Ethiopian PM Uncovers Surprises about "TPLF"

The Ethiopian Prime Minister (PM), Abiy Ahmed told parliament on Monday, that some Tigrayans in security and intelligence institutions were providing him with misleading information, according to Sputnik News agency.

On Monday, Abiy summoned lawmakers for an extraordinary session of parliament amid the ongoing conflict in the Tigray region.

He said that "Tigray People's Liberation Front" (TPLF) was running networks of espionage and sowing intrigues to spoil the reform project in Ethiopia.

"They used to provide me with misleading information to stop any reform measures, but I know that the Ethiopian people support me," Abiy continued.

The Ethiopian PM also added that during his first trip to Somalia in 2018, the head of intelligence at meantime told him not to go, in the false context that "Al-Shabaab" militant group was going to attack him, yet he insisted to go there, and nothing happened.

“The day I was sworn in as Prime Minister, the security sector controlled then by the TPLF clique refused the entrance of my own chosen security to the office and my residence. I was told you can only use our security personnel," Abiy added.

Moreover, he asserted, "Swift changes were being demanded by the people we serve while we were under the conditions of duress by TPLF’s well laid out espionage network. Yet we agreed we would take any risks counting on the Ethiopian people to stand for us."

In addition, Abiy said, "We took a firm decision to remove mini entities operating within the legitimate government by taking measures to guarantee institutional independence from the influence of a clique working for its own survival. This was done particularly in the security sector."

The Ethiopian PM also added that over the past 2 years and a half about 113 conflicts were orchestrated throughout the country, except in Tigray region.

"All these conflicts supported financially, through training, and media bias to give the impression that the new administration is weak," he added.

Concerning military operations in Tigray, Abiy said that federal troops haven't killed a single civilian in their nearly month-long offensive against TPLF forces.

He also said that his army would not destroy Mekelle, the capital of Tigray, after capturing it at the weekend.

Ethiopian gov't takes full control over Tigray capital

On Saturday, Ethiopia Prime Minister (PM) Abiy Ahmed announced that his army has taken full control of the Tigray capital of Mekele, after battles that lasted about 3 weeks.

“We’ve been able to enter Mekele city without innocent civilians being targets,” Abiy was quoted as saying by Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC).

In a tweet, Abiy said, “The Federal government is in full control of the city of Mekele,” adding that the army would now locate Tigray’s leaders and arrest them.