Thread by @KjetilTronvoll

Thread 1) Are we witnessing a #genocidal campaign by #Eritrea’n forces in the #war in #Tigray #Ethiopia? The atrocities committed and the apparent intent may seem to point in that direction. In this thread I will outline the argument supporting such possible claim. #genocide

2) First, it is important to distinguish between #Eritrean & #Ethiopian forces, although #ENDF is also allegedly responsible for mass atrocities. But in #genocide the intent of the atrocities is also important to consider, which appears more ambiguous in relation to ENDF.

3) It has been documented widespread & systematic #massacers of civilians by #EDF throughout Tigray, targeted as #Tegaru. Many witnesses also claim that Eritrean troops have admitted to orders to kill #Tigrayan men & boys, so they shall not later revenge the atrocities.

4) Systematic and widespread #rape and #SGBV of #Tegaru women and girls by #Eritrean troops. Consciously impregnating enemy women aims to disrupt the reproductive capacity of the group, one characteristic of a #genocidal campaign.

5) Conscious, systematic, and widespread destruction & looting of civilian infrastructure like hospitals by #Eritrean forces in #Tigray #Ethiopia, apparently to obliterate the capacity of self-administration.

6) Conscious, systematic, and widespread destroying/torching/looting of crops and harvest, and wells/water supplies by #Eritrean forces, apparently to induce starvation and mass death of #Tigrayans.

7) Conscious, systematic, and widespread destruction and looting of cultural /religious heritage sites by #Eritrean forces, apparently in order to obliterate the deep-rooted historical cultural identity of the Tigrayans.

8) Each of z atrocities mentioned above can be characterized as #WarCrimes & likely also #CrimesAgainstHumanity. Seen together, a pattern of intent by #Eritrean forces is emerging which may substantiate z claim of a #genocide of the #Tegaru population of #Tigray in #Ethiopia.

9) As a professor of #HumanRights, one should be very careful to use the term #genocide, the most serious international crime existing. I have never ever before entertained such a classification in my 30 years of research in #Ethiopia on #conflicts and #wars.

10) Neither #Eritrea nor #Ethiopia are parties to the Rome statute of the International Criminal Court #ICC. Hence, in order for President Isaias Afwerki of #Eritrea, as Commander in Chief, and his Generals to be held accountable, #UNSC has to refer the case to #ICC.

11) The responsibility of #Ethiopia’n government in z atrocities in #Tigray has to be investigated separately. However, z Ethiopian government has invited & accommodated z #Eritrean forces to undertake their war campaign in Tigray, hence they may be responsible by implication.

And let me add, as I assume all of the above will be blatantly rejected by both Eritrean and Ethiopian authorities (as well as their internet trolls) denial of events is considered a marker of genocide.