Mekelle, February 18፡, 2025 (Tigray Herald)
Press release from Alliance of Tigreans for National Redemption on Olisegun Obesanjo’s recent remark regarding Tigray’s territories.
Statement from the Alliance of Tigrayans for National Redemption on Olusegun Obasanjo’s Remarks
The Alliance of Tigrayans for National Redemption, formed by three opposition political parties in Tigray—namely the Tigray Independence Party (TIP), the National Congress of Great Tigray (Baytona), and Arena Tigray for Democracy and Sovereignty (Arena)—strongly denounces the recent remarks made by H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo during the high-level meeting on the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA). His assertion that areas currently under occupation should remain neutral until a resolution is reached is both misleading and unjust, as it disregards the legitimate rights of the people of Tigray over their own land.
The very intent of the CoHA is to restore constitutional order in Tigray, ensure the safe return of internally displaced persons (IDPs), and bring lasting peace in Tigray, Ethiopia, and beyond. Despite this fact, however, H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo’s remarks propagate the opposite narrative—one that risks exacerbating tensions and prolonging the suffering of our people.
Obasanjo’s legacy in Biafra is a painful reminder of military aggression, forced starvation, and the mass displacement of civilians. We express our deepest sympathy to the victims of that tragic period. Although he is expected to remain neutral, respect humanity, and uphold the terms of the CoHA, he is now blatantly siding with the federal government that orchestrated the Tigray genocide. H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo must understand that Tigray is not Biafra, and the tactics that may have worked in Biafra will not succeed in Tigray. We will not allow history to repeat itself. Any attempt to impose similar injustices on Tigray will be firmly resisted.
While we acknowledge the efforts of the mediation team, we categorically reject any attempt to legitimize the occupation of Tigrayan land. The people of Tigray will not accept the rewriting of historical wrongs on their soil, nor will they tolerate any compromise that jeopardizes their fundamental rights.
We therefore call upon the international community, the mediators of the CoHA, and all other concerned bodies to take a firm stance against such distortions of the peace process. We urge them to uphold justice, ensure the full implementation of the CoHA, and prevent any further injustices against the people of Tigray. The ongoing occupation must not be normalized, and those responsible for violating the agreement must be held accountable.
The Alliance of Tigrayans for National Redemption
Tigray Independence Party (TIP),
National Congress of Great Tigray (Baytona),
Arena Tigray for Democracy and Sovereignty (Arena)
Mekelle – Tigray
18 February 2025
