Mekelle/Tel Aviv/Nairobi/Pretoria/London
Tesfay Neguse Appointed Head of Public Relations for Emerging Tigray Peace Force
The Tigray Peace Force, a newly formed military-political structure that emerged in early 2025, has appointed Tesfay Neguse widely known as Tesfay Raya as its Head of Public Relations. His appointment comes amid a period of deep internal division within Tigray’s security establishment and growing resistance to the political influence of the TPLF.
According to senior members of the Tigray Peace Force, the group was formed after a critical split on January 23, 2025, when a number of TPLF-affiliated generals, often referred to as the “upper core,” announced their decision to align fully with the TPLF leadership. This declaration triggered strong opposition from several senior commanders who argued that the military must remain neutral and should not be tied to any political party.
These dissenting generals described by supporters as “real hero commanders refused the directive and rejected political interference in military affairs. Instead, they deployed with loyal soldiers to the Afar region, where they regrouped in an area known as Hara Meret. Their stated objective was to resist what they viewed as increasing political manipulation and, ultimately, to challenge the TPLF leadership through force if necessary.
It was during this transitional phase that Tesfay Neguse played a central role. Members of the newly formed force credit him with being instrumental in mobilizing support, coordinating communication, and helping to establish the organizational identity that later became known as the Tigray Peace Force. His long-standing engagement with the Tigrayan diaspora and his reputation as one of the early critics of the TPLF added further credibility to his involvement.
Tesfay’s track record of humanitarian work during the Tigray conflict also contributed to his standing within the group. While living in Sweden, he coordinated significant fundraising efforts, channeling what supporters describe as “millions of birr” in aid to civilians displaced from western Tigray to Sudan.
The Tigray Peace Force has not disclosed detailed information about its long-term political or security agenda. However, internal sources say the new structure aims to present itself as a non-partisan force committed to stability, military professionalism, and community protection.
With Tesfay Neguse now overseeing public communication, the organization is expected to increase its outreach efforts as it seeks wider recognition and legitimacy during a sensitive period of political realignment within Tigray.
