Ambassadors and senior representatives from the UK, the US, Germany, Italy, France, Denmark, and the European Union have arrived today in Mekelle to discuss regarding the current political situation in Tigray and the implementation of the Pretoria Peace Agreement. President Getachew Reda welcomed the ambassadors at the Alula Aba Nega International Airport.

The ambassadors’ visit aims to engage in discussions with Tigray Interim Administration President Getachew Reda, TPLF Chairman Dr. Debretsion Gebremichael, and representatives of civil society organizations.

During discussions with the ambassadors, President Getachew Reda highlighted that the failure to fully implement the Pretoria Agreement has not resolved the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) or addressed the overarching issues in Tigray. He urged the delegates to actively participate in ensuring the full implementation of the Pretoria Agreement.

British Ambassador to Ethiopia Darren Welch emphasized the seriousness with which the UK regards the situation in Tigray, especially the Pretoria Agreement. He expressed his commitment to supporting its implementation, stating that IDPs should be able to return to their homes and resume their regular lives.

The ambassadors and delegates also held discussions with TPLF Chairman Dr. Debretsion Gebremichael. During the discussion, Dr. Debretsion addressed the ongoing deaths and suffers of the people of Tigray. He stressed that the implementation of the Pretoria Agreement is crucial for lasting peace. Dr. Debretsion noted that IDPs are suffering from hunger and disease in IDP centers and refugee camps due to the non-implementation of the agreement, and he called for an end to this suffering.

Additionally, he pointed out that invading forces have yet to leave Tigray, displaced individuals have not been able to return to their homes, and the recovery and reconstruction of Tigray have not progressed as expected.

The ambassadors and delegates also visited a 70-care IDP camp. During their stay, they engaged in discussions with the IDPs. The IDPs expressed their grievances, stating, “The representatives of the international community have brought no solution except listening to our voices for the past four years. We ask again that the agreement should be implemented.”

They also highlighted that internally displaced persons (IDPs) across all towns of Tigray are dying from hunger and disease due to the failure of the signatories of the Pretoria Agreement and the international community to fulfill their obligations. They mentioned that even those who returned to their homes under the agreement are being killed and re-displaced due to the unsafe security situation.

The IDPs informed the ambassadors and delegates that humanitarian agencies have ceased operations due to a lack of funding. They expressed serious concerns about the situation, noting that youths are migrating as a result. They requested, “We want you to return us to our homes in a safe manner under the Pretoria Agreement so that we can work and eat on our land.”

The British Ambassador to Ethiopia, Darren Welch, stated during a discussion that the main purpose of the visit is to observe the peace situation in Tigray and ensure the full implementation of the Pretoria agreement. “We have been able to understand the plight and threats faced by internally displaced persons. Therefore, we will take your ideas to the federal government and others and submit them to the relevant authorities. We want to assure you that the international community has not forgotten you,” he said.

The French Ambassador to Ethiopia, Alexis Lamek, mentioned that France will leverage its relationship with the federal government to implement the Pretoria agreement.