Addis Ababa – Ethiopian and Eritrean forces have waged a “devastating and genocidal war” in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, the region’s ousted leader has said.
Debretsion Gebremichael urged the international community to investigate the alleged atrocities.
The Ethiopian government said his claims were “unfounded”, and his forces were guilty of “horrendous crimes”.
Conflict broke out in November after Debretsion’s forces captured Ethiopian government military bases in Tigray.
Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy responded by ordering a ground and air offensive, which led to his troops capturing the regional capital, Mekelle, on November 28.
Debretsion fled the capital with fighters from his Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), and vowed to resist federal control over the region.
The conflict has led to about two million people, or a third of Tigray’s population, being displaced.
This was the first time in more than two months that Debretsion had spoken in public. An audio recording of his comments, lasting for about 20 minutes, was broadcast on a Facebook account run by a TPLF media outlet.
“A devastating and genocidal war was waged against the people of Tigray because they firmly fought for their right to self-determination and they held a democratic election. The invasion and massacre has continued. So does the struggle of the people of Tigray,” he said.
Debretsion also alleged widespread incidents of murder, rape, torture and starvation.
It is unclear when the recording was made but he mentioned the killings of other TPLF leaders, which suggested it was recent.
Debretsion is wanted by the government on charges of treason. (BBC)
