The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) issued a statement yesterday, February 26, 2025, by denouncing an ongoing defamation campaign that falsely claims the TPLF has a secret relationship with the Eritrean government.

The TPLF emphasized that the “Tigray Security Force” is a victim of this smear campaign, asserting that the allegations are “far from the truth, lack any supporting evidence, and are completely unacceptable.”

According to the TPLF, Africa Intelligence, Oromia Media Network (OMN), senior Ethiopian government officials, and members of the so-called National Treason Group are behind the defamation efforts. The TPLF accused these entities of working against the peace process by making relentless and baseless accusations that the TPLF and Tigray Army are collaborating with Eritrea against the Ethiopian government.

it is recalled that Former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome, in an article published in an Al Jazeera on February 17, 2025, claimed that Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki is attempting to exploit internal divisions within the TPLF (Tigray People’s Liberation Front) leadership. D.r Mulatu Teshome alleged that some TPLF officials are purportedly establishing ties with Eritrea. This move by President Isaias was seen as an effort to take advantage of the discord within the TPLF to further his own interests and potentially destabilize the region, according to the D.r Mulatu article.

In response to this article, Eritrean Minister of Information Yemane Gebremeskel posted on his X page on February 18, 2025, that “Ethiopia’s internal crises should not be blamed on Eritrea,” and said that “Ethiopia is the source of the region’s problems.’’

Additionally, the TPLF identified Africa Intelligence and Oromia Media Network (OMN) as key players in the defamation campaign against the TPLF and Tigray Army.

A recent report by Africa Intelligence claimed, “In recent weeks, the top leaders of the Tigray army have been increasing their relations with Eritrean president Isayas Afeworki.” The report further alleged that top military leaders from Tigray and Eritrea held a secret meeting in Asmara around the end of January.

The TPLF’s statement urged the people of Tigray, the people of Ethiopia, and the international community to recognize this blackmail campaign as a secret conspiracy that undermines the peace process (COHA) initiated under the Pretoria Agreement.

The TPLF declared, “It is an absolutely irresponsible approach to confuse the public and the international community with false accusations and hidden agendas.” The party reiterated that the TPLF, the Tigray Army, and the people of Tigray have no hidden interests other than the full implementation of the Pretoria Agreement.

Furthermore, the TPLF stated, “We will not abandon the peace process, but while we are standing against internal and external conspiracies, activities contrary to the peace process must be corrected immediately.” The TPLF asserted, “Our commitment to the principle of peace remains unwavering, and we will continue to work toward securing peace with all neighboring regions and countries.”