
Today, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) published their second Press Release on the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement of the 2nd November 2022. The party released already one Press Release on the 4th November and now the second one on the 12th November 2022. This is following questioning of the reasons and arguments for signing it.
The new Press Release continues where the last stopped. Nothing is shocking or out of the ordinary here. The TPLF is defending their reasons and the cause of the CoH Agreement. While they still have to work with and find support from within. That is it how it seems and after 10 days… there is still no silence of the guns, the humanitarian aide hasn’t entered the region and neither is there any goodwill from the Federal Government. So, the TPLF really has to wonder if this was really the trick or they was outplayed by the Tripartite Alliance by signing it.
They have called the Press Release: “Let us strengthen our unity and strive for better struggle!” and the first thing it says is: “People of Tigray, secure peace; Respect the Constitution; I will not surrender my right to self-determination.” He has been subjected to betrayal, oppression and injustice that history should not forgive. These forces of destruction have been conducting open military invasion with the aim of eradicating the people of Tigray from the face of the earth.
However, this is apart from the right, popular and just goal and iron unity. The people of Tigray, who had no military capacity, fought for their existence without being defeated by the coalition forces He has been carrying them. The forces of destruction that were determined to destroy it completely caused countless destruction and devastation to Tigray and its people but thanks to the hard fighting and persistent resistance, the dream of these forces did not come true to the extent they wanted” (TPLF, 12.11.2022).
We know the Tripartite Alliance have used all means since the November 2020 invasion. They have blocked humanitarian aide, utilities, communications and ensured the region has been hit with a man-made famine. This has been done deliberately to hit the region and weaken their war-effort. That’s why the agreement is questioned and the timing of it too. The TPLF is right about the annihilation and the planned destruction of the region. That is right about it…. but still asking for unity after signing the agreement. This should have been on offer and in talks across the region before doing so. Hard to ask for unity when your signing of your cause to someone who hasn’t been sincere or honest ever. That’s why the hostilities still lingers on and there hasn’t been a stop of the warfare from allies of the Federal Government.
The TPLF continues: “Despite the basic fact, we are seeing those who are rushing to accuse the Tigray government without saying that our reaching this agreement will endanger the will of our people. Therefore, our people at home and abroad should not be confused by this urgent and unreasonable conclusion and should not be intimidated by our peaceful negotiations. Because the Tigray government has no other starting point and destination than fulfilling the basic needs of its people” (TPLF, 12.11.2022).
It is natural that people question the reasons for the agreement… especially when the people has seen what the Tripartite Alliance has done and the rhetoric used by them. They came in “Operation Law Enforcement” but we know there was other things at play. Old grievances and consolidation of power, which was another reason for the war. The Prosperity Party and allies in Asmara and Bahir Dar wanted to settle old scores. So, the basic needs are far from met and there is little to show that the Cessation of Hostilities will bring it.
The TPLF Press Release ends with: “The victory of the people of Tigray is inevitable as long as we strengthen our unity and organize our capacities until our goal is achieved.
Our welfare and safety in our arms!!
Tigray wins!!” (TPLF, 12.11.2022).
The TPLF is asking a lot of it’s people, especially when there is yet nothing to show for it. Yes, the TPLF has a paper, but what worth does it have when one of the allies are still active in the region. The people are still feeling the war and isn’t getting the changes of peace. That is only in ink and therefore, the TPLF should explain this and why they trust the Federal Government on this. The Federal Government has done it to buy time and also ensure they have less international pressure. They might even get more funding from the World Bank and International Monetary Fund. That’s why people like me thinks it’s trick.
Unless, the goodwill and things are changing rapidly. There is a need to see that. It’s hard to ask for unity. When there is no signs or reports, which shows a true cessation of hostilities. There is neither a promise of ceasing the blockades of the Region. That’s why time will tell… if there will be any difference, but the Federal Government has to show that its sincere. If not… it was all a lie and the TPLF played along to it. That would be tragic, because the Tripartite Alliance has to show they are done with the war and open the borders for humanitarian assistance… Peace.











