By Abebe Gellaw
EVN, September 7 — The Interim Administration Chief of the Tigray region clarified issues regarding ongoing discussions with the federal government of Ethiopia concerning the return of disputed areas, including Welkait.
“We have agreed in principle. We are moving forward with a strong stance that we must reclaim our territory and return displaced citizens without jeopardizing our peace,” he stated.
During a press briefing held yesterday in Mekele, the capital of the Tigray region, Getachew emphasized the significance of reuniting displaced citizens and striving for enduring peace, despite prevailing challenges and trust issues.
“Regardless of our relationship with the federal government, whether good or bad, even in the absence of trust, we will work diligently to rebuild that trust over time and create conditions for achieving a higher level of peace,” Mr. Reda declared during a press conference in the capital, Addis Ababa.
Mr. Reda acknowledged the existence of individuals seeking to exploit the current situation to regain territories in Tigray through force. However, he also underscored the importance of upholding the Pretoria Agreement to prevent the international perception of violation of the accords by both the global community and the Ethiopian federal government.
The disputed areas, referred to as Western Tigray by the TPLF, have been a focal point of contention between the two regions ever since the TPLF incorporated them into an expanded “Region 1,” later renamed the Tigrai Region. These areas subsequently fell under the control of Amhara forces during the conflict.
“Above all, we must continue nurturing the relationships we’ve initiated in a manner that does not undermine our pursuit of peace,” Mr. Reda stated, highlighting the region’s commitment to peaceful dialogue.
The United Nations has previously accused all parties involved in the northern Ethiopian conflict of committing crimes against humanity, equating them with war crimes. Addressing allegations of sexual violence in Tigray, Mr. Reda asserted that the perpetrators were “foreign forces invited by the Ethiopian government” and stressed the need for evidence-based justice processes to hold them accountable.
“The interim administration has consistently raised this issue, and the federal government shares our position,” Mr. Reda affirmed. He further clarified that it should be understood that “we are working with those whom we accuse of committing these crimes, but we cannot preemptively cease cooperation until their responsibility is established.”
As discussions between the Tigray regional administration and the Ethiopian federal government progress hopes for a peaceful resolution to the northern Ethiopian conflict remain uncertain due to the TPLF’s history of violence, prevarications, and political ploys.
Despite the TPLF’s desire for the “return” of Welkait and Raya, residents of these areas, who have suffered brutalities, gross human rights violations, and oppression under the TPLF, vehemently reject these claims. They argue that the TPLF’s intentions are solely focused on reclaiming territories it forcibly and fraudulently incorporated into Tigray. They view their demand as being linked to their cultural identity, a pursuit they believe is unrelated to territorial claims.
