Thursday, August 10, 2006
BBC NEWS
An Ethiopian Army general has defected to Eritrea, Ethiopian state television has announced. Eritrea has confirmed Brig Gen Kemal Geltu’s arrival.
Ethiopian TV accused the general of “divisive and illegal activities”. Ethiopia and Eritrea ended a border war in 2002, but Ethiopia has not withdrawn troops from the Badme region which arbitrators awarded to Eritrea. | ||
Gen Kemal previously commanded Ethiopia’s 18th army division.
The Ethiopian television report said Gen Kemal had asked for further promotion soon after being promoted to the rank of brigadier general.
“However, when his request was rejected, he started engaging in divisive activities in the army.
“Although his colleagues repeatedly tried to correct the commander from his anti-government and inappropriate activities, the commander was not willing to change,” the report said.
Source: BBC, Aug 10, 2006
