The Voice of Tigray: A United Call for Justice, Restoration, and Reparations

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s approach towards Tigray reflects a pattern of overconfidence rooted in a calculated yet fundamentally flawed strategy. While his administration may perceive its grip on power as unassailable, history has proven time and again that the Tigrayan struggle transcends brute force—it is an existential question of sovereignty, dignity, and survival. For Tigray and its people, no price is too high when it comes to defending these principles.

We have faced overwhelming odds before, enduring devastating wars and systemic marginalization— a deliberate and calculated effort aimed at weakening the Tigrayan nation. From historical betrayals, such as Menelik’s submission of Tigray north of Mereb to the Italians, to Haile Selassie’s facilitation of Amhara landlords’ control over Tigrayan lands, this marginalization has long been a tool of suppression. Yet, we stood resilient, fighting for survival and justice, pushing back against disproportionate power, and asserting our right to exist as a proud and self-determined people. This is not about the whims of a cruel regime; it is about the soul of a nation that refuses to be extinguished.

While the devastation wrought by Abiy Ahmed’s actions is evident to all, many fear that his ignorance, cruelty, and insatiable hunger for destroying traces of the TPLF and Tigrayan resolve in general will drive him to attempt even worse atrocities. I understand the fear that many feel. Everyone is aware of the possibility of renewed devastation. But he is banking on this fear, believing Tigray will ultimately submit to his will. That is an impossibility. It would be a grave mistake for him to assume that this path would lead to the fulfillment of his ambitions. Power alone is not a guarantor of success, and the collective will of a people cannot be crushed through violence or oppression. For every action aimed at eroding Tigray’s sovereignty, there is an equally fierce determination to rebuild, resist, and reclaim what is rightfully ours.

Abiy Ahmed has been consolidating power thanks to the relief he gained from the cessation of hostilities agreement while deliberately delaying its full implementation. His ultimate goal remains to destroy and eradicate Tigray’s natural political organization—the TPLF. This reality is clear to all, especially to Tigrayans. Yet, the failure to demand immediate implementation of the Pretoria Agreement has put Tigray’s survival at risk.

Tigray must boldly confront him and force him to implement the agreement fully. We should exhaust every peaceful means at our disposal to do so. If he resorts to force, we will defend ourselves as we have done in the past. In this critical moment, all Tigrayan political forces must join hands and collectively call for immediate action. Each entity can either independently issue its statement or, preferably, collaborate on a unified resolution endorsed by all, demonstrating a strong and collective demand for justice and the agreement’s implementation.

If peace is indeed Abiy Ahmod’s objective, the path forward is clear:

1. Facilitate the full and immediate return of all Amhara settlers intentionally relocated by him from the North and Western Zones of the Amhara region to Western and Southern Tigray. It is now Abiy Ahmed’s responsibility to dismantle the heavily armed “Tekeze Zeb” (Tekezze Command), a force he himself enabled. While it will not be easy for him, this is his burden to bear, and his defense forces must neutralize these elements and ensure the proper return of these settlers. Furthermore, the African Union Commission, which oversees the agreement’s implementation, must observe this process, ensuring that these settlers carry out no further destruction upon their departure. They have already caused massive damage, dismantling and transporting service installations while ravaging essential infrastructure. The reconstruction of these assets must be prioritized as part of the return process.
2. Dismantle the illegitimate administration imposed in these occupied areas.
3. Ensure the safe and dignified return of displaced Tigrayans to their ancestral lands, alongside meaningful rehabilitation efforts.
4. Fully restore the status quo by reinstating Tigray’s territorial and administrative boundaries as they existed before the conflict.
5. Agree to an international, independent investigation into the causes of the war, as well as the atrocities and destruction inflicted on Tigray.Those responsible must face justice through an impartial international mechanism.
6. Compensate Tigray for the billions of dollars in damage to its social infrastructure, including schools, hospitals, roads, and other essential services deliberately destroyed during the war.

These steps are not optional; they are the minimum required to begin rebuilding trust and creating the conditions for sustainable peace.

This is the collective voice of the people of Tigray, and we call upon all political entities, organizations, and allies to join in making this common demand. Abiy Ahmed must hear and heed the unified will of Tigray, as any further delay threatens the very existence of our people and our homeland. Once these actions are completed, Tigray and its people will not need Abiy Ahmod’s assistance to determine their future. We will decide—freely and without coercion—whether to continue as part of the Ethiopian Union or declare our independence, or solicit any better choices.

Let this be clear: The Tigrayan struggle is not about power; it is about survival, sovereignty, and justice. No amount of cruelty or oppression will extinguish our resolve. Abiy Ahmod Ali! If you genuinely seek peace, you must first acknowledge and address the wrongs inflicted upon Tigray. Until then, your dreams of imposing your will by force will remain just that—dreams.