The Salsay Weyane Tigray opposition party has urged the Tigrayan diaspora and international observers of the Pretoria Agreement to take action against what it views as an existential threat to Tigray.
In a statement issued this week, the party stressed the urgent need for global attention and engagement to protect Tigrayans’ rights and lives in the face of persistent challenges.
The opposition political party expressed deep concern over the country’s deteriorating humanitarian and security situation, which it blames on the federal government’s inability to uphold the Pretoria Agreement and its constitutional commitments.
The situation in Tigray has deteriorated as a result of internal conflict within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and a weakened interim administration, which has significantly hampered the delivery of key public services. Despite a recent agreement intended to foster inclusivity, the TPLF continues to have complete authority over the Tigray regional administration, raising concerns about governance and public well being, according to Salsay Weyane.
“Against this backdrop, the previous scrutiny and periodic assessments by observers of the peace agreement seem to have diminished,” reads the party’s statement.
Salsay Weyane has raised the alarm over the apparent silence of key stakeholders and relevant bodies, urging these entities to redouble efforts in addressing the pressing humanitarian and governance crises affecting the region.
The party also appealed to the Tigrayan diaspora to intensify their diplomatic efforts and other peaceful means of struggle to alleviate what it deems internal and external threats to the existence of Tigray.
The findings of a recent fact-finding mission undertaken by the UK Visas and Immigration agency indicate the terms of the Pretoria Agreement have been neglected. The report, released this week, gathered input from a range of sources in the region.
It states the pillars of the peace agreement that ended the two-year war in 2022— the restoration of constitutional order, respect for human rights, and unhindered humanitarian aid—remain largely unfulfilled, resulting in continuing instability and dissatisfaction among Tigrayans.
Interviews with regional political parties found an overwhelming sentiment that the peace agreement is effective only on paper, according to the report. Civilians continue to live in fear of having their property expropriated by militants or federal forces, according to the agency.
