EU Delegation Expresses Concern over TPLF’s Military Conscription in Tigray Region

Addis ababa: The European Union (EU) Delegation to Ethiopia has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security and political situation in northern Ethiopia as growing reports indicate that the TPLF hardliner leadership is propagating another episode of conflict.According to Ethiopian News Agency, the EU issued a statement today highlighting its particular concern over actions attributed to the defunct TPLF, such as the establishment of a parallel regional council and the unilateral enforcement of military conscription in the Tigray region.The EU warned that these developments could undermine the gains achieved under the 2022 Pretoria Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA). It added that such actions contravene the provisions of the Pretoria Peace Agreement and risk escalating tensions in the region.The EU emphasized the urgent need for the resumption of talks on the concrete implementation of the Pretoria Agreement by all parties, which is essential to safeguarding the peace proces s and preventing renewed instability.Reaffirming its commitment to lasting peace in Ethiopia, the Union expressed its full support for the mediation efforts led by Olusegun Obasanjo, the African Union High Representative, to facilitate dialogue and promote peace and stability in northern Ethiopia.This diplomatic censure follows prior restrictive measures by the United States, which had imposed stringent travel restrictions on the leadership of the now defunct TPLF and their immediate families in response to actions undermining the nation's stability.The Pretoria Peace Agreement, formally signed in November 2022 between the government of Ethiopia and the now defunct TPLF under the auspices of the African Union, successfully brought an end to the conflict by establishing a permanent cessation of hostilities.The comprehensive agreement mandated the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of former combatants, the restoration of federal authority and constitutional order in the region, and the un hindered delivery of humanitarian assistance alongside the rehabilitation of infrastructure, serving as the foundational blueprint for enduring peace in northern Ethiopia.