Background: Civil Society in Western Tigray
The Tigray region of Ethiopia, notable for its political and geographical significance, has been an enduring focal point of both domestic and international attention. Geographically positioned near critical port-owning nations such as Sudan and Eritrea, Tigray is endowed with a wealth of natural resources and a rich cultural and historical legacy. For over 3,000 years, Tigray has not only maintained a distinct statehood but has also played a pivotal role in shaping the political, economic, and social fabric of Ethiopia.
The 2020 Conflict and Its Devastating Impact
In October 2020, escalating tensions among various political factions in Ethiopia culminated in a catastrophic armed conflict. Rooted in long-standing grievances and exacerbated by the actions of historical adversaries, this war has led to significant devastation across Tigray. The conflict has been characterized by widespread destruction, mass atrocities, and substantial economic dislocation, particularly in western zone of Tigray. Millions have been uprooted by the ongoing violence, with countless individuals remaining internally displaced while others have sought refuge in neighboring Sudan or endured life under harsh occupation. The humanitarian toll is immense: over one million residents of Western Tigray are internally displaced, and more than 100,000 have taken shelter in refugee camps in Sudan.
Peace Efforts and Agreements
After a protracted period of turmoil, efforts to restore peace were initiated, culminating in a significant agreement between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF). On November 2, 2022, a preliminary agreement was forged in Pretoria, South Africa, which was followed by an implementation agreement on November 12, 2022, in Nairobi, Kenya. Central to these agreements is the Pretoria Agreement, particularly its Article 1, Sub-Article 2, which stresses the importance of a ceasefire and the restoration of constitutional order. Additionally, the Nairobi Agreement (Article 2/D) calls for the withdrawal of non-Ethiopian Defense Forces from the region.
Challenges in Western zone of Tigray
Despite these agreements, the situation in Western Tigray remains dire. The Amhara region, with backing from the Ethiopian Federal Government and Eritrea, has maintained its occupation of Western zone of Tigray since the onset of conflict. This occupation has perpetuated ongoing displacement and exacerbated the suffering of the region's inhabitants. There are growing concerns regarding the potential annexation of Western Tigray by the Amhara region, posing significant risks to the indigenous Tigrayan population. In response to this humanitarian crisis, the government of Sudan has historically extended support to displaced Tigrayans, providing refuge and essential care.
Formation of Tsilal: Civil Society of Western Tigray
In reaction to the deteriorating conditions experienced by displaced individuals and the sluggish progress in executing the Pretoria Agreement, residents of Western zone of Tigray—both domestically and in diaspora—engaged in a series of public forums and consultations from August 20, 2023, to September 2023. This grassroots mobilization culminated in the establishment of "Tsilal"— Civil Society of Western Tigray—officially recognized by the Justice Bureau of the Tigray Interim Administration on October 4, 2023.
