By Zamzam Osman - Reporter
Ethiopia, 1 February 2026 The head of Ethiopia’s Tigray region, Tsadkan Werede, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to a peaceful resolution of the dispute over “Tselimt,” area denying any intention to return to war or reclaim the territory by force.
Speaking in an interview with Tigray Television, Werede said disagreements should be addressed through political and democratic channels, stressing that the region’s position is anchored in peaceful solutions rather than military confrontation.
He acknowledged that the implementation of the Pretoria Agreement has faced significant challenges that have adversely affected the region. These include the withdrawal and demobilisation of Tigrayan forces, developments he said triggered new waves of displacement and eroded public confidence in a comprehensive resolution to the crisis.
Werede said the redeployment of Tigrayan forces along the region’s borders is purely defensive and aimed at protecting the population, underscoring that there is no plan to open a new front or resume fighting.
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He noted that a core provision of the Pretoria Agreement was the reintegration of armed forces under standards designed to ensure lasting stability in Tigray, but said this clause has not been implemented as agreed. He added that the outcomes of the conflict included the loss of control over Tselimt, parts of southern Raya, and several districts within Tigray.
On the political track, Werede said engagements included dialogue with the federal government alongside a broader national dialogue. However, he pointed out that Tigray has remained absent from federal state institutions, despite provisions calling for a return to constitutional governance.
The Tigray leader reiterated the region’s commitment to peace, calling for political solutions that address the root causes of the crisis, facilitate the return of displaced communities, and rebuild trust among all parties.
