Eight survivors have accused 12 senior Ethiopian and Eritrean officials of war crimes during the Tigray conflict (2020-2022). Legal Action Worldwide filed a complaint in Germany, invoking universal jurisdiction. The case follows a significant loss of life and continued suffering in Tigray, despite a recent peace agreement.
In Ethiopia’s Tigray region, eight survivors have accused 12 prominent Ethiopian and Eritrean officials of war crimes during the conflict from 2020 to 2022. The fighting between the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and Ethiopian federal forces, supported by Eritrean troops, resulted in an estimated 600,000 deaths. Both factions committed severe human rights abuses throughout the war, alongside restricted humanitarian access to Tigray.
The survivors, represented by the legal rights organization Legal Action Worldwide (LAW), filed a complaint with the German Federal Public Prosecutor alleging crimes against humanity. The complaint, submitted in 2024, identifies officials from both governments, but their names have yet to be disclosed. A spokesperson for LAW indicated uncertainty about whether key figures, such as Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki, were involved.
This case is filed under the principle of universal jurisdiction, enabling prosecution for grave international offenses regardless of location. LAW’s strategic litigation head, Nick Leddy, emphasized the importance of confidentiality regarding the accused to assist the investigation. The identities of the plaintiffs remain undisclosed to protect their safety.
One survivor expressed profound personal loss, stating, “I’ve lost two of the most important people in my life in this war: my younger brother and my mom.” They highlighted ongoing suffering in Tigray, demanding justice for those responsible for the atrocities. Despite a peace agreement signed in November 2022, approximately one million of the six million pre-war inhabitants remain displaced, with tensions within the TPLF raising concerns over potential conflicts.
The accusations against Ethiopian and Eritrean officials underscore the ongoing quest for justice following the devastating Tigray conflict. With significant casualties and humanitarian crises, the filing in Germany represents an important step towards accountability for violations of international law. Continued monitoring of the situation in Tigray is crucial, as the region remains vulnerable despite the peace treaty.
Original Source: thedefensepost.com
