Many are calling for boycott of Ethiopian Airlines, considered the crown jewel in Ethiopia's economy, due to the airline's alleged involvement with a violent conflict in Ethiopia's northern Tigray.Tigrayan separatists have been fighting government forces for nine months to control the region. There are reports of both sides committing human rights violations. Tigrayan forces captured Mekelle, the regional capital, and took thousands of Ethiopian soldiers hostage.On the same day, the Ethiopian National Defense Force declared an unilateral ceasefire. However, Human Rights Watch states that the Tigray area remains isolated from the outside world and supplies are running out quickly.Sarah Jackson, Amnesty International's Deputy Regional Director East Africa, the Horn, and the Great Lakes, says that there are concerns about reprisals against civilians in Tigray from all sides after the capture of Mekelle, by the TigrayPeoples Liberation Front.Jackson stated that Amnesty International is still deeply concerned about the safety and well-being of Tigray civilians. They have been subject to months of fighting, as well as serious human rights violations, including war crimes.After an attack on Ethiopian forces in November, the Ethiopian government declared war on Tigray's opposition. Tigray was subject to indiscriminate bombing from Ethiopian government forces early in the conflict. Tigray was home to 350,000 people who were facing starvation by June 1.Amnesty International published last November a report claiming that scores of civilians were hacked or stabbed to death in one attack. According to Amnesty International witnesses, the massacre was committed by Tigray Special Police Force members and other TPLF members.Despite claims of horrific human rights violations on both sides, there is mounting pressure to boycott Ethiopian Airlines for allegedly transporting soldiers and weapons from Ethiopia to the Tigray area.The airline was also accused last year of firing or putting on administrative leaves staff from the Tigrayan ethnic minority. According to The Telegraph (paywall), Ethiopian Airlines is a prominent company that discriminates against Tigrayans.Campaigners argue that Ethiopian Airlines should temporarily be thrown out the Star Alliance group, which includes members such as United Airlines, Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines.On Saturday, Scandanavian carrier SAS asked Twitter for help after its account was repeatedly spammed by campaigners who flooded the airlines Twitter handle with #BoycottEthiopianAirlines and #DefundTigrayGenocide messages.The message was quickly deleted by the airline. Ethiopian Airlines has yet to comment publicly on the allegations. The Telegraph was not able to reach them when they were asked about the discrimination against Tigrayan workers.
