News: TPLF calls for full Implementation of Pretoria peace deal on second anniversary, citing ‘unfulfilled’ commitments

Addis Abeba – The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has issued a statement marking the second anniversary of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA), asserting that “major foundational points” of the accord remain unfulfilled despite two years having passed.

In a statement released on 01 November, 2024, TPLF acknowledged the agreement’s successes, noting it “enabled a cessation of hostilities” and allowed a “limited restoration of basic services” in Tigray.

However, the organization claims that roughly 48% of Tigray’s territory “remains under occupation.”The TPLF reports that internally displaced persons continue to face severe challenges, with many “living in worn-out tents” under difficult conditions.

The group further alleges that residents in Southern Tigray and Tselemti endure “continuous harassment, sexual violence, livestock raids, imprisonment,” and are being “forced to alter their identities as part of a calculated scheme.”

Concerns were also raised over the condition of Tigrayan refugees in Sudan, who, according to the TPLF, are suffering “dire humanitarian conditions.”

The TPLF attributes the delay in full implementation to an alleged “reluctance” from the Ethiopian government to execute the agreement comprehensively, insufficient international pressure, and “internal divisions” within its own ranks, particularly regarding “responsibilities assigned to the Interim Regional Administration of Tigray,” which it claims have complicated the process and compromised “national interests.”

Nonetheless, the organization affirmed, “The Pretoria Agreement remains the fundamental framework for peace,” while calling for stronger international pressure to ensure complete implementation.

The TPLF is appealing for greater international engagement, specifically urging the United States, European Union, African Union, and IGAD to support the full execution of the agreement. It also highlighted the upcoming African Union review of the agreement, scheduled for November 2024, calling for a “transparent and fair” process.

The TPLF signaled its commitment to work with stakeholders to implement the agreement’s provisions, stating it will “take every practical step to implement the agreement as promptly as possible.”

The second anniversary comes amid a significant rift within the TPLF, between the faction led by veteran leader Debretsion Gebremichael (PhD) and Tigray Interim Administration President Getachew Reda.

This internal split, which emerged following the TPLF’s 14th Congress, previously led to Debretsion’s faction removing Getachew and several other officials from their roles in the administration, claiming they “will no longer have the authority to lead, make decisions, or issue directives.”

In response, the interim administration, led by Getachew, has accused Debretsion’s group of attempting to “destabilize” the region through actions it described as a “coup d’état.” The administration warned it would pursue legal action against Debretsion’s faction for allegedly sowing “chaos and anarchy” in Tigray. AS