Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London, (Tigray Herald)
We Will Not Be Ruled by Force: A Direct Condemnation of Debretsion’s Threat Against Raya
By Habtamu Belay
The recent press statement by Debretsion Gebremichael, declaring that his group will “enter Raya by force,” is not only a reckless and dangerous threat but a complete betrayal of the people of Tigray and an alarming sign of political decay.
The Tigray People’s Liberation Front has signaled its intent to take direct control of Southern Tigray’s administration, raising concerns over a return to intra-regional power struggle.
In a recent interview with the party-affiliated Woyen Media, TPLF chairman Debretsion Gebremichael announced the party’s intention to assert administrative control over Southern Tigray and replace its current leadership.
Debretsion stated that the TPLF “has outlined plans to immediately assert control of the administration and change its leadership, as was done in other parts of Tigray.”
Previously, the TPLF dissolved local administrations across several parts of Tigray including in Mekelle, North Western, and Central zones, replacing them with party-aligned officials.
Observers warn that the push to consolidate power could inflame divisions within Tigray, where local political dynamics remain fragile.
The Southern Tigray administration did not comment on the statement made by the TPLF chairman.
This kind of rhetoric is not leadership; it is madness. To threaten a peaceful population with forced political subjugation is authoritarianism at its worst, and it must be condemned unequivocally by all Tigrayans with a conscience.
Debretsion and his TPLF faction’s ongoing attempts to forcibly reassert control over the people of Raya constitute a provocative and dangerous escalation. Any plan to enter the South Zone by force is not only unacceptable, but it is an open assault on the rights, dignity, and voice of the people of Raya. Such actions risk plunging Tigray into renewed instability and must be condemned unequivocally by all peace-loving and democratic forces.
Let there be no mistake: the people of Raya have spoken with clarity and resolve. They reject dictatorship. They reject the return of TPLF hardliners who seek to dominate by coercion rather than through lawful, democratic engagement.
The presence of General Tadesse Worede in the South yesterday is no coincidence; it is a calculated move, part of Debretsion’s broader agenda to suppress dissent and enforce centralized rule through intimidation This approach may have succeeded elsewhere in Tigray under silence and fear, but Raya is not for sale, not for surrender and not for subjugation.
It must also be clearly stated: the people of Raya are Tigrayans, proudly and inseparably. Their rejection of TPLF authoritarianism is not a rejection of Tigray but a defense of its future. Raya is not seeking separation but dignity, justice, and accountable leadership within Tigray. Any attempt to paint the people of Raya as traitors or outsiders is dishonest and divisive. Those who support Debretsion’s rule must understand that differing politically is not betrayal; it is the essence of democracy.
Debretsion is not threatening governance; it is the beginning of civil unrest. If unchecked, it will ignite the flames of civil war within Tigray, at a time when our people are already enduring immense suffering: IDPs are still stranded with no path home; our constitutional lands remain occupied by Eritrean forces and Amhara extremists; and the Ethiopian federal government openly collaborates with our enemies.
Even worse, credible concerns are now emerging that Debretsion and his inner circle are quietly aligning with the Eritrean regime, the very architects of the Tigrayan genocide. This alliance, if true, would betray the entire purpose of the struggle and dishonor the sacrifices of our people. It appears they are willing to once again turn Tigray into a militarized buffer zone, sacrificing our youth as cannon fodder while they negotiate from air-conditioned villas.
And yet, Debretsion speaks with arrogance, roaring like a lion in the middle of the wreckage, unrepentant, detached, and blind to the reality on the ground. He has learned nothing. TPLF’s time is over. Their era of ruling by fear, manipulating crises, and silencing dissent is over.
We call upon all political actors, civil society, and international observers to stand with the people of Raya. We call on the TPLF leadership to cease this authoritarian campaign and respect the people’s will. Imposing leadership by force will only deepen the crisis and fuel division.
The people of Raya are not confused or divided. They are united in saying: No more TPLF dictatorship in Raya, no more rule by fear, no more silence.Let it be known across Tigray and beyond: The people of Raya will not be ruled by force. This must stop now before it is too late.
