TPLF Suspension and Rising Tensions in Tigray: New Developments in Ethiopia’s Political Landscape

Borkena

Toronto – This week, a positive development emerged in Ethiopia’s Tigray region involving the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).

Religious leaders in the region successfully mediated between two factions (a topic Borkena has covered extensively) that were on the verge of armed conflict. They facilitated an agreement between the factions, committing them to resolve their differences through dialogue.

However, another development has cast doubt on whether the shadow of impending war in the region has truly been lifted.

The TPLF, particularly the faction led by Debretsion Gebremichael, has been suspended from all political activities for three months. The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) made this decision after the TPLF failed to comply with legislation regulating political parties.

The NEBE also warned that the TPLF could face dismissal as a political party if it fails to take corrective measures. The faction under Debretsion Gebremichael held what it called the “14th Congress” in August 2024, but the Board did not recognize it due to non-compliance with established rules and regulations.

On Friday, the TPLF issued a statement rejecting the NEBE’s decision, claiming it “has no meaning to the TPLF.” The party accused the Board of “obstructing” its engagement with the federal government. However, local media outlets and analysts fear that the TPLF’s stance—coupled with its military movements in the Raya area—could trigger another war between the federal government and Debretsion’s faction.

Three days ago, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed held an hour-long meeting with military generals in his office. According to sources, he instructed the generals “to be ready” and stated, “we are besieged.” The TPLF was reportedly identified as one of the hostile forces planning to fight against the federal government. 

The TPLF was designated as a terrorist organization by the Ethiopian parliament in May 2021 after it carried out massive destructive actions in the Afar and Amhara regions and attacked the Northern Command of the Ethiopian Defense Force. It was later re-registered as a political party by the NEBE under special consideration following amendments to existing regulations. However, the TPLF denies that it was registered as a new party, asserting that the Pretoria Agreement (which ended the war) restored its legal status.

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