Internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Western Tigray staged a peaceful demonstration in Mekelle today, calling for their immediate and secure return to their homes. The demonstration was organized by the Tsilal Civil Society of Western Tigray and drew attention to the prolonged displacement of Tigrayans following the conflict in the region.

The demonstrators urged the international community, the Tigray Interim Regional Administration (TIRA), the Ethiopian federal government, and all stakeholders of the Pretoria Peace Agreement to ensure its full implementation and facilitate the safe repatriation of displaced persons.

Held under the banner “Enough! Spending a Fifth Rainy Season in Tents,” the protest has been taking place in Mekelle since June 18 and continued through today. A parallel demonstration is also being held in Geneva, Switzerland. Organizers aim to draw global attention to the challenges faced by displaced Tigrayans and migrants.

Speaking on behalf of TIRA President Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede, Vice President Amanuel Assefa emphasized the importance of unity and resilience. “When our unity and solidarity are strong, all forces—near and far—respect and fear us. But when we are divided, they despise and challenge us. They invade us. The key issue lies within our internal unity,” he said.

Vice President Amanuel called on the Ethiopian government and international actors to heed the voices of the Tigrayan people and work toward lasting peace. He affirmed that the TIRA will work in collaboration with federal government to withdraw occupying forces from Tigray, dismantle illegal administrations, repatriate new settlers, and ensure the safe return of displaced communities.

He further stated that all efforts would be made to safeguard Tigray’s national interests through peaceful means.

Addressing the rally, Dr. Muaz Berhe, Deputy Chairman of the Tsilal Civil Society of Western Tigray, highlighted the dire situation of approximately two million people displaced from Western Tigray. “Our people are fragmented—some have fled to Sudan, others remain under occupation in the Amhara region, and many are scattered across towns and villages in Tigray, enduring immense suffering,” he said.

Dr. Muaz accused the federal government and its allies of exploiting the political leadership vacuum in Tigray. He alleged that the government continues to arm and train militias under the guise of the so-called “Zebi Tekeze” movement, offering promises of land and housing to incentivize participation aimed at changing demography.

He also condemned federal institutions, particularly the Ministry of Education, for what he described as unconstitutional actions—rebranding schools in Western Tigray with Amhara identity and renaming the area as the “Wolkayt Tsegede Setit Humera Zone,” a move he called illegal and provocative.

Dr. Muaz concluded by asserting that the Tigray Interim Regional Administration must prioritize restoring the region’s territorial integrity and ensuring the safe return of all internally displaced persons.

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A message from Abune Salama, Archbishop of the Menbere Selama Orthodox Church of Tigray, on behalf of the Holy Synod of the Menbere Selama Orthodox Church of Tigray.