The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) recently commenced its 14th conference, led by its chairman, Dr. Debretsion Gebremichael,
The event, taking place in Hawelti, began today, August 13th, 2024, and is scheduled to run for five days until August 17th, 2024. However, the conference has sparked significant controversy, leading to the absence of several central committee members, including Vice Chairman Ato Getachew Reda, due to protests and other concerns.
The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) and the TPLF’s own Central Control Commission have denied recognition of the conference. NEBE explicitly informed the TPLF that any decisions made at the General Assembly would be invalid without its approval.
Vice Chairman Ato Getachew Reda voiced strong concerns, stating, “This assembly has nothing more than putting Tigray and its people in danger.” In his statement, released just minutes ago, Getachew criticized the conference as an effort to oust certain leaders under a hastily organized and non-consensual agenda. He warned that the assembly’s actions could undermine the Tigrayan people’s struggle and lead to future conflicts, stressing that the process had been manipulated by a select group for narrow interests. Getachew assured that he would continue to fight alongside the people of Tigray to ensure peace and security, advocating for organized political negotiations and the restoration of the TPLF’s legitimacy.
On the other hand, Dr. Leges Tulu, Minister of Government Communication Services, expressed his disapproval on social media, emphasizing the importance of law and order. He stated, “Any country in any corner of the world is governed by law and order,” and warned that any political movement failing to respect these principles ultimately faces destruction. Leges condemned the TPLF’s actions, accusing it of undermining the peace in Tigray and failing to adhere to the Pretoria Agreement, which obligates strict compliance with federal laws. He declared that the TPLF had been effectively destroyed by its own actions and held the group responsible for any resulting instability.
Both stakeholders have raised serious concerns about the implications of the conference, highlighting the deep divisions and potential consequences for the region’s peace and stability.
