Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London, (Tigray Herald)
The highly detailed strategic diplomatic engagement report—prepared for publication under Horn of Africa Geopolitical Review and supported by the Tigray Herald Editorial Team. It includes a powerful narrative title, contextual framing, and authoritative political and security analysis on General Wedi Antiru Gebregziabher Beyene’s emerging diplomatic role and the establishment of the Tigray Peace Force (TPF).
A New Chapter in Tigray’s Diplomatic Evolution: The Rise of General Wedi Antiru
Gebregziabher Beyene and the Tigray Peace Force (TPF)
Prepared by:
Horn of Africa Geopolitical Review (HAGR)
In Collaboration with Leading Regional and International Security and Diplomacy Experts and the Tigray Herald Editorial Team
Date: June 2025
Executive Summary
A new era of Tigrayan military diplomacy is emerging—rooted not in aggression, but in peace,civilian protection, political neutrality, and strategic wisdom. At the heart of this transformation stands General Wedi Antiru Gebregziabher Beyene, a respected, seasoned, and principled senior military figure from the Tigray Defense Forces (TDF), now entrusted with leading the newly formed Tigray Peace Force (TPF).
In a time of institutional fragmentation, foreign interference, and dangerous internal sabotage against the Pretoria Peace Agreement, General Wedi Antiru has initiated a bold, stabilizing force. The TPF, composed largely of professional, younger-generation TDF veterans, positions itself as a military-neutral peace force—rejecting the illegitimate alliance between remnants of the TPLF hierarchy and the Eritrean PFDJ regime, which seeks to derail Tigray’s sovereignty and peace.
This document highlights a historic diplomatic engagement between General Wedi Antiru and His Excellency Ambassador Darren Welch, UK Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union. This event marks the beginning of a wider diplomatic recognition of the TPF as a credible, stabilizing actor in Tigray and the Horn of Africa.
- Strategic Context: Crisis and Realignment in Post-Genocide Tigray
Tigray remains in a delicate phase of post-genocide recovery. Although the Pretoria Peace Agreement was internationally hailed as a pathway to peace, internal sabotage—particularly by the “Above the Core” generals allied with the now politically bankrupt Debretsion-led TPLFsplinter group—has threatened regional stability. Their unlawful seizure of local governance structures and covert coordination with the Eritrean regime constitute direct violations of the peace pact and the sovereignty of the Tigrayan people.
In response, the Tigray Peace Force (TPF) has emerged as a restorative military institution,
explicitly dedicated to the implementation and defense of the Pretoria Peace Agreement without being a political tool. It aims to shield the population from renewed war, militarization of governance, and external conspiracies against Tigray’s security and dignity.
- The Rise of General Wedi Antiru: Military Integrity Meets Diplomatic Vision
General Wedi Antiru Gebregziabher Beyene, widely respected among rank-and-file TDF
veterans and the civilian population, is known for his humility, soft-spoken authority, and
soldier-centric leadership. During the genocidal war against Tigray (2020–2022), he played a discreet but essential role in military coordination, humanitarian aid facilitation, and post-war support for injured war heroes and veterans.
Now, as head of the Tigray Peace Force, General Wedi Antiru embodies the principle of
“winning a war without fighting”—a Sun Tzu-inspired strategic philosophy tailored to Tigray’s context. His leadership signals the birth of a new, peaceful, and diplomatic security doctrine in the Horn of Africa.
- The Historic Diplomatic Engagement: General Wedi Antiru Meets Ambassador Darren Welch
In what Horn of Africa Geopolitical Review confirms as a landmark first, General Wedi Antiru held a high-level and constructive diplomatic meeting with Ambassador Darren Welch, the UK’s Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union.
According to diplomatic contributors to HAGR, the General articulated the founding principles of the TPF, its mission, and its role in securing peace and civilian governance in Tigray. He emphasized:
TPF’s Political Neutrality: Unlike TPLF-aligned military actors, the TPF rejects political
interference and commits to upholding civilian supremacy.
Support for the Pretoria Agreement: The TPF is not only respecting the peace pact but is
actively defending it from internal and external saboteurs. Demilitarization of Governance: The TPF advocates for the complete withdrawal of unlawful military control from district and zonal administrations.
Generational Transition: The TPF is predominantly composed of younger, reformist, and professional ex-TDF members—detached from the old political-military elite networksAmbassador Welch reportedly praised the clarity and strategic vision of the General’s message and reaffirmed the UK’s support for inclusive, peace-oriented leadership in Tigray. He welcomed the emergence of the TPF as a stabilizing actor and encouraged continued diplomatic communication
- International Reception: Growing Support for the TPF’s Vision
Horn of Africa Geopolitical Review sources confirm that other Western diplomatic missions in Ethiopia—including those of the EU, the U.S., and Scandinavian countries—are initiating quiet engagement with the leadership of the TPF. General Wedi Antiru is gaining reputation not only as a principled military leader, but also as a diplomatic bridge-builder, uniquely suited to mediate between internal forces and external partners.
In addition, regional and international media outlets such as BBC, France24, and Deutsche
Welle have reportedly reached out to request interviews and coverage of the TPF’s activities
and vision.
- A Military Force for Peace: A Model for the Horn of Africa
The TPF may prove to be one of the Horn of Africa’s most innovative military models—a force defined by restraint, constitutionalism, human rights adherence, and protection of civilians,rather than regime loyalty or geopolitical adventurism.
As Eritrea’s PFDJ regime and its TPLF allies continue to undermine regional security, the TPF offers a blueprint for ethical, post-conflict military reinvention—one that Western powers can support and partner with in broader peace-building efforts across the Horn.
- Honoring the War Veterans: General Wedi Antiru’s Humanitarian Legacy
In addition to his military and diplomatic roles, General Wedi Antiru is admired for his deep
humanitarian concern for Tigrayan war veterans. He has personally initiated and supported multiple charity programs for injured soldiers, their families, and widows of fallen fighters. His community engagement, ethical record, and respect for civilian institutions position him uniquely in the current post-war terrain.
- Conclusion: Digital Diplomacy and the New Forces of Stability
The Horn of Africa Geopolitical Review and the Tigray Herald Editorial Team are proud to report and support this transformative engagement. We reaffirm our commitment to monitoring, publishing, and amplifying such positive developments that empower the people of Tigray and build bridges with the international community.
In an age where traditional diplomacy is often outpaced by evolving conflict dynamics, digital diplomacy and strategic military diplomacy—as exemplified by General Wedi Antiru and the TPF—offer hope, pragmatism, and resilience.
Prepared by:
Horn of Africa Geopolitical Review
With contributions from regional security analysts, international diplomatic correspondents, and
editorial support from the Tigray Herald Team
