The TPLF has denied claims of secret talks with Eritrea, labeling such allegations as entirely false and claiming they are intended to undermine the Pretoria Agreement. The party’s statement comes in response to reports of increased contacts between Tigray military forces and Eritrean officials. TPLF reaffirms its commitment to peace through the implementation of the Pretoria Agreement despite internal divisions and external challenges.
The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has firmly dismissed allegations regarding purported “secret contacts” between its military forces and the Eritrean government. In a statement issued on February 26, the party characterized these claims as “completely untrue” and devoid of supporting evidence, asserting that they are mere “fabricated falsehoods” aimed at undermining the Pretoria Agreement.
TPLF accused various media outlets, including Africa Intelligence and Oromia Media Network (OMN), as well as unnamed Ethiopian officials, of propagating these falsehoods to disrupt peace efforts. The party contended that a “national betrayal group” is behind these accusations, describing it as part of a broader conspiracy against the peace process initiated by the Pretoria Agreement.
These denials followed a report from Africa Intelligence suggesting increased interactions between Tigray Defence Forces (TDF) and Eritrean officials. It claimed that such contacts began with informal meetings along the border and evolved into a confidential meeting in Asmara, where Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki assured TDF officers of his protection amid concerns of renewed conflict with Ethiopia.
Amid these tensions, TPLF emphasized its commitment to upholding the Pretoria Agreement and asserted that the people and military forces of Tigray harbor no intentions beyond its implementation. The party condemned the emergence of fabricated accusations aimed at misleading the public and the international community, insisting instead on a focus on peace.
Since signing the Pretoria Agreement, TPLF has faced numerous injustices but remains steadfast in its dedication to peace, despite various conspiracies. The spokesperson indicated, “Our principled stance on peace will not change in any form,” and reiterated that efforts for regional peace will persist.
Concerns within TPLF are heightened by divisions between factions led by Debretsion Gebremichael and Interim Administration President Getachew Reda. Recent actions have seen parts of the Tigray military align with different factions, raising fears of increased instability. Former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome warned that Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki might exploit these divisions, potentially reigniting conflict in northern Ethiopia.
In a published opinion piece, Teshome described Isaias’s maneuvers as both destructive and predictable, alleging that they could undermine the Pretoria Agreement and destabilize the region.
In summary, the TPLF has emphatically rejected claims of secret negotiations with Eritrea, labeling them as falsehoods aimed at disrupting the peace process. The party maintains its commitment to the Pretoria Agreement while contending with internal divisions and external pressures from forces that may seek to exploit the situation. The stability of the region remains precarious, as concerns over potential conflicts continue to escalate.
Original Source: addisstandard.com
