In an exclusive interview, the Patriarch of the Orthodox Church of Mekele spoke for the first time. In turn, he too has very harsh words against Addis Ababa.
Abune Isaias : I have never seen this. The crimes follow one another. Churches are destroyed. And it's a war against the Tigrayans. They are after our story and want to kill everyone. It is genocide. They want to destroy the Tigrayans and the Tigray ... It is the federal government that attacks us and gives the orders. As a result, we were attacked from all sides. But it is Addis Ababa that is primarily responsible. I'm so sad. I would have preferred to die than to see this. God decided otherwise. But I still wonder why I'm still alive.
RFI: Are we in a war of revenge for the time when the Tigrayans were themselves in power ?
The Tigrayans are courageous, hardworking. Our values are as strong as stones. And some are jealous of it. They knew they couldn't run Ethiopia the way they wanted. So they want to destroy Tigray to control the country as they see fit. The Tigrayans will not seek revenge. It is not our mentality. But when it comes to defending our freedom, we will never stop. If we touch it, we will try to preserve it no matter what.
I think Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Eritrean President Issayas Afewerki just want to eliminate whoever will prevent them from having power. They want to become kings.
How to get out of this conflict ? Can the Church play a role of mediator as has been seen in other African countries in particular ?
We are all equal in the eyes of God. When your brother dies, you must react. So the world needs to do something immediately. Why does the international community remain silent? Listen to our voice, help us.
Our Church has tried to speak, but the federal government is not listening. In the past, when someone came to power, they sought the blessing of the church. But today's leaders are only interested in their own power.
I no longer believe that the Tigrayans are still Ethiopians. There has been so much destruction and murder. We want to reduce them to slavery.
There are robberies, murders, people are starving. My people are no longer sleeping because they are afraid of being killed at any time. So we must act immediately. I ask the Eritrean and Amhara forces to leave Tigray. I ask the world to hear us. I want my people to survive.
Source https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/20210524- ... s-afewerki