Illegal TPLF Holding Tigray Back from Development, Says Getachew Reda

Addis Ababa, July 18, 2026 (ENA) —TPLF is holding the people of Tigray Region back from development, former Tigray Interim Administration President Getachew Reda said, warning that the group’s forced recruitment of young people risks plunging the region into another cycle of conflict.

Getachew, who also chairs the Tigray Democratic Solidarity (Simret) Party, made the remarks today during a peaceful demonstration at Meskel Square in Addis Ababa, organized by the Tigray Peace and Change Council under the theme: “Stop the Abductions; Let Peace Prevail.”

 

The demonstration brought together protesters denouncing the ongoing repression, abductions and the forced recruitment of young people in Tigray.

The protesters called for an immediate end to the recruitment of youth for military purposes, insisting that a new generation must not again be mobilized for war.

Getachew called for an organized effort to raise public awareness and ensure the full implementation of the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.

He also demanded an end to the alleged trafficking of young people to Sudan, arguing that the TPLF’s actions are preventing the people of Tigray from pursuing peace, development and a better future.

Getachew further noted that  the Pretoria Agreement had brought relief and opened a path toward recovery for the people of Tigray, but the progress achieved since then has been reversed.

He accused the defunct TPLF of overthrowing the interim administration and replacing it with a structure of its own.

He further alleged that the group has continued forcibly recruiting young people into military camps, warning that such actions could expose the region to renewed devastation.

Getachew also blamed the TPLF of committing serious abuses against civilians, including allegedly taking children from their mothers and imprisoning mothers who resist the recruitment of their children.

 

Braving rain and cold weather, demonstrators gathered early hours of this morning at Meskel Square to call for an end to what they described as escalating repression, abductions and forced recruitment in Tigray.

The protesters appealed to the federal government and the international community to take note of the worsening security situation and called for the protection of civilians, an end to forced recruitment and the preservation of peace in the region.

 

Their central message was clear: Tigray’s youth must not once again be sacrificed to war, and the region must be allowed to pursue peace, stability and development.