Africa Cyber Media

27/02/2025

TPLF denounces allegation of Communicating with Eritrea
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The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) has reiterated its commitment to the Pretoria Agreement, denying any hidden agendas and accusing unnamed actors of spreading misinformation.

In a statement, the TPLF asserted that it has consistently upheld the peace agreement despite facing "injustices," "internal and external conspiracies," and ongoing challenges.

The TPLF emphasized its dedication to peace with neighboring regions and countries, stating its position "will not change." It urged all parties to prioritize the Pretoria Agreement as a solution to regional and national issues.

This statement comes amid reports of internal divisions within the TPLF, specifically between factions led by Debretsion Gebremichael and Interim Administration President Getachew Reda. These divisions have reportedly led to alignments within the Tigray military forces, raising concerns about potential instability.

Adding to these concerns, former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome has accused Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki of attempting to exploit these internal TPLF divisions to undermine the Pretoria Agreement. In an opinion piece published by Al Jazeera on February 17, Mulatu alleged that Isaias is collaborating with TPLF elements dissatisfied with the agreement, potentially reigniting conflict in northern Ethiopia.

He warned that Isaias's "manoeuvres" could "tear up the whole peace deal" and destabilize the region

The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) has reiterated its commitment to the Pretoria Agreement, denying any hidden agendas and accusing unnamed actors of spreading misinformation.

In a statement, the TPLF asserted that it has consistently upheld the peace agreement despite facing "injustices," "internal and external conspiracies," and ongoing challenges.

The TPLF emphasized its dedication to peace with neighboring regions and countries, stating its position "will not change." It urged all parties to prioritize the Pretoria Agreement as a solution to regional and national issues.

This statement comes amid reports of internal divisions within the TPLF, specifically between factions led by Debretsion Gebremichael and Interim Administration President Getachew Reda. These divisions have reportedly led to alignments within the Tigray military forces, raising concerns about potential instability.

Adding to these concerns, former Ethiopian President Mulatu Teshome has accused Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki of attempting to exploit these internal TPLF divisions to undermine the Pretoria Agreement.

In an opinion piece published by Al Jazeera on February 17, Mulatu alleged that Isaias is collaborating with TPLF elements dissatisfied with the agreement, potentially reigniting conflict in northern Ethiopia.

He warned that Isaias's "manoeuvres" could "tear up the whole peace deal" and destabilize the region

26/02/2025

Ethiopia Participates in First BRICS Sherpas/Sous Sherpas Meeting for 2025

Brasília, Brazil – Ethiopia has joined the First BRICS Sherpas and Sous Sherpas Meeting for 2025, which commenced today in Brasília, Brazil. The Ethiopian delegation is led by Mamo Esmelealem Mihretu, Governor of the National Bank and Ethiopia’s BRICS Sherpa, alongside Ambassador Mesganu Arga, State Minister of Foreign Affairs and the country’s Sous Sherpa.

The meeting was officially opened by Brazil’s Minister of External Affairs, Mauro Vieira. In his address, Mamo reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to multilateralism and collective security within the framework of the United Nations. He underscored the need for a reformed global system to effectively tackle today’s complex global challenges.

Highlighting Ethiopia’s priorities within BRICS, Mamo emphasized the country’s ambition to become a member of the New Development Bank in 2025. He also called for enhanced intra-BRICS economic cooperation and urged member states to remain committed to the implementation of key programs and initiatives under the BRICS framework.

Ethiopia welcomed Brazil’s BRICS 2025 Presidency, which focuses on six strategic priorities: global health, governance reform, climate finance, artificial intelligence governance, Global South cooperation, and BRICS institutional development.

The meeting, which will continue over two days, is set to deliberate on various agenda items crucial to BRICS cooperation and global economic development.

18/02/2025

Tigray Marks TPLF’s 50th Anniversary Amid Calls for Peace

Tigray marked the 50th anniversary of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) on February 18th (Yekatit 11), with commemorative events held in Mekelle and other regions. This Golden Jubilee represents a significant milestone in Tigrayan history, reflecting on five decades of resilience and achievement.

This year’s observance was exclusively led by the TPLF under the leadership of Chairman Debretsion Gebremichael (PhD). The celebrations brought together a broad cross-section of society, including residents, government employees, leaders, students, members of the Tigray Army, militia, and the People’s Police.

In his address, Chairman Debretsion highlighted the ongoing suffering in Tigray, describing the situation as a "silent genocide." He also acknowledged internal party divisions, stating that both external and internal forces have attempted to undermine Tigray’s interests and weaken the TPLF. He called on Tigray's security forces to act on previous decisions to safeguard unity and security.

Debretsion urged all signatories of the Pretoria Peace Agreement to fulfill their obligations, emphasizing that the Ethiopian government must fully implement the agreement to ensure lasting peace. “If the people of Tigray are to live in peace alongside Ethiopia, the Amhara, and Eritrea, the Pretoria Peace Agreement must be respected,” he stated.

Reflecting on the three years of blockade and the war aimed at eradicating the Tigrayan people, Debretsion noted that it was the unified strength of Tigrayans that led to the signing of the Pretoria Peace Agreement. "We have entered a new phase with the signing of the agreement, which has brought positive changes, but challenges remain as it has not been fully implemented," he said.

