Abiy Warns TPLF–PFDJ Alignment Could Undermine Pretoria Deal, Urges Tigray Youth to Reject War Rhetoric
Addis Ababa (HNH)— Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has outlined a firm position on peace, governance and accountability in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, warning that renewed political and military maneuvering could endanger the fragile post-war settlement.
Speaking in a recent interview conducted in Tigrinya, Abiy said the people of Tigray deserve stability and development rather than another cycle of armed conflict. He urged young people to resist what he described as war propaganda promoted by the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), cautioning against mobilization driven by outdated ideological agendas.
The Prime Minister alleged the emergence of what he called a “holy alliance” between the TPLF and the People’s Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ), Eritrea’s ruling party. Such coordination, he warned, risks undermining the Pretoria Agreement, the 2022 accord that formally ended two years of conflict in northern Ethiopia.
Abiy said the federal government is closely monitoring developments but has deliberately chosen restraint, refraining from direct action against the TPLF in order to safeguard the peace process. Despite accusing the group of selectively implementing the agreement and disregarding constitutional order, including decisions by the National Election Board of Ethiopia, he maintained that avoiding renewed war remains the government’s overriding priority.
He pointed to the restoration of banking services, electricity and telecommunications in Tigray as evidence of the federal government’s commitment to normalization and economic recovery. At the same time, he alleged that funds intended for development have been redirected toward military preparations, worsening hardship for civilians.
On accountability, the Prime Minister emphasized the importance of transitional justice to address crimes committed during the conflict. He referenced reported atrocities in Axum, Adwa and Shire, stating that those responsible must face justice to ensure lasting reconciliation.
Public Reaction Signals Demand for Peace
The Editor of Horn News Hub observed strong public reaction following the broadcast of the interview. According to the outlet’s monitoring of online discussions and community responses, an overwhelming majority of Tigrayan commentators, particularly from the younger generation, expressed support for the Prime Minister’s message.
The response suggests deep fatigue with conflict and a growing demand for stability, economic recovery and healing. Many reactions emphasized the need to focus on rebuilding livelihoods rather than revisiting wartime narratives.
The editorial assessment indicates that calls for renewed confrontation have found limited resonance among ordinary citizens. Instead, public sentiment appears to favor peace and practical recovery efforts over political mobilization.
While political tensions persist, the public reaction highlights a critical reality: after years of devastating war, many in Tigray appear determined to prioritize peace and a path toward reconstruction.
The remarks reflect continuing political tensions despite the formal end of hostilities. While the federal government signals it is prepared and watchful, it maintains that protecting peace and preventing another war remains its overriding objective.
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