3700+ Tigrayan Civilians Murdered by Eritrean & Amhara Militia since CoHA

I am writing to bring to your attention the ongoing conflict in Tigray, Ethiopia and the role of Eritrean & Amhara militia forces in this situation. Although Prime Minister Abiy has assured members of the international community that he can manage the Eritreans and potentially expel them militarily from Tigray, it is important to consider the reality on the ground. Tragically, recent reports indicate that over 3700 Tigrayan civilians have been murdered by Eritrean & Amhara regional (Fano) forces since the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) was signed. This is a grave and unacceptable loss of life. It is crucial that any actions taken in response to the situation in Tigray are carefully considered and well-planned. Notability, the presence of Eritrean forces in Tigray has been accompanied by continuous widespread human rights abuses & atrocities against civilians. Similarly, the forceful occupation of Western Tigray by Amhara regional forces has resulted in some of the worst human rights violations in the broader context of the war, including acts of "ethnic cleansing" according to the United States and documented by human rights organizations such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. These militias have a history of hostility towards the Tigrayans and continue to show the will not to honor the CoHA that emphasizes the withdrawal of foreign & non-ENDF forces from parts of Tigray that they currently control. Additionally, even if steps are taken to address the presence of Eritrean troops in Tigray, it is important to consider the continued interference in Ethiopia through the use of proxy groups, including those with extremist ideologies among the Amhara community. The United States has stated that it would not hesitate to use sanctions if the commitments outlined in the CoHA were not upheld. It is clear that now is the time to take decisive action on these challenges, as it has been over two months since the agreement was signed and gruesome atrocities continue. Here are ways you can lend your support and assistance: 1. Contact the State Department & demand that they take immediate action to address the ongoing violence in Tigray, including the removal of foreign forces & the enforcement of the CoHA that the department helped sponsor. The department must work to ensure that civilians are protected and that perpetrators of these crimes are held accountable. 2. Urge the State Department to support the verifying mechanism for the removal of invading forces and impose an arms embargo on Eritrea, as this can ensure that the conflict stays at the talking tables and not the battlefield. 3. Reach out to your colleagues in Congress & the Senate and ask them to join you in speaking out against the mass killings of Tigrayans. Together, we can send a strong message that these atrocities will not be tolerated and that we stand in solidarity with the people of Tigray. Thank you for your attention to this important issue.