Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London, (Tigray Herald)
“A Cause Greater Than Politics”
Declaration of Urgent and Uncompromising Demands by the New Generation of the Tigrayan Defense Forces (NG-TDF)
To:
General Tadesse Worede
Head of the Tigray Interim Government
High Command of the Tigray Defense Forces
Mekelle, Tigray
From:
The New Generation of the Tigrayan Defense Forces (NG-TDF)
Patriots Forged in War, Awakened by Betrayal, Committed to Justice, Unity, and the Future of
Tigray
I. Introduction:
We Are Not Instruments of Politics — We Are Guardians of the Nation
We, the New Generation of the Tigrayan Defense Forces (NG-TDF), speak not as agents of any
political faction, but as defenders of our people’s dignity, survival, and future. Born in the
crucible of genocidal war, our allegiance is not to party, power, or faction — but to the soul of
Tigray.
We are scholars, students, urban youth, diaspora returnees, and even former loyalists who have
awakened to a higher truth. We stand united under a vision of justice, inclusive governance, and
moral clarity — not manipulation. We categorically reject the failed legacy of the TPLF splinter
faction and affirm our sole allegiance to the people of Tigray.
II. At a Crossroads: The Betrayal and the Path Forward
We have observed with grave concern the internal political coup orchestrated by elements of the
TPLF-aligned “Above the Core” military-political elite. These actors operate without mandate,
without legitimacy, and without a moral compass. Their sabotage of reformist leadership —
notably targeting President Getachew Reda — has undermined the implementation of the
Pretoria Peace Agreement and endangered the very survival of our people.
While your appointment as head of the Tigray Interim Government may be legally valid in a
transitional context, it will only be politically legitimate if it is grounded in a renewed national
consensus rooted in justice, accountability, and broad-based inclusion.
III. Our Non-Negotiable Demands: Conditions for Legitimacy and National Surviva We present the following urgent and non-negotiable demands to the Tigray Interim Government
and General Tadesse Worede. These are not mere appeals — they are foundational principles
for legitimate governance, national unity, and the protection of Tigray’s future.
- Depoliticization of Governance
An immediate and transparent separation of state institutions from TPLF influence is required.
Governance must be inclusive, merit-based, and grounded in national unity — not partisanship.
- Respect for the Interim Assembly
The Tigray Interim Assembly must function independently and free from coercion, interference,
or sabotage by TPLF-aligned military or political actors. - Independent Investigative Commissions
Establish credible, independent commissions to investigate:
Attempts on the life of President Getachew Reda.
Arbitrary killings, unlawful arrests, and persecution of reformist voices.
District-level political subversions conducted by “Above the Core” military factions.
- Immediate Cessation of Illegal Gold Mining
End all illegal exploitation of Tigray’s natural resources — especially those linked to military and
political elites. Our minerals are not the war spoils of corruption. - Release of All Political Prisoners
Free all detainees held for political reasons without delay. Political dissent is a democratic right,
not a criminal offense. - Halt Land Grabbing in Mekelle and Beyond
Immediately cease the illegal acquisition of land by military-political elites. Displacement and
exploitation of residents must end. - Cleanse DDR and Compensation Programs of Corruptio Ensure DDR and compensation funds serve their intended humanitarian purpose. Investigate
and remove officials exploiting these programs for partisan loyalty or personal gain. - Justice for Survivors of Sexual Violence
Deliver swift justice to victims of sexual violence. Public condemnation, prosecution, reparations,
and psychosocial support must be prioritized without compromise. - Accountability from the “Above the Core” Command
Demand public apologies and accountability from those who orchestrated internal coups or
fueled division. These individuals must step aside and face independent investigation.
- Expose and Dismantle TPLF–PFDJ Collusion
Investigate and terminate any covert alliances between TPLF hardliners and the Eritrean
regime. Tigray must never be a pawn in regional power games.
- Full Implementation of the Pretoria Agreement
Restore Tigray’s full territorial sovereignty without delay. Ensure the dignified return of all
Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).
- End Militarized Political Ambitions
Disarm rogue militias and halt preparations for any unauthorized military campaigns. War must
never again be used as a political tool. - Inclusive Political Dialogue
All legitimate Tigrayan political entities must be included in the ongoing Pretoria Agreement
negotiations with the Federal Government. Monopoly by any single group is unacceptable. - Restructure the Tigray Interim Government
Appoint leaders based on competence and public trust, not nepotism or party loyalty.
Meritocracy must be the foundation of the Interim Government.
- Restore TDA’s Independence
The Tigray Development Association must return to its core developmental mission. It must not
be used as a financial or political arm of any group. Transparency and neutrality are essential
IV. Red Lines: Justice Is Non-Negotiable
We affirm without ambiguity:
There will be no legitimacy without justice.
There will be no peace without reform.
There will be no unity without truth.
V. A Final Message to General Tadesse Worede
General Tadesse,
Your legacy will not be defined by your appointment, but by your choices. You now stand at a
decisive moment in our history. You can either become a leader of transformative justice — or a
symbol of betrayal dressed in transitional legitimacy.
This is not a time for ambiguity or half-measures. The New Generation of the TDF does not
seek confrontation — we seek truth, reform, and survival. We speak from the trenches of
sacrifice, from the silence of the graves we have buried, and from the determination of a
generation that refuses to be silenced.
Choose wisely. The people of Tigray — and the judgment of history — are watching.
Yes we are Tigray but not TPLF’s militias.
Yes we are TDF but not Above the Core.
Signed,
The New Generation of the Tigrayan Defense Forces (NG-TDF)
For Justice. For Unity. For the People.
Drafted with the support of the Horn of Africa Geopolitical Review (HAGR) and regional and
international political and securiAgreements
