Tigray opposition Salsay Weyane slams PM Abiy’s warning of renewed conflict, urges Tigray-wide dialogue
Alula Hailu, the chairman of the opposition party Salsay Weyane Tigray, has sharply criticised Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s recent remarks warning of a potentially more devastating war in Tigray.
Alula described the statement as “a shocking admission of intent to inflict further suffering” on a region still reeling from the two-year “genocidal war.”
Speaking at a press briefing in the capital, Mekelle, on Friday, July 10, Alula also called for an all-inclusive national congress in Tigray to resolve internal political and societal differences through peaceful dialogue.
He condemned the Prime Minister’s remarks as “a threat of renewed mass atrocities,” questioning the moral and political responsibility of a leader who, he said, openly forecasts more suffering for his citizens.
The opposition leader’s statement comes in the wake of comments made by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed while addressing lawmakers on 3 July. In his speech to the House of Peoples’ Representatives, the Prime Minister warned of another round of war in Tigray and called on religious leaders to “act now” to prevent renewed conflict. “Start your work now to prevent Tigray from entering war; it will be worthless if you speak after it begins,” he said.
The PM’s remarks have also drawn a response from religious leaders of the Tigray Orthodox Church, who announced on Thursday that a delegation of elders will be sent to meet directly with the Prime Minister.
The leaders said the delegation aims to convey the concerns of the Tigrayan people and advocate for a meaningful and sustained peace process. They also criticised the Prime Minister’s assessment of the situation in Tigray, saying it is “disconnected from the lived experiences of the people.”
Birhane Atsbha, head of communications for Salsay Weyane, also weighed in during the presser on Friday, saying the federal government should address its grievances with the TPLF through legal means rather than issue broad threats affecting the entire Tigrayan population.
“While Tigray’s constitutional territory remains unrecovered, while IDPs languish in camps, and while the people continue to suffer, it is highly irresponsible to threaten war simply over TPLF’s legal status,” Birhane said.
He further accused the TPLF of sidelining Tigray’s broader interests, alleging that it has chosen to align with “enemies from the north and south” rather than engage fellow Tigrayans in dialogue.
Amid increasing signs of intra-Tigrayan tensions, Salsay Weyane said it reiterated its long-standing call for a region-wide national dialogue.
“We have consistently urged for a Tigray-wide national dialogue,” the party said. “Dialogue is the only solution.”
Alula described the statement as “a shocking admission of intent to inflict further suffering” on a region still reeling from the two-year “genocidal war.”
Speaking at a press briefing in the capital, Mekelle, on Friday, July 10, Alula also called for an all-inclusive national congress in Tigray to resolve internal political and societal differences through peaceful dialogue.
He condemned the Prime Minister’s remarks as “a threat of renewed mass atrocities,” questioning the moral and political responsibility of a leader who, he said, openly forecasts more suffering for his citizens.
The opposition leader’s statement comes in the wake of comments made by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed while addressing lawmakers on 3 July. In his speech to the House of Peoples’ Representatives, the Prime Minister warned of another round of war in Tigray and called on religious leaders to “act now” to prevent renewed conflict. “Start your work now to prevent Tigray from entering war; it will be worthless if you speak after it begins,” he said.
The PM’s remarks have also drawn a response from religious leaders of the Tigray Orthodox Church, who announced on Thursday that a delegation of elders will be sent to meet directly with the Prime Minister.
The leaders said the delegation aims to convey the concerns of the Tigrayan people and advocate for a meaningful and sustained peace process. They also criticised the Prime Minister’s assessment of the situation in Tigray, saying it is “disconnected from the lived experiences of the people.”
Birhane Atsbha, head of communications for Salsay Weyane, also weighed in during the presser on Friday, saying the federal government should address its grievances with the TPLF through legal means rather than issue broad threats affecting the entire Tigrayan population.
“While Tigray’s constitutional territory remains unrecovered, while IDPs languish in camps, and while the people continue to suffer, it is highly irresponsible to threaten war simply over TPLF’s legal status,” Birhane said.
He further accused the TPLF of sidelining Tigray’s broader interests, alleging that it has chosen to align with “enemies from the north and south” rather than engage fellow Tigrayans in dialogue.
Amid increasing signs of intra-Tigrayan tensions, Salsay Weyane said it reiterated its long-standing call for a region-wide national dialogue.
“We have consistently urged for a Tigray-wide national dialogue,” the party said. “Dialogue is the only solution.”
Ethiopia
Tigray
Ethiopia-Tigray peace accord African Union
TPLF
Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF)
Ethiopian Orthodox Church
Tigray Orthodox Church
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