Martin Plaut
@martinplaut
Followers
368K
Following
25K
Media
3K
Statuses
47K
South Africa, the Horn of Africa. Fellow, Institute of Commonwealth Studies. Made in 🇿🇦🇪🇺🇬🇧
London
Joined August 2010
Born in Cape Town I am a proud African and I have spent my life trying to help understand my native continent. Here are some of the books I have worked on
268
249
3K
I am truly humbled to have 130,000 people follow me. I thank you all. And promise to do all I can to bring you accurate information.
562
491
3K
Dr. Debretsion and other top leadership of the Government of Tigray have returned to Mekelle and seen singing the National Anthem of Tigray, probably in a stadium.
797
1K
3K
I am delighted and humbled to now have 100,000 people who follow me. It is a responsibility, which I take very seriously. My focus will remain on Africa - the Horn of Africa and Southern Africa in particular. Apologies in advance for any mistakes that I make.
555
582
2K
#Tigray Reports circulating that Debretsion and Getachew have been killed or captured are untrue. An international source has spoken with them this morning and they are alive and not taken by Ethiopian or Eritrean forces.
351
1K
2K
Trafalgar Square in the heart of London becomes a sea of red and yellow for Tigray
184
1K
2K
In Kenya, morgue logbooks record the cause of death reported by police. Reuters spoke to 3 police deployed during protests who said police mischaracterize deaths caused by officers as “death by accident”, “mob justice” or “drownings” to cover their tracks.
35
1K
2K
Isaias Afwerki continues to needlessly dispose of #Eritrean lives in senseless wars, that only he deems necessary. Isaias must be stopped. The UN and the US must act now. @SecBlinken @JoeBiden @KamalaHarris @IntlCrimCourt #IsaiastoICC #AbiytoICC #EritreantroopsoutOfTigray.
324
2K
2K
Tigrayan leader, Getachew Reda, in conversation with Kjetil Tronvoll described PM Abiy' statement that Eritrean troops would withdraw from Tigray as "a ploy for international consumption only.".
281
2K
2K
#Tigray Gen. Tsadkan Gebretensae in a phone call on Friday: Engagement on the road from Chercher to Mille inside Afar region was successful. The TDF can move swiftly to control the Addis Ababa-Djibouti road and will be in a position to accept humanitarian assistance directly.
463
1K
2K
I have received this photograph which - I am told - shows women from Raya district greeting General Abraha - TDF commander of the Southern Front. I am told that the town of #Alamata is now in Tigrayan hands
211
942
2K
Report: some of the cities/areas liberated by TDF : .Adwa.Axum. May Mekden.Adi Guyem.Freweyni.Samre. Gijet. Negash. Agula.Idaga Hamus.Hagere Selam.Abi Addi.Ambalage.Hiwane. Enda Medhane Alam.May Keyih.Shire.Mehoni.Maychew.Wukro.Adigrat.Raya .Humera .Alamata.
291
953
2K
According to diplomatic sources, U.S. Secretary of State Blinken spoke to Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy twice and told him that Eritrean and Amhara forces must be withdrawn from Tigray within 72 hours.
483
1K
2K
Report of hate speech and mass arrest of #Tigrayans in Addis Ababa. Specially in 22 area. Many arrested by police & taken to unknown location. Youth & business owners targeted - labelled 'traitors' and 'agents of junta'. Ethnic profiling is a scourge.
347
2K
2K
Isaias Afwerki is a threat to the Horn of Africa – and an obstacle to peace
428
1K
2K
Report that the Tigrayan town of Sheraro is now in TDF hands.
105
655
2K
I remember the “cockroach” messages that led to the Rwandan genocide. Now “cancer” - used by PM Abiy - is being used against Tigrayans
1K
2K
2K
This photograph - from a video from the Tigray Defence Forces - shows thousands of Ethiopian prisoners of war. Good to see them alive and apparently well. A huge responsibility. #Tigray
441
1K
2K
As I make my breakfast I think of the people of #Tigray trapped by the #Ethiopian and #Eritrean blockade. Food running out. Children fainting from hunger at school. The old quietly starving. I ask myself what I can do to help end this tragedy
427
1K
2K
Ethiopia's #Tigray crisis: Why is the BBC calling the elected government “rebels”? This is a value judgment. They were elected. This is adopting the government’s perspective in this conflict
494
1K
2K
#Tigray I hear that a European Union delegation is flying to Mekelle tomorrow at the invitation of Eth MoFA. They are due to be visiting a hospital and an IDP camp. I hope they manage to collect evidence and can then make public what they see and hear.
281
1K
2K
#Ethiopia - reports that the Tigray Defences Forces have taken the town of Dessie and that there's heavy fighting around Chifra. If accurate then Prime Minister Abiy's gamble in launching another offensive against the Tigrayans has blown up in his face.
449
1K
2K
Report that Eritrean President, Isaias Afwerki, has deployed 6 additional mechanized military divisions in the southern part of Tigray, Samre. He has also deployed 4000 troops in the outskirts of Bizet and Mugulat and more than 2000 troops around Feresmay.
