
There are interesting reactions to the 2nd November Cessation of Hostilities Agreement between the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). The Eritrean Press has already asked for the Amhara Regional Government to accept the Peace Agreement.
Today, one of the opposition parties within the Tigray region, the Tigray Independence Party (TIP) has issued a lengthy press release. That press release is very interesting and shows some of the sentiments from within the Tigray region. The TIP has released joint press releases with other Tigray parties during the war. However, this one is released on its own and without the support of the other Tigray opposition parties. Meaning, they are doing this on their own and without consensus. This is their beliefs and what they are seeing. Still, it’s insights and a view that shouldn’t be lost in space.
Read this part first:
“Again, the peace proposal signed in document does not answer the cause of the struggle for which you paid a bitter price. We believe that it contains a dangerous conspiracy aimed at disrupting your national struggle in the long run. As the document says, there is still no situation on the ground that invites you to accept it as a worst but no alternative. After the signing of the agreement, the historical and legal territory of Tigray is still occupied by the invaders. Our people living under the control of these brutal invaders are still victims of ethnic cleansing and inhuman acts. The hoped-for unlimited humanitarian aid has also become a stench of water. In short, as a party of freedom; The signed peace bill; It is a dangerous opportunity following the political and diplomatic losses caused by the traitorous TPLF, which is the burden of our struggle. The military victory achieved by the people and the Tigray Defense Forces at a bitter price; We have entered into such a crippling agreement because the TPLF group has conspired to hijack our struggle to be the fulfillment of its lost ideology and greedy and narrow interests. The TPLF group has taken a dry stance to continue its ideology that the civilized world hates at the expense of the people and army of Tigray. Our struggle has lost diplomacy and politics and has reached a forced agreement” (Tigray Independence Party, 10.11.2022).
Here the TIP Party saying the TPLF accepted an agreement because it was forced to do so. They didn’t sign it of reasons of their own. The TIP Party is stating a lot of things and it’s very clear. The TIP is also mentioning the invaders and their blockade of humanitarian assistance. That has been an issue throughout the war. Still, as the peace agreement is accepted, the invaders are not allowing or letting the humanitarian organizations to enter the region. Meaning the peace agreement haven’t changed the situation on the ground. That’s another reason why the TIP party is feeling betrayed and they feel also the TPLF betrayed the TDF. This is all within reason and we can understand their grievances too. The sacrifices and the costs of defending Tigray has been put to the side on a partial agreement, which haven’t changed anything.
TIP continues:
“In the meantime, even if the peace agreement is signed that does not preserve the sacrifices of our troops; It is not because our people and army have underestimated their heroism and been defeated. The loser snatched victory in a war that was not used for the sake of facilitating his narrow interests and corrupt thinking; He betrayed you and your people; It is the TPLF group that is hated by the world and covered in diplomatic losses. Here it is to maintain its existence at the cost of the sacrifices of the army and people of Tigray; He is insulted by the presence of you, the only saviors of our people; He has agreed to disband our army. However, the peace document signed on behalf of the TPLF has been accepted in principle; We do not believe that there is any other option but to wisely use the consequences of the peace proposal that this treacherous TPLF group has dragged to our advantage. Therefore, our party, the Tigray Independence Party, to realize an independent and sovereign state of Tigray through a referendum; We would also like to assure you that we will continue our struggle in a highly wise manner appropriate to the pressing political situation we are facing with the aim of holding accountable for the brutal genocide committed against our people” (Tigray Independence Party, 10.11.2022).
We are seeing the TIP Party continues to go after the TPLF. They are not letting things go and the arguments are even shifting for a referendum. That’s what was in the air before the September elections, which the House of Federation never accepted ahead of the war. TIP really says the TPLF are traitors to the Region and the people of Tigray. That is harsh words, but they are also in opposition. So, they are really showing which side they are on.
It isn’t strange that TIP says the TPLF has betrayed and is treasonous, as the TPLF signed an agreement, which is taking away the victory of the TDF. That is a statement, which I would like to see a reaction from the TPLF itself. Since, the TPLF only has stated it signed the agreement, because they want to uphold constitutional norms. Time will tell who is right here, but the TIP is really not accepting the peace agreement or the actions of the TPLF.
Reading this Press Release, it was clear what the message was and the TIP Party isn’t mincing their words. They are direct about their grievances and what they feel they are losing as a part of it. This is giving way to the invaders and the ones who has issued a genocidal war against the region. That’s how the TIP feels about it. That’s why the TIP is disgusted by the TPLF. Peace.















