Mekelle, April 22, 2017 EC
The Cabinet of the Interim Administration of Tigray issues this statement to express its deep concern over recent developments that undermine the spirit and letter of the Pretoria Agreement.
Following a bitter and prolonged struggle for the survival and rights of the Tigrayan people, a ceasefire agreement was reached. Since then, we have committed ourselves to a peaceful and political struggle within the framework of that agreement, with the ultimate goal of ensuring lasting peace.
Despite the fact that the constitutional borders of Tigray have not yet been restored, and many of our people remain displaced—either living under occupation or suffering in refugee camps—we have remained committed to the full implementation of the Pretoria Agreement. We have done our part and continue to do everything expected of us in the pursuit of peace.
However, recent actions and statements by certain federal government media outlets and the Amhara Regional State’s Media and Communications Office blatantly contradict both the Pretoria Agreement and the Constitution of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. These entities have repeatedly and wrongly claimed that Western Tigray is part of the Amhara Region.
On April 8, the Amhara Regional Communication Office, in collaboration with the Amhara Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), issued a deeply troubling broadcast presenting Humera as part of the Amhara Region. Similarly, the Ethiopian Press Agency’s Tigrigna Department reported on April 1 that a road project connecting Gondar to Humera—a project framed as linking two parts of the Amhara Region—was underway.
Furthermore, on April 20, a fundraising telethon held at the Sheraton Addis under the name “Wolkait, Tegede, Setit Humera” included the participation of senior federal officials. The message conveyed during this event is a clear attempt to falsely assert ownership over Western Tigray, again undermining the Pretoria Agreement and stirring division.
These actions are not merely administrative missteps; they are dangerous provocations that threaten the peace process and violate the constitutional order. The Cabinet of the Interim Administration of Tigray strongly condemns these acts and calls on media and communication institutions in the Amhara Region to immediately cease their unlawful and inflammatory messaging.
We also call on the Federal Government to take swift and corrective action. It is the duty of the federal authorities to ensure the full and faithful implementation of the Pretoria Agreement—an essential step toward a sustainable and just peace for all.
Cabinet of the Interim Administration of Tigray
Mekelle
April 22, 2017 EC