417
2K
2K
I am honoured and (frankly) astonished to have over 200,000 people following this Twitter feed. I can only say how humbled this makes me feel. I appreciate your support and will do all I can to report accurately, while accepting that any author makes mistakes! Thank you.
539
448
2K
Genet Reda Kahsay, the younger sister of Getachew Reda, spokesman for the Tigray government, was abducted by eight gunmen at 6.00 am this morning from her home in Addis Ababa. She has no political role and her abduction is being seen as purely revenge for her brother's role.
355
2K
2K
Photos - #Tigray - TDF enters Mai Tsebri after fighting in the area. Welcomed by local people
139
884
2K
All Ethiopian and Eritrean troops are reported to have withdrawn from #Mekelle. What’s next?.
194
713
2K
I’m delighted to have copies of my book with Sarah Vaughan. Finally published!.
575
825
2K
Anyone have a photograph of PM Abiy on the battlefield? I have seen nothing yet. .
2K
504
2K
PM Abiy is the worst Prime Minister of the year - official.
1K
1K
2K
Fresh report of a Tigrayan offensive to cut Djibouti-Addis road.
710
740
2K
Tigray Defence Forces report: Have conducted more than 15 insurgent operations and ambushes killing and wounding more than 12,535 enemy combatants. Of these, 5795 have been killed and the rest wounded.
352
1K
2K
For a week I will only do limited social media. But I haven’t forgotten anyone. You are in my thoughts.
287
343
2K
#ValentinesDay roses from a war zone? No thanks. Ethiopia is fighting a vicious war in Tigray. Make sure your roses don't come from Ethiopia
379
1K
1K
#Tigray demonstration in Brussels at #EUAUSummit.calls for EU leaders to halt their support for African dictators - surely not a big ask?
197
1K
2K
Tigrayan regional forces have attacked an Ethiopian government logistical operations centre in the Tigray capital, Mekelle. A tank was destroyed in the fighting. The attack came on the eve of a European Union delegation visit to Mekelle - the first such visit since the war began.
227
1K
1K
How is it possible that someone who can take such controversial stand on the tragic war in Tigray is given a starring role in a film? Surely wrong for #TiffanyHaddish to get this part.
427
1K
1K
Dedebit Media reports that there was fierce fighting in Gerhu Sirnay, bordering Eritrea, where Tigrayan forces mounted a major offensive on EDF. TDF is claimed to have scored a huge victory resulting in deaths of thousands of Eritrean soldiers and capturing ammunition.
250
819
1K
The flag of Tigray flying over the famous lions of Trafalgar Square in central London
214
803
1K
Report: Eritrean Troops engaging in a mass killing people Selekleka, Tigray. Hearing 300+ civilians rounded up and taken by Eritreans to May-Hargets area in Selekleka, some 30km east of Shire. Could be another civilian massacre
280
2K
1K
Report: Eye witness say over 20 trucks carrying food and aid, sent by the international community via Djibouti to the 4.5 million of people in Tigray, were instead distributed to local people in the Afar region.
335
2K
1K
Ethiopian and Eritrean forces are leaving Wukro Maray and Selekleka, due to pressure by TDF.
207
982
1K
In 1980s, drought, conflict and government denial contributed to the famine in #Tigray, killing over 1 million people. History is repeating itself under @AbiyAhmedAli, who orchestrated #TigrayGenocide. We cannot let this happen in 2021. @WFP #BidenActNow. @JoeBiden.
258
955
1K
Ethiopia's official news agency announces "Hands off Ethiopia" campaign. Surely a bit desperate? .Why not just stop the war in Tigray, end the presence of foreign troops on Ethiopian soil and allow aid to the starving? .
326
1K
1K
Flags of Tigray and Eritrea fly proudly together as both unite against the war in Tigray
171
655
1K
#Tigray: A call for the Nobel Prize Committee to take responsibility for awarding the Peace Prize to Ethiopia's PM Abiy: take a stand and resign as a group.
281
1K
1K
Breaking News: Tigray Armed Forces claim to have “neutralised” 80,000 government troops
894
800
1K
As the world watches Ethiopians vote another story unfolds in Tigray. Claims that Tigray army has encircled Mekelle from 3 sides from a distance; ENDF units airlifted into Mekelle unable to move to Adigrat or the south. The battles continuing. Agulae said to have fallen to TDF.
238
800
1K
Humiliation for PM Abiy as thousands of his troops are marched to prison
291
947
1K
Report from Eritrean opposition sources: "2 Eritrean divisions (11th and 22nd) along with several Ethiopian contingents have been completely surrounded by TDF around Dessie".
545
774
1K
The Ethiopian government has decided to move more than 6000 Internally displaced people from Axum university to the prison centre in Shite in just two days without any preparations.
