Tigray Vice President Urges Peaceful Return of Displaced Peoples.

The Vice President of the Tigray Interim Administration, Amanuel Assefa, has emphasized that the “key and lasting solution” for displaced peoples in the region is their peaceful return to their homes, in line with the Pretoria Peace Agreement.

Ato Amanuel made the remarks during a meeting held yesterday in Shire Endaselassie with Kyoko Ono, Director for Africa at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

According to a statement from the Tigray Interim Administration, Vice President Amanuel briefed the UN delegation on the current humanitarian situation in Tigray, the challenges surrounding displacement, and the regional government’s stance on achieving a durable solution for displaced persons.

He underscored the urgent need for full implementation of the Pretoria Agreement to ensure that displaced families can return safely, with their rights and security guaranteed. Ato Amanuel further stated that armed forces must withdraw from Western Tigray and other occupied territories, illegal administrations must be dismantled, and newly settled populations must vacate the area to facilitate peaceful resettlement.

The Vice President also expressed concern over reports that the federal government is coordinating with international institutions to repatriate displaced individuals “without the recognition of the Tigray Interim Administration and in an unsafe manner.” He confirmed that this issue was raised during the meeting.

Amanuel Assefa noted that UN representatives have assured regional authorities that their agencies “will not engage in political activities that endanger the population or contradict humanitarian principles and procedures.” He added that the UN delegation is expected to directly assess the conditions of displaced communities during its visit and will engage with humanitarian organizations operating in northwestern Tigray.

The Interim Administration has called on Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and UN agencies to accelerate the delivery of humanitarian aid and support long-term solutions for displaced populations. The administration reaffirmed its commitment to the safe return of displaced persons and to upholding the territorial integrity of the Tigray region.