TPLF Chairman Debretion Gebremichael today warned against the dissolution of Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). He was addressing the controversial party congress in Mekelle on Tuesday.
Despite warnings from Tigray interim government, Tigray security forces, National Election Board of Ethiopia, TPLF central control commission, TPLF held a party congress today in Mekelle. Hundreds of party cadre attended.
Earlier today, reportedly, the Ethiopian Prime Minister talked to TPLF chairman Debretsion Gebremichael. He asked the TPLF chairman to postpone the congress. The congress was delayed for a few hours but ultimately it began on Tuesday afternoon.
Getachew Reda, Tigray Interim President, also issued a statement today. Getachew is leading a group of TPLF which opposes the policies of main party leaders. Getachew Reda and around a dozen TPLF central committee members boycotted today’s party congress. Getachew Reda in his statement said that TPLF congress would put Tigray and its people in danger.
TPLF Chairman in his speech at the party congress said if TPLF is dissolved, it would mean dissolution of Pretoria Agreement and Tigray interim government. He said a group in TPLF wants to destroy the party. He demanded restoration of party status. On Friday, National Election Board of Ethiopia registered TPLF as a political party. The decision was rejected by TPLF, demanding restoration of its status, not new registration.
The party congress is set to continue till August 18. Meanwhile Ethiopian Federal Communication Ministry led by Minister Lagesse Tulu, also issued a strong statement, accusing TPLF of endangering the people of Tigray. The Ministry said that those organizing TPLF congress would be responsible for any consequences.
It seems that big decisions could be made at the ongoing TPLF congress about Tigray interim president Getachew Reda and other TPLF leaders who are boycotting the party congress. Are they going to be expelled from the party? Getachew Reda is perceived of having the the support of Federal government. In case Getachew Reda is expelled from the party, TPLF could formally split and federal government could intervene to keep its man in power.
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National Election Board of Ethiopia Warns TPLF Against Congress