The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) is calling for African Union intervention following the revocation of its legal status just months ahead of nationwide elections, raising fears of renewed conflict in the region.
Tensions Rise as Tigray Party Faces Ban Amid Peace Deal Concerns
Tensions Rise as Tigray Party Faces Ban Amid Peace Deal Concerns
Ethiopia's Tigray People's Liberation Front warns that a recent ban on its activities threatens the fragile peace deal signed in 2022.
The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) has issued a stern warning regarding a ban on its activities, claiming that the move poses a "grave threat" to the 2022 peace agreement that effectively ended two years of brutal conflict in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region. The party, which has been an influential political force in Tigray, recently saw its legal status revoked by the National Election Board of Ethiopia, citing its failure to hold a necessary general assembly. This decision is seen as particularly alarming given the backdrop of rising political tensions in the region, especially with nationwide elections approaching by June 2024.
The TPLF, which previously governed the country prior to 2019, is calling for mediation from the African Union, emphasizing that the ban undermines the trust established in the Pretoria peace agreement. The ban comes at a time when the party is also grappling with internal divisions, as factions within attempt to claim control after being unable to conduct elections. The TPLF warned that this latest development could jeopardize the progress made since the declaration of peace, stating that both parties must engage in dialogue to resolve their differences.
Ammanuel Assefa, the TPLF deputy chairman, has expressed deep concerns that the electoral board's decision could have severe implications for the peace process, affecting the sacrifices made by countless individuals during the conflict. With the return of nearly one million displaced persons still pending and international bodies such as the US, UK, and EU raising alarms over potential violence, the atmosphere in Tigray remains one of unease and apprehension as citizens fear the resurgence of conflict in Ethiopia.
The TPLF, which previously governed the country prior to 2019, is calling for mediation from the African Union, emphasizing that the ban undermines the trust established in the Pretoria peace agreement. The ban comes at a time when the party is also grappling with internal divisions, as factions within attempt to claim control after being unable to conduct elections. The TPLF warned that this latest development could jeopardize the progress made since the declaration of peace, stating that both parties must engage in dialogue to resolve their differences.
Ammanuel Assefa, the TPLF deputy chairman, has expressed deep concerns that the electoral board's decision could have severe implications for the peace process, affecting the sacrifices made by countless individuals during the conflict. With the return of nearly one million displaced persons still pending and international bodies such as the US, UK, and EU raising alarms over potential violence, the atmosphere in Tigray remains one of unease and apprehension as citizens fear the resurgence of conflict in Ethiopia.
