Mekelle፡ 11 August 2024 (Tigray Herald)
Open Letter to the Seeretary of the U.S. Department of State
Antony Blinken, Secretary of State
PROGRESSIVE TIGRIAN SOLIDARITY
RE: Urgent Call for Intervention in Tigray: Preservation of the Pretoria Agreement and
Prevention of a Military Dictatorship
Your Excellency Secretary Blinken,
On behalf of the Progressive Tigrayans Solidarity (PTS), an international advocacy group
dedicated to the peace, prusperity, und democratic transitions ofTigray, we would like lo express
our sincere appreciation for the critical role the United States has played in facilitating the
implementation of the Pretoria Agreement. The U.S. government’s efforts have been instrumental
in securing peace in the region, and we are deeply grateful.
However, we must bring to your immediate attention a series of alarming developments in Tigray
that threaten to derail this hard-carned progress, On September 9, 2024, General Tadesse Werede,
the Vice President of the Tigray Interimn Administration (TIA) and head of the Tigray Security
Forces, issued a public order to Mr. Getachew Reda, the President of the TIA. This move signals
the emergence of military control over civilian govemance in direct violation of the Pretoria
Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA), which established the TIA as an inclusive civilian-
led body committed to democratic governance, political transition, rehabilitation, and
reconstruction. General Werede’s actions risk setting the foundation for military authoritarianism
in Tigray, undemining both the peace process and the aspirations of the Tigrayan people for
freedom and liberty.
Even more concerning is General Werede’s public recognition of an illegal faction within the
Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), which recently convened an illegal general assembly
in clear violation of its bylaws and Ethiopian law. By endorsing this illegitimate faction, while
simultancously discrediting the legitimate members of the TPLF who chose to abide by internal
bylaws and federal laws, refusing to participate in the illegal assembly. General Werede is
creating dangerous divisions within the Tigrayan political landscape. This interference threatens
to destabilize the political environment and erode trust in the peace process
Additionally, General Werede has obstructed essential reforms initiated by the TIA that have
widespread public support. These reforms, aimed at replacing corrupt and discredited members
of the old TPLF guard, represent the aspirations of the Tigrayan people for greater transparency.
accountability, and democratic governance. By ordering the TIA to halt these reforms and
reinstate individuals tied to corruption, the General has effectively disregarded the people’s
demand for change, prioritizing entrenched political interests over justice and democratic
progress.
By Yerga Yaecobe
The security forces, which had previously refrained from interfering in the internal political disputes between the two factions of the TPLF, appear to have shifted their position. Taddesse Worede, who serves as both the commander of the Tigray Defense Forces (TDF) and the vice president of the Tigray Interim Regional Administration (TIRA), as well as head of the security and peace secretariat, stated in a press conference as reported by Dimtsi Weyane Television facebook page: “The interim government must cease the appointment of new leadership and the dismissal of existing ones in districts and cities.”
This statement has led some in Tigray’s social media circles to view the situation as a potential coup. Reports suggest that Getachew Reda, President of TIRA, responded by asserting, “Appointments are determined by TIRA’s evaluations and timetable, not through external interference.”
In a related development, Solomon Maesho, Administrator of the Central Zone, issued four dismissal letters after a meeting of TDF commanders that aligned with Taddesse’s remarks, which appeared to be in line with Getachew Reda’s stance. This dismissal decision was seen by some as a direct challenge to the army commanders’ decision.
Adding to the complexity, two days earlier, Amanuel Assefa, recently elected as Vice Chair of Debretsion Gebremichael’s TPLF faction during its controversial 14th Congress—deemed illegal by Getachew Reda, the TPLF Central Audit and Control Commission, and the Federal Election Board—stated, “It is unconstitutional for TIRA to appoint or dismiss district and Tabia executive members, as these decisions should be made by local councils.” Amanuel also indicated that the TPLF, after consulting “relevant bodies” (without specifying them), would soon fill its 50+1 share within TIRA’s cabinet, implying that members loyal to Debretsion’s faction could replace those aligned with Getachew Reda.
In essence, Debretsion’s TPLF sees TIRA’s role as limited to the central administration in Mekelle, while maintaining that zones, districts, and Tabias—historically controlled by the TPLF—remain under their influence.
Meanwhile, Debretsion’s faction called for a protest rally in Shire, which was rejected by local authorities citing security concerns due to the approaching Ethiopian New Year and stretched security resources.
The shift in stance by the military commanders toward intervening in TIRA’s operations has left many uncertain about the future direction of Tigray.
This marks the third significant attempt by General Werede to stifle political reform in Tigray.
His earlier actions delayed the formation of the TIA, and he has consistently sought to obstruct
efforts to hold accountable t
the TPLF’s leadership, inctuding during the party’s central committee
meeting. These actions are clearly antithetical to the a Agrcement’s core objectives:
PROGRESSIVE TIGRIAN SOLIDARITY
Given the gravity of these developments, we urgently call upon the U.S. State Department to take
immediate diplomatic action. It is imperative that the United States, sa guarantor of peace and
democracy, strongly condemns this blatant violation of the Pretoria Agreement and presses for
the fortification of the interim civilian authority in Tigray. Failure to act swiftiy risks the
resurgence of conflict, destabilization of the region, and the unraveling of years of diplomatic
progress.
Respectfuly,
We respectfully urge the U.S. government to lead the international community in reaffirming its
commitment to the principles of democracy, peace, and human rights by supporting the Tigrayan
people in this critical moment. Only through decisive intervention can we ensure the preservation
of the Pretoria Agreement and prevent a slide into military dictatorship, and senseless war.
