Members of various associations and organizations have criticized the Interim Administration for issuing Directive 9/2017, calling it irresponsible.

A conference organized by the third round 70 care association, brought together with political parties, civil societies, and representatives from public and religious institutions. Baraki Tesfaye, Deputy Executive Director of the civic association, explained that the forum aimed to educate invitees about the association’s key problems.

Members of the 3rd round of 70 care associations of self-help housing cooperatives are unhappy with Directive 9/2017, as it only caters to middle-income earners, according to Tesfaye.

Engineer Simret Haileyesus, Executive Director of the civic association, also emphasized that housing is a fundamental right for citizens, and they are demanding this right be upheld.

Participants at the forum raised concerns about the lack of housing distribution in recent years, which has disproportionately affected low-income groups within society.

Desta Huluf, from the Executive and Legal Department of the Civil Society, highlighted discrepancies between Directive 4/2011 and Directive 9/2017, pointing out changes that favor middle-income earners over low-income individuals.

Desta Huluf expressed concern that the government’s decision to shift its responsibilities linking to financial institutions could lead to serious socio-economic problems for members of the 3rd round of 70 care associations.

Attendees stressed the importance of associations advocating for their rights and the need to support low-income communities in Tigray. The exclusion of these groups from government directives could pose a threat to societal sustainability, they warned.
“Housing is a fundamental right of citizens, therefore it is not appropriate to introduce a practice that violates the rights of citizens while it is known that the law does not work for the past decision,” stated a participant.

Participants representing political parties and mass associations emphasized that Tigray should not become a country of improper wealth accumulation; efforts should be made to ensure the low-income section of society benefits from projects.

They criticized Directive 9/2017 for neglecting the post-war devastation in Tigray and stated that it alienates citizens.

The participants asserted that peaceful demonstrations and public conferences are their rights to protest against the middle-class biased directive. They also pledged to support and stand with members in their struggle.

Furthermore, the participants stressed that there should be no discrimination between citizens and that issuing a directive which excludes the low-income section of the community is inappropriate.

They argued that the government’s issuance of Directive 9/2017, which only benefits middle-income citizens, is divisive and irresponsible.

Participants urged the government to accommodate the low-income sections of the community in line with the organized directive 4/2011 to ensure equal distribution of resources and justice as reported by Dmtsi Weyane television.

Meanwhile, it is remembered that Directive 9/2017 was discussed by the Cabinet of the Tigray Interim Administration and signed and approved by President Getachew Reda recently.