Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London, (Tigray Herald).
“In Defense of Peace, Justice, and the People’s Future”
Tigray Peace Force (TPF): Strategic Statement of Principles and Position
Issued from Tigray | July 20, 2025
Reviewed and Prepared by the Horn of Africa Geopolitical Review (HAGR) & Tigray HeraldEditorial Board
Preamble
The people of Tigray have always stood resilient in the face of oppression, paying immensesacrifices in defense of their national dignity, survival, and values. Since the outbreak of thegenocidal war in October 2020 (2013 EC), launched by hostile internal and external forces,Tigray has endured a brutal campaign of annihilation.The Pretoria Peace Agreement, signed with the blood of our martyrs, temporarily saved ourpeople from total destruction and ushered in hope for political transition. However, this hope isnow under grave threat from within.
The Tigray Interim Administration, mandated by the Pretoria Agreement, has been hijacked by acorrupt faction of military elites referred to as the “Core and Above” who have derailed thepeace process, repressed political plurality, and silenced dissent. Youth are being detained, civiladministrations dismantled, and war drums beaten once again under the guise of anti-Shaabia engagement.
In response to these escalating threats, the senior leadership of the Tigray Peace Force (TPF),formerly known as “Free Land,” convened a five-day strategic conference (July 8–12, 2025) to assess the situation, restructure the movement, and realign with our people’s democratic aspirations.
We hereby present the 12-Point Strategic Statement of the Tigray Peace Force (TPF) a principled framework to defend peace, prevent war, and restore the voice of the Tigrayanpeople.
12-Point Strategic Position of the Tigray Peace Force (TPF)
- Reafirming Our Identity: From “Free Land” to Tigray Peace Force (TPF)We have oficially renamed our movement the Tigray Peace Force (TPF) to reflect our unwavering commitment to peaceful struggle, political inclusivity, and the protection of thePretoria Peace Agreement. Our objective is to safeguard the people’s right to self-determinationthrough nonviolent means.
- Rejecting War and the Cult of MilitarismThe TPLF’s military elite particularly the faction known as “Core and Above” has violated thePretoria Agreement and is preparing for another bloody war. This reckless path must bestopped. We call on all peace-loving Tigrayans to stand with TPF and prevent the descent intoanother genocidal catastrophe.
- A Call to All Tigrayans At Home and AbroadTo all Tigrayans inside Tigray, across Ethiopia, in the Diaspora, in refugee camps and IDPsites this is a moment of truth. We, your children, urge you to unite behind the TPF’s peacefulresistance. Our vision is a truly people-led, inclusive government, rooted in justice anddemocratic participation.
- To Tigray’s Security Forces: Choose the People Over Political ElitesWe honor your past sacrifices. But your noble mission has been betrayed by those in commandwho now seek to use your blood for personal gain. You must refuse orders that drag Tigray intoanother fratricidal war. Join TPF or peacefully return to your families and reject manipulationby rogue elites.
- To the Interim Administration: You Have Failed the PeopleInterim President Lt. Gen. Tadesse Worede has failed to build inclusive governance, uphold ruleof law, or ensure civilian protection. Armed groups are above the law, judicial processes arecompromised, rape and violence are rampant, and illegal mining is polluting Tigray. We demandurgent reforms and inclusive civilian governance at all levels.
- To the Youth of Tigray: Be the Engine of Peaceful TransformationYou are the soul of Tigray’s future. The Pretoria Agreement was signed to ensure your survivaland prosperity not to sacrifice you again. Study, build, innovate, lead and resist being usedby war profiteers. Join the peaceful resistance against destruction.
- To the Women of Tigray: Stand Again for JusticeYou have always been the backbone of our struggle. Today, your achievements are beingundone by the corrupt elite. We ask you to rise once more organize, resist, and help build afuture free from war, fear, and rape culture.
- To Tigrayan Political Parties: Unite Against Militarized PoliticsPolitics must be demilitarized. The January 15, 2025, pact between the “Core and Above” andsecurity forces is illegal and suppresses legitimate opposition. We call on all political forces tosupport democratic pluralism and reject authoritarian control under the guise of security.
- To Religious Leaders and Civil Society: Be Bold and ImpartialYour silence in the face of injustice has emboldened warmongers. We call on you to reassertyour moral authority, act without fear, and promote dialogue, peace, and reconciliation groundedin justice not proximity to power.
- To the Peoples of Ethiopia: Help Us Protect PeaceThe Pretoria Agreement brought hope across Ethiopia. Do not allow the destructive elites inTigray to sabotage it. Support our peaceful struggle, and reject the false narratives that seek topit nations against one another. War in Tigray is a threat to all Ethiopians.
- To the Federal Government of Ethiopia: Fulfill the Pretoria AgreementRestore Tigray’s territorial integrity within constitutional borders. Ensure the safe return of IDPsand refugees. Stop covert alliances with corrupt factions in Tigray and enforce accountability.Peace cannot thrive on selective silence or political convenience.
- To the International Community and Diplomatic MissionsWe urge the international community to:Ensure full implementation of the Pretoria Peace Agreement.Pressure all actors to cease military mobilization and illegal mining. Support the formation of a genuinely inclusive interim administration. Provide technical and diplomatic support for peaceful elections and national reconciliation.Prevent another humanitarian catastrophe in the Horn of Africa.
The Tigray Peace Force believes in peaceful political struggle, constitutionalism, dialogue, andself-determination. We reject all forms of war. We seek global partnerships to rebuild Tigray,protect human rights, and secure lasting peace.
We Stand for Peace, Justice, and the Tigrayan People’s Future
Glory to Our Martyrs
Peace Shall Prevail in Tigray
The People’s Will Shall Triumph
We Choose Dialogue, Not WarTigray Peace Force (TPF )
Tigray Region
Translated and Prepared by the Horn of Africa Geopolitical Review & Tigray Herald Editorial Board.
