Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) leader Debretsion Gebremichael (PhD) said Friday that his party’s central committee has set new priorities focused on implementing the Pretoria Agreement and facilitating the return of displaced Tigrayans, while warning of rising tensions in contested areas of Wolkait and Raya Alamata.
Debretsion said the interim Tigray administration and the TPLF were working closely, with the party’s role shifting toward community service rather than replacing staff. He accused the federal government of obstructing the repatriation process, saying returnee lists had been prepared but “they have not returned yet” due to federal inaction.
He also rejected federal assertions that Wolkait should be administered by Addis Ababa, warning that settlers and “invaders” in Tigray territory were increasing.
The comments come amid legal uncertainty over the TPLF’s status. Ethiopia’s election board revoked the party’s registration on May 5, 2025, after it failed to meet requirements including holding a general assembly within three months. The party had been temporarily registered in August 2024 under a special proclamation for armed groups, but its current legal basis remains unclear.
Tensions over disputed areas remain high. In Raya Alamata, now under Amhara regional control, residents have protested against incorporation into Tigray, while the Amhara region has yet to comment. Both Raya Alamata and Wolkait have long-standing identity claims pending with Ethiopia’s House of Federation.
Amhara forces, including local militia Fano, took control of Wolkait during the two-year Tigray war. Recently, Amhara officials graduated armed personnel to boost security, citing TPLF threats to retake the area. The Tigray Communication Bureau has accused Amhara authorities and state media of presenting Humera as part of Amhara in breach of the Pretoria Agreement.
