Tigray Security Chief, Tadesse Werede, on Sunday, banned protests in Tigray. The ban has been announced at a time when Tigray is faced with unprecedented internal political tensions.
General Tadesse Werede said that peaceful demonstrations in support or opposition have been banned for a while to protect the safety of the people. The vice president of the interim administration of Tigray, General Tadesse Woreda, said this while briefing the Tigray media on the current security situation and related situations. He said the security forces will not allow political disagreements to escalate into any security threat. He said work is being done to prevent security problems in connection with the TPLF congress and Ashenda festival
The General said work is being done to ensure the security of the visitors. He vowed to continue action against iron ore theft, land grabbing, human trafficking and other crimes.
The statement from Tigray security chief came at a time when Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) is pressing ahead with its controversial party congress, which is expected to be held on Tuesday. Tigray Interim President and senior TPLF leader Getachew Reda, who is party’s central and executive committee member, has announced to boycott the TPLF congress.
Ethiopian Prime Minister last month warned TPLF against holding party congress. TPLF, disappointed with Saturday’s decision about its status by the National Election Board of Ethiopia, wants to hold controversial party congress on Tuesday,
It remains to be seen if Tigray interim government federal government would allow TPLF to hold the congress or not.
National Election Board of Ethiopia Warns TPLF Against Congress