Civil society organizations and political parties operating in Tigray have strongly objected to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)’s newly released annual report, which describes areas of Western Tigray as “contested.”

Among the organizations protesting the report are the Global Society of Tigrayan Scholars and Professionals (GSTS), the Salsay Weyane Tigray Party, and a civic association known as Tsalal—Civil Society of Western Tigray.

In a statement issued on June 11, 2025, these civic and research institutions, including GSTS, condemned OCHA’s use of the term “contested” in reference to Western Tigray. “We condemn the inclusion of the term ‘contested’ in OCHA’s annual report, which maps areas of Western Tigray,” the statement read.

The organizations strongly criticized OCHA for repeatedly portraying Western Tigray as part of the Amhara region in its latest annual report and previous statements. They argue that this misrepresentation, reinforced by OCHA’s reliance on maps, serves to legitimize the forced occupation of the area rather than acknowledging the displacement and suffering of indigenous Tigrayans. Furthermore, they condemn the terminology used in the report, asserting that it effectively validates territorial control and facilitates the forced redrawing of regional boundaries.

GSTS stated, “We oppose OCHA’s actions, as they constitute implicit support for the atrocities committed to erase the indigenous people of this region.” The institutions further expressed frustration that, despite repeated concerns raised by various organizations—including GSTS—OCHA has failed to correct its approach.

The organizations condemned the report as a form of interference in Ethiopia’s internal affairs, accusing it of “encouraging acts of territorial expansion carried out by force.” Similarly, Salsay Weyane Tigray, in a separate statement issued on June 10, 2025, strongly criticized OCHA for its characterization of Western Tigray and called the report’s accompanying map “illegal and misleading.”

“The organization has presented these Tigray territories as part of the Amhara regional state,” the party stated, arguing that such actions undermine efforts to uphold peace, justice, and constitutional stability in Ethiopia.

The party’s statement emphasized that the Ethiopian constitution clearly recognizes Western Tigray as part of the Tigray Regional State. “It is irresponsible for OCHA to portray the region in this manner without any legal or democratic process altering its constitutional status,” the statement read.

Salsay Weyane Tigray further asserted that OCHA’s report legitimizes territorial expansion through force. “By incorporating such a map in its annual report, the UN Coordination Office appears to be endorsing ethnic cleansing and demographic changes practices in the region,” the party declared.

The party also called on OCHA to urgently revise its map and issue a formal apology.