Tigray Herald፡November 4,2024 (Mekele)
Open Letter from the Tigray Independence Party to: Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State
Subject: Concerns Regarding Misleading Statements About Internally Displaced Persons in Recent U.S. State Department Press Release
Dear Secretary Blinken,
The Tigray Independence Party (TIP) is writing this letter to express our profound concern regarding the recent press release issued by the U.S. State Department, commemorating the second anniversary of the COHA. While we appreciate the U.S.’s commitment to a full implementation of the COHA, we must vehemently contest the assertion that “internally displaced persons have returned to their homes and basic services have been restored.”
This statement is misleading and undermines the reality faced by many in the affected area of Tigray. As a political party operating in Tigray, we are eyewitnesses to the fact that all internally displaced persons (IDPs) from the Western Zone, as well as a significant number from parts of the Southern and Eastern Zones, have not returned. In fact, IDPs from these areas continue to live in precarious and miserable conditions in IDP centers, lacking the safety and support necessary for their return. Ongoing challenges—including threats, intimidation, insufficient infrastructure, and inadequate access to basic services—remain pervasive.
To imply that IDPs have returned home is not only factually incorrect; it also risks erasing the ongoing struggles of those still displaced. Such inaccuracies can contribute to a dangerous narrative that downplays the severity of the humanitarian crisis in Tigray.We urge the State Department to correct this misleading information and to ensure that future communications accurately reflect the situation on the ground. Acknowledging the complexities and challenges faced by IDPs is crucial for fostering accountability and meaningful support for reconciliation efforts.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. We hope for a commitment to truthfulness and transparency in reporting on these critical issues.
Sincerely,
Tigray Independence Party
Mekelle, Tigray
November 4, 2024
