Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London, (Tigray Herald).
Voices of Diaspora Tegaru for Change Backs TDF Army 15 Declaration
Voices of Diaspora Tegaru for Change hails Army 15’s declaration as ‘turning point’ in push for democratic and inclusive governance
By Staff Reporter
The Voices of Diaspora Tegaru for Change (VDTC), a civic group representing Tegaru in the diaspora, has expressed strong support for the recent declaration issued by Army 15, a unit of the Tigray Defense Forces (TDF). The organization hailed the statement as a “principled and courageous stand” in defense of democratic values, constitutional order, and Tigray’s sovereign aspirations.
In its statement, VDTC endorsed Army 15’s criticism of what it called “unconstitutional and opaque” collaboration between a faction of the TPLF leadership and the Eritrean regime. The group said such alliances undermine the sacrifices of the Tigrayan people and jeopardize the region’s long-term stability.
VDTC also condemned the reported expulsion of leaders over dissenting political views and the use of armed factions to suppress diversity of opinion, calling these acts contrary to justice and pluralism. It echoed Army 15’s call for reconciliation between the Tigray interim government and armed groups outside the TPLF structure, including forces stationed near the Afar-Tigray border pushing for reform.
The organization further denounced the removal of democratically elected local administrations in favor of loyalist appointees, describing the move as unlawful. It emphasized that the Tigray armed forces must remain politically neutral and serve the people as a national institution rather than a partisan tool.
VDTC urged the interim government to engage in direct negotiations with Ethiopia’s federal authorities for the full implementation of the Pretoria Peace Agreement restoring Tigray’s constitutional boundaries and ensuring the return of internally displaced persons. It also backed the creation of an inclusive transitional government through a general reconciliation forum involving all political and civic actors.
Calling the Army 15 declaration “a turning point,” VDTC appealed to all stakeholders, including the international community, to act urgently to end internal divisions, reject authoritarianism, and build a just and self-determined Tigray.
For press inquiries, VDTC can be reached at vdtcworldwide@gmail.com.
