Addis Ababa, March 14, 2024 (FMC) — Ethiopia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Gedion Timothewos called on the international community to discern and distinguish between the spoilers of the Pretoria Peace Agreement or COHA and those who are trying to faithfully implement the agreement; and support the process to go forward.
Briefing the diplomatic community in Addis Ababa today, the minister detailed multiple violations of the Pretoria Agreement by a faction of TPLF and called for urgent international support to prevent a return to conflict.
Gedion Timothewos outlined several “material breaches” of the Pretoria Agreement, accusing a faction of TPLF of attempting to dismantle the interim administration through violence, collaborating with external forces hostile to Ethiopia, and delaying the return of Internally Displaced Persons.
He also highlighted the derailment of the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) process and the refusal to adhere to the directives of the National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE).
“These are not just minor breaches; they are major violations that threaten the very foundation of the Pretoria Agreement,” Gedion stressed.
The foreign minister criticized statements that blame both sides, arguing that such rhetoric emboldens agents of chaos and undermines efforts to implement the agreement.
Thus, he urged the diplomatic community to distinguish between troublemakers and those faithfully working to implement the agreement, emphasizing that equating both sides emboldens spoilers of peace.
“The international community should be serious about calling a spade a spade,” Gedion noted.
On his part, Tigay Region Interim Chief Administrator Mr. Getachew Reda provided a detailed account of the worsening security situation in the region.
He revealed that a faction of TPLF has forcibly seized administrative structures, rounded up interim administration appointees, and used violence against protesters.
“We have reached a point where the interim administration cannot conduct its daily business,” the interim chief administrator said.
Getachew warned that the situation could lead to a complete breakdown of law and order and potentially re-ignite conflict.
He also expressed concern over the involvement of external actors, describing it as a toxic mix that complicates efforts to stabilize the region.
The interim chief administrator emphasized the need for international support to address the deteriorating security situation.
Getachew elaborated on the internal divisions within the Tigray region leadership, particularly within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), as a significant factor contributing to the instability.
He revealed that a faction has sought support from external forces, further complicating the situation.
“This is not shared by every member of the leadership, but a few influential members entertain such illusions,” he revealed.
Mr. Gedion an Mr. Getachew expressed hope that with the support of the international community and decisive action from the federal government, peace and stability can be restored in the region.