The Ethiopian military has fully taken control of the Tigray region previously controlled by rebel forces, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali declared on Saturday night.
In a statement, PM Abiy said the military has completed ceased the regional capital Mekele which was the last stronghold of Tigray forces.
“ I am pleased to share that we have completed and ceased the military operations in the Tigray region.”
He called upon international support to provide humanitarian assistance as well as infrastructural development to the affected citizens in the region.
“Our focus now will be on rebuilding the region and providing humanitarian assistance while Federal Police apprehend the TPLF clique.”
Since November 4, the Ethiopian government has been trying to quell a rebellion by a powerful ethnic faction, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), in a war that has shaken the Horn of Africa. Thousands of people are believed to have died and nearly one million forced from their homes, including some 43,000 refugees who fled to neighboring Sudan.
On his part, the former Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn thanked the military for successful operations saying it has created a lasting and enduring political space to pursue the reforms.
“I am deeply proud of our National Defense Force. Your sacrifice has liberated the people of Tigray. It has created a lasting and enduring political space to pursue the already sweeping reform. Let me say Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.”