338
1K
1K
The Catholic Church in Eritrea has asked its faithful not to purchase any of the things coming from Tigray after the widespread looting. Goods are being stored just outside of Asmara at Ashagolgol, a military area.
242
422
1K
Tekeze River Bridge north of May Tesbre destroyed this morning at 0730 hrs.
212
1K
1K
One thing is clear: Ethiopia’s sovereignty has been compromised. Eritrean troops are deep inside Ethiopia. They are killing Ethiopian citizens. What is the Ethiopian Prime Minister doing? Absolutely nothing. Why?.
921
1K
1K
Report from #Mekelle that rape victims have been moved from the Ayder hospital. Not clear why.
187
1K
1K
Congratulations to the #Tigrayan community in Norway who brought the story of their people so forcefully home at the #NobelPeacePrize ceremony! Their people are suffering, but their voices were heard
317
892
1K
The Tigrayan plane the Ethiopian military say they shot down flying weapons in from Sudan. Ask yourself how many weapons a light aircraft like this could carry.
2K
997
1K
TMH has just confirmed that its satellite TV transmission has been blocked by the lobbying/pressure of Ethiopian government and it is working to restore its service. Its radio service is still working.
132
1K
1K
Sometimes flying passengers. Sometimes flying troops and weapons into the #Tigray war zone. #flyethiopian.
747
1K
1K
The Tigray leader Debretsion Gebremichael gives his first interview for weeks. Describes the suffering of the people of Tigray, especially women, and the determination to fight on.
248
507
1K
Oromo Liberation Front say they have “concrete evidence” of Eritrean troops fighting in Oromia
317
1K
1K
Demonstration at Heathrow Airport UAE against drones being supplied to the Ethiopian government to attack #Tigray
257
1K
1K
How does one explain the collapse of the Ethiopian and Eritrean armies in the face of the Tigrayan onslaught in June? Still something of a mystery. But here’s a thought: Napoleon Bonaparte once said, “In war, the moral is to the physical as three is to one.”.
669
660
1K
Ethiopia: Abiy’s regime is committing war crimes in the Amhara region and violating international aviation conventions
203
961
1K
This is #Tigray. In red: areas that can’t be reached by aid agencies. This is a siege or blockade. It’s designed to wipe out the population. The old and very young die first. Horrific, painful deaths. This is the policy of the #Ethiopian and #Eritrean governments
196
2K
1K
Tigray: Report of a massacre of close to 200 in town of Esret, between Gijet and Yechila by Ethiopian and Eritrean troops. A 92 year old nun, children and a whole family said to have been killed. Other atrocities in area of Gijet following fighting with Tigrayan forces.
267
1K
1K
Reports that Tigray army inflicting serious reverses on the Ethiopian military in what TDF calls "operation Alula Abanega". Large numbers of ENDF reported killed or captured, including senior officers. Sources suggest as many as 15,000 troops put out of action. To be confirmed.
234
742
1K
Report: Maryam Tsiyon Church in Axum has been attacked. Locals fear the aim is to take the Ark of Covenant to Addis Ababa. As many as 750 hiding in the Church were taken outside and shot in the square.
529
1K
1K
Just doing my job. But thank you.
Thank you #MartinPlaut for taking the pain to set the record straight.
991
322
1K
The Eritrean diaspora is fighting back against transnational repression from their government back home!
243
2K
1K
Breaking:Reports of offensives against #Tigray on several fronts. Ethiopian and Eritrean forces said to be involved. Details need confirmation.
850
1K
1K
Tigray leader, Debretsion Gebremichael: "Our enemies have mobilized to destroy us as a people". But TDF has been restructured into a larger force and is planning "a new chapter," i.e preparing more aggressive engagements beyond insurgency. 12/06/21.
223
791
1K
BREAKING: Turkish drones reportedly being constructed in Addis
670
2K
1K
#Norwegian children join the protest: don't award the #NobelPeacePrize while children in #Tigray starve!
286
1K
1K
The TDF completed a three-day battle and destroyed divisions of the ENDF in the Kobbo-Weldiya area and also destroyed Presidential Guard forces.“The balance of forces is now completely in our favor. We are in a position to march into Addis Ababa with no real opposition.”.
273
677
1K
Eritrean demonstrators march through London calling for justice. “We are asylum seekers!”
290
2K
1K
#Report: Eye witnesses are reporting Eritrean & Ethiopian forces attacking Hawzen town & its environs - home to over 100, 000 people with rockets, missiles and heavy artilleries right now. Many children & other civilians have been killed.
184
2K
1K
Reports that Ethiopian government has closed its embassies in Washington, Brussels, Paris and Berlin, Canberra, the Hague and Stockholm on the orders of PM Abiy. Ethiopia turning in on itself? Nairobi and Cairo open for the moment, but for how long?.
827
842
1K
Congratulations to the Eritrean youths who protested outside the London embassy. They didn’t take the dictatorship back home. Why should they accept the long arm of the dictatorship in Britain? They were bold but peaceful. Respect ✊.
278
642
1K