There is political ‘tug of war’ in Tigrai between the Transitional Government and Tigrai People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), according to the current media reports. The contention between the two continued for quite some time now without any disclosed points of stalemate except assumption that there is struggle for power.
In the latest development, according to media reports, the President of the Transitional Government, Mr. Getachew Reda, left Tigrai to Addis Ababa. Prior to his travel the dispute reached unprecedented level when the military of the Regional State started to use force against the Transitional Regional Government. Accordingly, the military took over offices and instruments used in running the administration virtually making changes to delegation of power in administrative offices. The President then dismissed some generals in a sort of counter measure but TPLF defended against the move claiming the action taken was not legal.
In Addis Ababa, the President of the Regional Government, Mr. Getachew Reda, and Minister of the FDRE Foreign Affairs Ministry, Mr. Gedion Timotheos, gave press statement in Addis Ababa to foreign diplomats on the current developments. The President in his address simplified the incident as something like taking over the seal of the Regional Government, which he asserted won’t function though condition of his return to Tigrai is not clear. During the press statement the Foreign Minister accused a faction of TPLF of collaborating with a foreign country. Then TPLF reacted to the accusation of collaboration with a foreign country was not true. TPLF referred to the accusation directed against it was a lie that was repeated over and over again, which won’t change the reality on the ground.
On the other hand, the Tigrai Democratic Party leader, Dr. Aregawi Berhe, accused what he referred to as TPLF faction acting to derail the Pretoria Peace Agreement in which he re-iterated that the Federal Government should continue with implementation of the agreement.
Commander of the Tigrai Military, General Tadesse Worede spoke from Addis Ababa before his return to Tigrai of his assurance that there won’t be war between Tigrai Region and the Federal Government. He added that it was just difference of attitude which shouldn’t be prohibited as a rule.
Meanwhile confrontation between Ethiopia and Eritrea at least in war of words continue to be disseminated across the media while precaution against possible war between the two countries circulate by political analysts associated to some powerful countries. They emphasize that preparation for the war must stop before it ensues devastation with uncertainty of the outcome effects.
It is to be recalled that peace agreement reached in Pretoria, South Africa, helped stop the war between Tigrai Region and the Federal Government. There were concerted efforts of internal and external stakeholders that facilitated the ground that led to signing the peace agreement. Indeed the agreement reversed fear of more killings and damages with expected far reaching devastation. The concern of all to this day is to see restoration of lasting peace in which human rights are respected and protected; rule of law exercised; and good governance is put in place.
The CDG express unflinching stance for peace as an integral part of the Civil Society committed to serve the people in promoting Peace, Human Rights and Good Governance.
We appreciate and support the Pretoria Peace Agreement that ended the blood war and brought peace and tranquility in Tigrai region of Ethiopia. The efforts of all stakeholders those took part in the process is highly appreciated and deserve due recognition. Their continued support is also pivotal for the sustainability of the agreement to attain lasting peace for our country.