The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has accused the Ethiopian government of mobilising military forces from Western to Eastern Tigray in preparation for a new round of conflict, warning that the region remains under what it described as an “existential threat” despite the Pretoria peace agreement.
Speaking during a press briefing held on Tuesday, 30 June, Fetlework Gebregziabher, a member of the TPLF Executive Committee and head of the party’s office, said the federal government was actively repositioning troops around Tigray.
“Currently, the Ethiopian government is mobilising its forces from Western to Eastern Tigray in preparation for renewed war,” she said.
The allegation comes amid heightened tensions in Tigray following recent warnings from international partners over the deteriorating security situation and growing concerns that divisions within the TPLF could undermine the implementation of the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.
Fetlework argued that although the Pretoria Agreement ended active fighting more than three years ago and led to the establishment of the Tigray Interim Regional Administration, “the existential threat against the people of Tigray has continued.”
She further alleged that the federal government had previously violated the peace agreement by carrying out drone strikes in Tigray, although she did not provide details about the incidents.
The TPLF official also accused unnamed forces she described as having committed “national betrayal” of working to trigger another war in Tigray, claiming their objective was to weaken the struggle of the Tigrayan people.
Turning to international reactions, Fetlework criticised recent statements by the United States (US) and the European Union (EU), describing them as “unjust.” She argued that international actors were placing pressure on the TPLF while failing to hold the Ethiopian government accountable.
According to her, the federal government is blocking budget allocations, fuel supplies, and other essential commodities to Tigray while simultaneously preparing for war.
“We will not negotiate on the fundamental interests of the people of Tigray,” she said, reiterating that the TPLF’s core demand remains the right of the people of Tigray to govern themselves and determine their own political future.
Fetlework also dismissed reports circulating on social media and some media outlets alleging forced conscription, locally known as “gifa”, in Tigray. She described the reports as deliberate misinformation aimed at spreading fear and weakening public resolve.
She further claimed that Tigray’s defence capabilities are “in a strong position,” saying that following the reactivation of the military council, strategic coordination had improved.
Calling for unity among Tigrayans both inside the region and abroad, she stressed that addressing the plight of internally displaced people remains urgent, while urging residents to prepare to “struggle and win” if necessary.
The remarks come days after the EU and the US expressed concern over rising political and security tensions in Tigray, urging all parties to return to the implementation of the Pretoria peace agreement and refrain from actions that could reignite conflict.
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