The TPLF has denied any secret communications with Eritrea, labeling these claims as falsehoods intended to disrupt the Pretoria Agreement. They reaffirm their commitment to peace and call for collective efforts to uphold the agreement amid internal divisions and external pressures. Warnings about potential actions by Eritrean officials that could destabilize the peace process further highlight the complexities faced in the region.
The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has formally rejected allegations that they engaged in clandestine communications with the Eritrean government, characterizing the claims as “completely untrue” and devoid of any corroborating evidence. In a statement released on February 26, TPLF accused various media sources and unnamed Ethiopian officials of disseminating “fabricated falsehoods” aimed at undermining the Pretoria Agreement, alleging that these accusations stem from a “national betrayal group” aiming to disrupt the peace process.
These statements follow a report which indicated that senior members of the Tigray Defence Forces (TDF) had initiated contact with Eritrean military officials, culminating in allegedly confidential discussions in Asmara toward the end of January. TPLF vehemently denied these assertions, reaffirming their commitment to fully implement the Pretoria Agreement, stating that the people of Tigray and their military forces have no ulterior motives beyond peace and stability in the region.
Despite facing significant hardships since the signing of the Pretoria Agreement, TPLF emphasized their dedication to the peace initiative, rejecting internal and external conspiracies that threaten to undermine it. They called upon all involved parties to prioritize the implementation of the agreement which, they asserted, is crucial for addressing regional challenges.
Recent tensions within TPLF have been noted, particularly between factions loyal to Debretsion Gebremichael and Getachew Reda, creating an environment of uncertainty. Moreover, former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome warned of Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki’s attempts to exploit these divisions in order to destabilize the peace agreement, potentially reigniting conflict in northern Ethiopia.
In an opinion piece, Mr. Teshome cautioned against Isaias’s alleged manipulations, stating that his actions could jeopardize the entire peace deal and increase regional unrest. TPLF concluded their statement by reiterating their principled commitment to peace, signifying that their efforts would persist toward diplomatic resolutions with neighboring states.
The Tigray People’s Liberation Front has firmly dismissed allegations of secretive dealings with Eritrea, emphasizing their commitment to the Pretoria Agreement and peace in the region. Despite internal divisions, they maintain their focus on overcoming conspiracies that threaten stability and call for unity and seriousness in implementing the peace accord. The growing tensions underscore the fragility of the situation, with former leaders warning against actions that could exacerbate conflicts.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
