Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London, (Tigray Herald)
Call from Human Right First and Voice for Democracy & Social Justice, CSOs in Ethiopia)
In Tigray, due to various internal and external factors, there are emerging signs that the region is sliding back into renewed internal conflict and/civil war. It is clear to everyone that this would be a disaster that the emotionally and physically exhausted people of Tigray cannot afford to endure again.
Whether conflict or war, whatever the reason, the suffering and destruction it brings upon people and communities is immeasurable. The people of Tigray do not wish to engage in any process that would result in the violation of human dignity. Forceful conflict is not a solution that benefits the people or the region. Especially, a return to a destructive civil war, whether sparked by revenge or political ambition, is a serious danger that will block any chance for recovery and bring more irreversible suffering.
Everyone who wishes to lead or act must do so with the support of the people; no one should use force to impose their will. Supporters and backers must not assist or encourage civil war efforts that the people have not chosen for themselves. Tigray is now at a historical crossroads — political forces, youth of Tigray, civil society, religious institutions, and above all, the people of Tigray must raise their voices and peacefully resist this descent into further disaster. Our collective voices must call for peaceful dialogue and consensus-based politics.
The peaceful voice of the people is stronger than iron; history has repeatedly shown that true peace and democracy are built through inclusive participation.
Based on this, the organizations: Human Rights First (ቅድሚያ ንሰብኣዊ መሰላት), and Voice for Democracy and Social Justice (ድምፂ ዲሞክራሲን ማሕበራዊ ፍትሒን), present the following calls to the interim administration of Tigray:
- To work decisively to prevent a return to internal conflict and militarization;
- To start negotiations immediately with Tigrayan armed groups and the Ethiopian government;
- To create an environment for inclusive political dialogue with all Tigrayan forces for a sustainable solution;
- To ensure inclusive public consultation and cooperation with collective civil voices.
We declare this clearly and firmly: we oppose the return to destructive civil war with in Tigray.
To this end, all people must participate in a broad movement for peace and demand that no individual or group drags us back into any type of war.
08 June 2025
Human Right First
Voice for Democracy and Social Justice
