Ethiopia: government announces capture of Alamata on Mekele road

A member of the Amhara armed forces patrols the streets of Soroka village, near the regional border with Tigray, November 9, 2020. (Illustrative image) REUTERS / Tiksa Negeri

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3 min

It is always difficult to really see clearly the situation in Tigray where communications are still cut.

Nevertheless, since launching its offensive against the Tigray People's Liberation Front 13 days ago, the Ethiopian government has continued to communicate its successes on the ground.

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With our regional correspondent in Nairobi

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The government has announced a new take.

The federal army would now have control of Alamata, a city located

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Information confirmed by a Tigrayan source.

This locality, in the heart of a cotton production area, is only 120 km from Mekele, the capital of Tigray.

Until now, the cities conquered by the forces of Addis Ababa, like Humera or Dansha, were concentrated in the west.

The capture of Alamata could mean the opening of a new front by the South.

Proof of the violence of the clashes, the city of Addis Ababa has announced the dispatch of around fifty health workers to military posts in the North.

Officially, the federal power still refuses to negotiate.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed even announced that on Tuesday a two-minute national tribute would be paid to the army, but the Tigrayan authorities are far from disarming.

On Sunday, its president again accused Abiy Ahmed of being responsible for the suffering of the conflict and the destruction of infrastructure.

Debretsion Gebremichael cited the Tekeze Dam and the Wolkait Sugar Factory.

According to Paris-based opposition radio Erena,

 Sunday and Monday, including several localities in the South.

The Tigrayan power accuses the neighboring country of being involved in the conflict, adding that it can hit any target anywhere thanks to its missiles, some of which would be long-range.

The federal authorities claim for their part to be more than capable of succeeding in this operation itself.

At the same time, an attempt at mediation is reportedly underway in Uganda.

President Museveni announces having received this Monday morning in Gulu, the Ethiopian Deputy Prime Minister, Demeke Mekonnen Hassen, accompanied by a delegation.

For his part, the former Nigerian president, Olusegun Obasanjo will also try to mediate.

According to his spokesperson, he is on his way to Addis Ababa where he wants to start talks.

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• Ethiopia

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