Salsay Weyane Tigray and the Tigray Independence Party have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to establish a joint political front, in a move aimed at consolidating pro-independence forces in Tigray, both parties confirmed to Addis Standard.
In a joint statement, the two parties said the agreement is intended to transition their separate political efforts into a more coordinated and structured platform. They noted that a joint committee has been formed to oversee the process of establishing the front, including the preparation of its program, bylaws, and leadership structure.
The parties added that the front will be formally constituted once the requirements set by the National Election Board of Ethiopia are fulfilled. Until then, both organisations said they will continue coordinating their political activities through jointly defined tasks.
The MoU comes amid what parties described as a complex political environment in Tigray, marked by divisions and competing political agendas. They said the planned front is intended to create a unified platform for nationalist forces and strengthen collective political engagement.
Speaking to Addis Standard, Kinfe Hadush, Salsay Weyane Chairperson, said the agreement represents a “decisive step” toward reshaping the current political landscape, which he described as “militarised, polarised, and fragmented.”
Kinfe said the idea of forming a joint front dates back to early 2023, but had not materialised due to various challenges. He added that recent discussions between the leadership of both parties over the past four months helped address key differences and paved the way for the current agreement.
According to him, the ongoing process includes drafting the front’s governing documents, after which it will be formally launched with a unified structure and leadership. He added that the initiative ultimately aims to build a consolidated political bloc focused on advancing Tigray’s national interests, including the pursuit of independence.
Addis Standard previously reported that the Tigrai Independence Party (TIP) denied claims linking it to a newly announced political alliance unveiled by Lt Gen. Tsadkan Gebretensae, stating it had neither joined nor been consulted in the formation of the grouping.
The party said the use of its name in relation to the alliance was misleading, reiterating that its political position and organisational decisions are made independently, and warning against what it described as attempts to misrepresent its stance.
While TIP distanced itself, other opposition parties, including Baytona, Arena Tigray, and Simret, confirmed their participation in the alliance, highlighting differing approaches among Tigray’s political actors.
The formation of a front comes after a series of earlier joint statements by both oppositions. In January, several Tigray-based opposition parties, including the Tigrai Independence Party (TIP) and Salsay Weyane Tigray (SaWeT), urged international mediators to intervene to prevent escalation, stressing that renewed war would be catastrophic for civilians.
In open letters addressed to the United Nations, African Union, United States, European Union, and other guarantors of the Pretoria peace agreement, TIP and SaWeT expressed deep concern over deteriorating political and military tensions in Tigray, calling for urgent preventive diplomatic action before violence could reignite.
Parties specifically highlighted shortcomings in implementing and monitoring the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, warning that unilateral actions and growing mistrust among major actors could undermine the peace process without decisive international engagement.
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