It is important now, more than ever, to clearly call out the TPLF for its crimes. It has taken innocent people of Tigray hostage and they are starving. It has confiscated nearly 1,100 aid trucks and exacerbated hunger in the region all to discredit the Federal government. Yet, it misleads the international community claiming that truck drivers refused to return to work fearing retribution by the government.

Apparently, the government made it clear to donors that it stood ready to give blanket amnesty to every truck driver that is on a mission in the Tigray Region. The government has also proposed to create a buffer zone which could possibly be run by the United Nations humanitarian agencies whereby swapping of drivers could be managed for those who do not wish to travel outside of Tigray.

Moreover, the government issued temporary United Nations car plates for the trucks the WFP acquired from Sudan to ensure efficient delivery of humanitarian aid. It has also facilitated additional humanitarian flights. However, in complete ignorance of these constructive measures, the TPLF resumed attacks in different areas of the Amhara and Afar Regions, through which humanitarian supplies reach Tigray.

That is why Ethiopia calls on those who have the conscience of humanity to judge the actions of the TPLF for themselves. That is why the international community, too, must openly condemn the TPLF and collaborate with the government in ensuring accountability in Tigray.