The Tsilal Civil Society of Western Tigray (TCSWT) expresses its deep concern and strong condemnation of the remarks made by H.E. Olusegun Obasanjo at the 38th AU Summit of Heads of State and Government on Political Affairs, Peace, and Security (PAPS) in Africa, particularly regarding the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.
We are alarmed by H.E. Obasanjo’s suggestion to allow the forcefully occupied territories of Tigray to remain under a so-called “neutral body.” This proposal dangerously deviates from the Pretoria Agreement, which explicitly calls for the restoration of constitutional order (status quo ante). Such a stance disregards the suffering of millions of Tigrayans and overlooks the harsh realities on the ground.
Currently, nearly half of Tigray remains under brutal occupation by invading forces, including Amhara militias and Eritrean troops, acting with the complicity of the Ethiopian government. These forces have committed documented atrocities, including ethnic cleansing and genocide, preventing displaced Tigrayans from returning to their ancestral homes.
It is imperative to emphasize that the Ethiopian government, as both an occupying power and a signatory of the Pretoria Agreement, cannot be considered “neutral” under any circumstances. Proposing this party as a neutral overseer is illogical and contradicts the core principles of the Pretoria Agreement, which mandates the withdrawal of all occupying forces and the full restoration of constitutional order in Tigray.
H.E. Obasanjo’s remarks not only contradict the very agreement he helped mediate but also call into question his impartiality and integrity. His statement jeopardizes the Pretoria Agreement and the subsequent Nairobi Declaration, potentially destabilizing Tigray, Ethiopia, and the Horn of Africa. If implemented, his proposal would perpetuate the suffering of millions of internally displaced Tigrayans.
On behalf of the displaced people of Western Tigray, TCSWT categorically rejects H.E. Obasanjo’s suggestion of a “neutral body” and demands an immediate retraction and clarification of his statement. Furthermore, given the questions surrounding his impartiality, we call for his replacement as a mediator of the Pretoria Agreement.
We urgently appeal to the United States, European Union, African Union—particularly the Monitoring, Verification, and Compliance Mechanism—and the international community to pressure all parties for the full and swift implementation of the Pretoria Agreement. Achieving peace and stability in Tigray, Ethiopia, and the broader Horn of Africa depends on the faithful execution of the Pretoria Agreement and the Nairobi Declaration.
The time for rhetoric is over. Immediate and decisive action is required to end the occupation, facilitate the safe return of displaced Tigrayans, and deliver justice for the atrocities committed in occupied Tigrayan territories.
Tsilal Civil Society of Western Tigray (TCSWT)
Mekelle, Tigray
