The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), Ethiopia's main opposition party, has expressed serious concerns after a ban on its activities was implemented, asserting it endangers the 2022 peace deal that concluded two years of conflict in the Tigray region. The ban, enforced by the National Election Board of Ethiopia, was enacted due to the TPLF's failure to hold a general assembly amid ongoing political strife.
The TPLF, which previously ruled Ethiopia and currently manages Tigray’s interim administration established in 2023, calls for the African Union to mediate between the federal government and the party following this decision, which could disrupt delicate peace efforts outlined in the Pretoria agreement. TPLF officials argued that this ban is a violation of their rights granted by the agreement and insisted that any political disputes should be settled through constructive dialogue.
As the party grapples with internal divisions and impending national elections due before June next year, fears of renewed violence grow. The ongoing delays in the accord's implementation, particularly in resettling one million displaced individuals, have led to international calls – including from the US, UK, and EU – to avoid a return to violent conflict.
