have filed a complaint accusing twelve Ethiopian and Eritrean officials of war crimes. This action, taken by Legal Action Worldwide, aims to initiate an investigation under the principle of universal jurisdiction in Germany. With estimates of up to 600,000 lives lost, the case underscores the ongoing plight of Tigrayans, even after a peace agreement was signed in 2022.
Recent allegations have emerged accusing twelve high-ranking officials from Ethiopia and Eritrea of war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Tigray conflict. Eight survivors of the conflict filed a criminal complaint with the German Federal Public Prosecutor, as reported by the legal rights group, Legal Action Worldwide (LAW). This conflict, occurring between 2020 and 2022, resulted in significant loss of life, with estimates suggesting up to 600,000 fatalities.
The Tigray conflict involved confrontations between the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and Ethiopian federal forces, supported by Eritrean military. Both factions have faced accusations of committing atrocities, particularly as the Ethiopian government enforced a blockade that restricted humanitarian aid. The complaint was lodged in 2024, although it was announced this week, revealing that authorities are urged to investigate these serious violations under universal jurisdiction.
Although the identities of the accused officials remain undisclosed, there is speculation concerning senior leaders such as Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and President Isaias Afwerki. Nick Leddy, a LAW spokesperson, emphasized the importance of anonymity to avoid jeopardizing potential arrests. One survivor expressed their personal losses, stating, “I’ve lost two of the most important people in my life in this war… The suffering and agony continues.” Furthermore, despite a peace agreement signed in November 2022, approximately one million individuals are still displaced in the Tigray region, raising concerns of potential renewed violence within TPLF factions.
The allegations of war crimes against Ethiopian and Eritrean officials signify a critical step towards accountability for the atrocities committed during the Tigray conflict. Despite a peace treaty, the human toll remains significant, with ongoing displacement and a fragile peace. The call for investigation by German authorities highlights the international community’s role in addressing such grave violations of human rights, pressing for justice and recognition of the suffering inflicted upon the Tigrayan population.
Original Source: thedefensepost.com
