The concerning state of democracy in Tigray

Subject: The concerning state of democracy in Tigray

The conflict in Tigray, Ethiopia, continues to worsen, as well as the violence in other regions of the country. In early 2021, the UN started receiving reports of rape and other forms of sexual assault being used as a weapon in the conflict in Tigray.

After successive delays, Ethiopia will hold elections in June 2021 in the context of increased violence against ethnic groups, a deepening humanitarian crisis and the Prime Minister’s jailing of several opposition leaders and potential political candidates following the murder of Hachalu Hundessa. There will, however, be no voting in Tigray.

The fact that the EU has chosen not to send election observers sends a signal that democracy and elections can be called into question. Therefore, the undemocratic nature of the June elections is a serious cause for concern.

1. What tools can the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy (VP/HR) use to persuade Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to assume responsibility for the awful crimes taking place in the country?

2. What tools will the VP / HR use to take a firm stand on the circumstances surrounding Ethiopia’s elections in June?

Answer given by High Representative/Vice-President Borrell on behalf of the European Commission (20 January 2022)

Since the beginning of the conflict, the EU has constantly advocated towards Ethiopian authorities, notably after Foreign Affairs Councils of 12 July and 18 October 2021, the withdrawal of foreign troops from Ethiopia, a ceasefire, protection of civilians and unimpeded humanitarian access to Tigray so as to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to the persons in need.

It has reminded all parties to the conflict of their legal obligations under International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

The EU also supports investigations conducted by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission to ensure that those responsible of violations of IHL and International Human Rights Law are held accountable.

On 13 September 2021, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights addressed the Human Rights Council on the situation in Tigray following a resolution tabled by the EU during the 47th session of the Human Rights Council (1) on 6 July 2021.

On 3 November 2021, the joint Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights/Ethiopian Human Rights Commission report concerning the Tigray conflict was released, which denounces ‘violations of international human rights, humanitarian and refugee law, some of which may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity’ by ‘all parties to the conflict in Tigray’.

After last Foreign Affairs Council of 18 October 2021, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy specifically mentioned that the EU would prepare the ground with an adequate response and start work on sanctions.

Concerning the latest elections in Ethiopia, the EU, as the Honourable Member mentioned, chose not to send election observers given the complex domestic situation.

Nevertheless, the EU supported the electoral process and the work of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia with more than EUR 20 million.

⋅1∙ https://ap.ohchr.org/documents/dpage_e.aspx?si=A/HRC/47/L.20/Rev.1 | | ( | | )