The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has strongly denied allegations that it has engaged in secret communications with the Eritrean government. In a statement issued on February 26, the party dismissed reports from Africa Intelligence and Oromia Media Network (OMN), calling them “fabricated falsehoods” designed to derail the peace process under the Pretoria Agreement.
Recent claims suggested that senior members of the Tigray Defence Forces (TDF) had met Eritrean officials, culminating in a confidential January meeting in Asmara. The reports also alleged that Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki had assured TDF officers of his support in any future conflict with Ethiopia. Western embassies monitoring the situation reportedly raised concerns about possible renewed hostilities.
TPLF, however, insisted that it remains fully committed to the Pretoria Agreement, stating that the people and forces of Tigray have endured injustices while prioritizing peace. The party condemned unnamed actors for attempting to mislead both the public and the international community.
The allegations come at a time of increasing internal divisions within TPLF, with factions led by Debretsion Gebremichael and Interim Administration President Getachew Reda reportedly at odds. Additionally, former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome recently accused Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki of attempting to exploit these divisions to weaken the peace deal.
TPLF reaffirmed its stance on peace, urging all stakeholders to uphold the Pretoria Agreement as the key to resolving regional tensions.