By: Getahun Tsegaye
Staff Reporter
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Salsay Weyane, one of the prominent opposition parties in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, has sharply criticized both the federal government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), accusing them of neglecting the safety and rights of the Tigrayan people in the aftermath of the devastating war.
In an exclusive interview with Borkena Media, Salsay Weyane’s Communication Head, Berhane Atsbeha, condemned the TPLF for dragging Tigray into what he described as “an unnecessary and destructive war” with the federal government that started in November 3, 2020 and ended in November 3, 2022. “The war was avoidable. The TPLF’s stubbornness led us into a devastating conflict that cost thousands of lives and left widespread destruction,” said Berhane.
The signing of the Pretoria Peace Agreement in November 2022 was initially hailed as a step toward peace and stability. However, Salsay Weyane argues that the agreement has only deepened political marginalization in Tigray. “We have consistently opposed the TPLF’s monopolization of the interim administration. Despite the peace accord, opposition parties like ours have been sidelined,” Berhane stated.
He alleged that the TPLF, under the leadership of Dr. Debretsion Gebremichael, has continued to suppress dissent, silencing other political actors and excluding them from key decision-making processes. Hopes that a leadership change—from Getachew Reda to Lt. General Tadesse Werede—would bring inclusiveness were dashed, as the new administration maintained the status quo. “We had hoped for meaningful inclusion, but repression continues,” he said.
Berhane also criticized the federal government for its alleged manipulation of the interim administration, claiming that the absence of opposition voices enables the federal authorities to exert undue influence. “This is not a shared governance. It’s a setup for control,” he added.
Another major concern Salsay Weyane raised involves the controversial relationship between the interim administration and Eritrea. Berhane accused the TPLF of maintaining “unprincipled ties” with Eritrean actors, despite official prohibitions on foreign relations. He claimed that Eritrean troops still control parts of northern Tigray and are perpetrating serious human rights abuses.
“We have credible evidence that Eritrean forces are still in control of areas like Zalambessa and Shiraro. The TPLF and federal government are turning a blind eye to the atrocities—looting, rape, and violence—inflicted on our people,” said Berhane. He warned that these ongoing violations undermine the peace process and deepen public disillusionment.
While there were recent reports that Eritrean troops were seen dismantling a camp near Zalambessa as of May 20, local residents told the BBC Amharic that Eritrean forces have not fully withdrawn. The areas of Badme, Shiraro, and Rama reportedly remain under Eritrean control.
The contested Wolkait-Setit Humera zone remains a flashpoint between the Amhara and Tigray regions. Salsay Weyane blames the TPLF for agreeing to label the area as “contested” in the Pretoria Agreement, a move Berhane said opened the door for Amhara forces to maintain control. “These areas were never contested to begin with. TPLF betrayed Tigray by accepting such language,” he claimed.
Recent developments have further escalated tensions. Earlier Borkena reported in depth that on April 16, a military-style graduation ceremony in the contested area, with local Amhara officials vowing to defend their claim. Colonel Demeke Zewdu, a key figure in the region, declared that local forces must be ready to “resist subjugation” and protect Amhara identity.
In a swift rebuttal, the Tigray Regional Government accused the Amhara side of “violating the Ethiopian Constitution and the Pretoria Agreement,” warning that such provocations could lead to renewed conflict. “This is a direct breach of the peace accord,” Tigray’s Communication Bureau said in a statement.
The Pretoria Agreement, while historic in ending the war, left several issues unresolved. Most notably, it failed to define a clear legal pathway for the administration of disputed territories like Wolkait. Article 4 references restoring constitutional order but omits specifics on territorial disputes.
This vagueness has allowed both regions to interpret the deal in their own favor. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has repeatedly described Wolkait as a constitutional issue requiring dialogue and legal resolution—not force. “Wolkait is not a matter to be resolved through war or force. It is a constitutional issue that requires wisdom, discussion, and the rule of law,” he told parliament on April 4, 2023.
Yet, critics argue that Abiy’s ambiguous stance has enabled a de facto Amhara occupation of the area. While the federal government calls for legal resolution, it has avoided taking decisive action, which Tigrayans interpret as tacit approval of the status quo.
As tensions simmer across disputed regions and mistrust deepens within Tigray, Berhane Atsbeha emphasized that the people are weary of war and repression. “The Tigrayan people are exhausted. We are calling on the international community, diplomats in Addis Ababa, and regional partners to pressure all actors—TPLF, the interim administration, and the federal government—to stop further conflicts and protect civilians,” he said.
Despite ongoing political intimidation, Berhane noted that no Salsay Weyane members have been arrested so far. Still, he warned that continued political suppression and unresolved territorial disputes risk reigniting violence in a region struggling to heal from one of the most brutal conflicts in recent Ethiopian history.
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