Thread by @althecat

Thank you @RassBariaw for your amplification of this discussion. IMO this is a particularly insidious piece of disinformation. And I note it is written by an anonymous author. Who claims to require protection.

https://twitter.com/RassBariaw/status/1443510331570114562

@RassBariaw The decision to obscure the author I surmise, is made with an intention to elevate the sense of fear among its target audience - educated Ethiopians incl. diaspora members who are already predisposed towards TPLF narratives which consistently blame all Ethiopia's woes on Abiy.

The publisher of the piece is effectively the well known TPLF apologist, South African Alex de Waal, of the anachronistically named "World Peace Foundation". Though it is odd that his association is not on the "About Us" page of the website.

The distinguished Alex de Waal is a masterful propagandist and probably the most effective media ally that the fascist TPLF clique have on their side, as his arguments are presented in a manner which makes them seem reasonable and informed.

Alex de Waal's output can be seen via his two publishing projects @africaarguments (africanarguments.org) & @WorldPeaceFdtn, hosted by Tufts University and associated with its prestigious @FletcherSchool for International Affairs. sites.tufts.edu/wpf/

@africaarguments @WorldPeaceFdtn @FletcherSchool I have little doubt that Alex De Waal believes the things he says, and it is very clear that he has a large impact through media appearances and quotes. @Qnie_Addis's thread on his recent work is a good place to find out more.

https://twitter.com/Qnie_Addis/status/1434096713040547843?s=20

The good Dr Addis's (@Qnie_Addis) description of De Waal as the Napoleon of #InformationLaundering is apposite. His approach is convincing because it appears so reasonable and academic. I expect much of the output of his publications is sound - but not that on the TPLF.

Shortly we can look more closely at the anonymous piece recently shared by Crisis Group's @wdavison10, I imagine as a result of a request from De Waal. But first we will look at another recent @WorldPeaceFdtn article. sites.tufts.edu/reinventingpea…