Strong condemnation statement to the Remarks of H.E. Obasanjo on the occupied territories of Tigray:

We, The Tsilal Civil Society of Western Tigray (TCSWT), have learned about the remarks delivered by H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo in the #38th_AU_Summit of the heads of states and governments on the political affairs, peace and security (PAPS) in Africa, particularly #Pretoria CoHA.

TCSWT expresses its vehement condemnation to H.E. Obasanjo’s remark to allow to remain forcefully occupied territories of Tigray under a “neutral body.” This remark is a dangerous deviation from the Pretoria Agreement which clearly states restoration of constitutional order (status quo ante), being callous to the sufferings of millions of Tigrayans, and a blatant disregard for the realities on the ground. It is also recalled that, on the onset of the war, P.M. Abyi Ahmed Ali publicly announced his military deployment to Tigray as “Law and Order Enforcement” mission.

However, yet, almost half of Tigray remains under brutal occupation of invaders, including Amhara militias and Eritrean troops, all operating with the complicity of the Ethiopian government. These forces have committed documented atrocities, amounting to ethnic cleansing and genocide, preventing the return of displaced Tigrayans to their homes of origin.

The Ethiopian government, a party to this very occupation and signatory of the #Pretoria_CoHА, cannot be considered “neutral” in any case. Hence, suggesting this party as neutral body to solely oversee the situation is not only illogical but against the #Pretoria_CoHA core principles, which clearly demands the withdrawal of all occupying forces and the restoration of constitutional order in Tigray.

Thus, we, TCSWT, on behalf of our displaced people, want to reiterate and stress that H.E. Obasanjo’s ambiguous use of “neutral body” raises serious concerns, and we categorically reject H.E. Obasanjo’s remark and demand its immediate retraction and clarification. Finally, we call upon the US, EU, AU, specifically the Monitoring, Verification, and Compliance Mechanism, and the international community in general to put pressure on all parties to expedite the full implementation of the Pretoria Agreement. The time for empty words is over. Concrete action is needed to end the occupation, ensure the safe return of displaced Tigrayans, and deliver justice for the unspeakable crimes committed in the invaded areas of Tigray

#No_Justice_No_Peace!

Tsilal Civil Society of Western Tigray (TCSWT)
Mekelle, Tigray