Corpses wash up on river bank at Ethiopia-Sudan border bringing Tigray issue to fore

Addis Ababa: – More than 40 corpses have been found in a river on the Ethiopian-Sudanese border. Most of the bodies are said to be from the conflict-torn Tigray province. The incident indicates that the ongoing conflict in Tigray has intensified with the Ethiopian government, which blames armed groups in Tigray for the incident. The international community, including the United Nations and the United States, have slammed the Ethiopian government.

Bodies have been found in the Humera River between Ethiopia and Sudan. Sudanese NGOs and doctors said they have found about 43 bodies. Many of the bodies were handcuffed and bruised. Organs have also been found mutilated on some of the bodies. All these bodies are believed to be of people from Tigray. The incident has exposed the brutality of the Ethiopian army.

But the Ethiopian government has denied the allegations levelled against it. In Tigray, the Ethiopian government spokesman has accused rebel groups of deliberately throwing the bodies into the river. It is said to have been carried out as part of an attempt to defame the Ethiopian government. However, the armed rebel groups have denied the allegations.

The United Nations recently warned that the conflict-torn Tigray region is on the brink of a humanitarian crisis. Besides, more than two million people will have to face severe drought and starvation. Against this backdrop, the ban imposed when Tigray was in dire need of humanitarian assistance has drawn attention. While imposing the ban, foreign groups were accused of spreading false information and supplying arms to armed groups in Tigray. The Ethiopian government, accusing the rebels, has also banned international NGOs active in Tigray.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abi Ahmed launched an attack on Tigray province in November last year. He also took assistance from neighbouring Eritrea. After a few months of struggle, Prime Minister Ahmed claimed control of Tigray province. However, in the last few weeks, his claim has been proved to be false.

Local rebel groups in Tigray have seized key cities in the province, including the capital Mekele. Hundreds of Ethiopian soldiers have been held as prisoners of war. In the wake of this humiliation, the Ethiopian government declared a ceasefire a few days ago. However, rebel groups have refused the truce and threatened to continue fighting until they fully control Tigray. Meanwhile, reports have surfaced that groups from Tigray have taken control of a part of Amhara province, pointing to an intensifying conflict.