The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has dismissed the National Election Board of Ethiopia’s (NEBE) decision to suspend its political activities for three months, arguing that the ruling holds no legal authority and does not impact its status. The party insists that its legitimacy is tied to the Pretoria Agreement rather than NEBE’s registration process.
TPLF Rejects NEBE’s Ruling
On February 14, 2025, TPLF issued a statement rejecting NEBE’s decision, asserting that the Board’s ruling “carries no legal significance.” The party argued that it did not seek new registration but rather the reinstatement of its legal status in line with the Pretoria Agreement.
NEBE had announced the suspension on February 13, citing TPLF’s failure to convene a general assembly within the required six-month period following its special registration on August 9, 2024. The Board warned that if the party did not take corrective action within the suspension period, its registration could be revoked.
TPLF, however, maintains that its political activities resumed with the signing of the Pretoria Agreement, not NEBE’s registration process. It criticized the Board’s intervention, stating that such actions were neither requested nor legally necessary.
Ongoing Talks with the Government
The party also highlighted its ongoing discussions with Ethiopia’s federal government regarding its legal status. A joint team has been established to address the issue, and TPLF questioned NEBE’s role in the matter, arguing that its interference is neither legal nor constructive.
Emphasizing that the situation is political and tied to the Pretoria Agreement, TPLF warned that any entity attempting to interfere in procedural matters would bear responsibility for any disruptions. The party further called for the swift implementation of the agreement and the establishment of an elected government in Tigray without delays.