The chairman of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), Dr. Debretsion Gebremichael (PhD), has pledged continued efforts to strengthen people-to-people ties between Tigray and neighboring communities, particularly Eritrea. Speaking at a ceremony in Hawzen town commemorating the 37th anniversary of the Tigrayan martyrs, Dr. Debretsion emphasized the importance of regional solidarity and peaceful coexistence.

“We will continue to work to deepen the people-to-people relations currently being developed between the people of Tigray and Eritrea,” said Dr. Debretsion. “Moreover, we aim to foster similar connections with other neighboring communities.”

He further stated that Tigray people have no animosity towards others and desire peaceful relations with neighboring regions, including the Amhara, Afar, Eritrean, Sudanese, and broader Ethiopian populations. “Our aspiration is to rise out of poverty and pursue development through peace,” he said.

Reaffirming his party’s stance, he added, “The TPLF remains committed to strengthening bonds with neighboring communities and supporting reconciliation across borders.”

In a related development, residents of Ethiopian and Eritrean villages in Zalambessa—separated for five years since the onset of the Tigray war—have reportedly reunited, according to a video report by the BBC.

However, Dr. Debretsion also expressed concern over the implementation of the Pretoria Peace Agreement, signed more than two years ago. He noted that key elements remain unfulfilled, citing unresolved issues such as the restoration of Tigray’s territorial integrity and the return of over one million internally displaced people.

“Many of the provisions in the Pretoria Peace Agreement remain unimplemented, and we are witnessing growing efforts to undermine it,” he warned, holding Ethiopia’s ruling Prosperity Government and what he termed the “Treason Group” accountable.

He alleged that both internal and external attempts to dismantle the TPLF are ongoing. “The Prosperity Government is trying to divide and weaken our party in order to reverse the peace deal. It has actively supported internal actors aiming to disrupt our unity,” he asserted.

Dr. Debretsion also called for accountability regarding the genocide committed against the Tigrayan people, and the assassination of General Seare Mekonnen.

“We demand that the international community recognize these acts for what they are and ensure that those responsible are held accountable,” he said. He urged organizations such as the European Union, African Union, IGAD, and the United States to take decisive action in implementing the peace accord.

Also addressing the gathering, Lieutenant General Tadesse Werede, President of Tigray’s Interim Regional Administration, echoed the sentiment for peace:

“Our first choice is peace. If conflict arises, it is not by our will, but if we are forced. The Tigrayan people’s priority remains peace—and peace alone.”

He urged diplomatic and legal pressure to enforce the Pretoria Agreement without further delay.