He further stressed, "The conquerors have not been removed from Tigray’s territory, and no system has been established to ensure accountability for those responsible for the genocide against our people. Political discussions between the TPLF and the Eritrean government have not yet begun. Above all, the legal status of the TPLF has not been reinstated, leading to unnecessary decisions."

Additionally, Debretsion announced changes to the party's program. While acknowledging ongoing demands for these changes, he did not provide specifics, stating only, "We have found it important to implement program changes to ensure the revival of Tigray and the survival of our people on solid ground."

He recognized the challenges of the current stage but remained optimistic. "We will overcome them skillfully and continue on the path of development and growth," he affirmed.

The chairman also underscored the importance of peace, calling it a matter of survival. "We are committed to implementing the Pretoria Agreement through peaceful means," he reiterated, vowing that the TPLF would advocate for the peaceful return of displaced individuals affected by the agreement’s non-implementation.

On the same day, Getachew Reda, President of the Tigray Interim Administration, issued a statement honoring Tigrayans for their sacrifices. He explained that joint celebrations had been scaled down due to recent tensions and divisive forces, prompting the administration to postpone larger public events in Mekelle to prevent potential conflict.

The Interim Administration reaffirmed its commitment to peace, unity, and supporting those affected by the conflict, including displaced individuals, injured fighters, and families of the fallen. It also noted that some religious leaders and stakeholders had declined to participate in the celebrations, leading to the cancellation of certain events in Mekelle, though celebrations continued in other parts of Tigray.

On February 17th, 2025, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed extended his congratulations and called for a peaceful resolution of political differences. Acknowledging past mistakes, he emphasized the need for dialogue, consensus, and national unity. “We must correct our past mistakes and work toward social stability, economic recovery, and the development of our nation,” he stated, reaffirming his commitment to rebuilding Ethiopia’s future.

16/02/2025

15/02/2025

Djibouti’s Mahmoud Ali Youssouf Elected New AUC Chairperson

Djibouti’s Foreign Minister, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, has been elected as the new Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC) after securing 33 votes in the final round of a tightly contested race at the 38th AU Ordinary Summit in Addis Ababa.

The election saw a fierce battle between Kenya and Djibouti. In the first round, Kenya’s Raila Odinga led with 20 votes, followed by Youssouf (18 votes) and Madagascar’s Richard Randriamandrato (10 votes).

In the second round, Youssouf surged ahead with 25 votes, while Odinga secured 21. Two countries abstained.

By the third round, Odinga was eliminated, having maintained 21 votes, while Youssouf increased his tally to 26. With no other candidates remaining, Youssouf needed 33 votes to win outright; otherwise, the election would have been delayed for a year.

In the decisive final round, Youssouf secured 33 votes, clinching victory and marking a significant diplomatic win for Djibouti. His election ushers in a new leadership era for the African Union Commission.

15/02/2025

AU Peace and Security Council Addresses Crises in Sudan and Eastern DRC

The African Union Peace and Security Council (PSC) convened a meeting of Heads of State and Government in Addis Ababa to discuss the escalating crises in Sudan and the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Teodoro Obiang, President of Equatorial Guinea and Chairperson of the AU PSC for February 2025, presided over the meeting. In his opening remarks, President Obiang emphasized the urgent need for action, stating that the situations in both Sudan and the DRC pose significant challenges not only to the affected populations but also to the entire African continent.

President Obiang described the conflict in Sudan as having created a devastating political and humanitarian crisis, resulting in numerous deaths, mass displacement, and widespread damage to essential infrastructure.

He acknowledged the AU's efforts to address the crisis, including the development of a comprehensive roadmap for resolution, but noted that these initiatives have been hampered by various external factors. He called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire to protect civilian lives.

Outgoing African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat reiterated the AU's commitment to taking concrete steps to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people and to work towards a peaceful resolution. He highlighted the ongoing efforts of the AU to address the crisis.

The meeting saw participation from members of the AU PSC, concerned Member States, senior officials from the AU Commission, representatives of relevant Regional Economic Communities/Regional Mechanisms, the League of Arab States, and the United Nations.

14/02/2025

Religious Leaders Announce TPLF Leaders Sign Code of Conduct for Dialogue, Peaceful Resolution

Religious leaders in Tigray have announced that Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) leaders have signed a code of conduct aimed at facilitating dialogue and resolving internal differences.

The announcement was made on February 14, 2025, in Mekelle, following months of mediation efforts by religious figures.

According to Tigray Television, both sides have agreed on a framework to “advance the agreement moving forward,” though specific details were not disclosed. Abune Merha Kristos, Archbishop of the Orthodox Church’s Eastern Zone Diocese in Tigray, stated that religious leaders had made “repeated efforts” to unite the factions, and TPLF leaders have now committed to addressing disputes through discussion.

13/02/2025

NEBE Suspends TPLF, Threatens Deregistration

The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) has suspended the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) from political activities for three months due to the party's failure to hold a general assembly within the legally required timeframe. NEBE warned that if the TPLF does not rectify the situation during the suspension, its registration could be revoked without further process, as stipulated in Proclamation No. 1332/2016.
According to a statement released by NEBE on February 13, 2025, the TPLF was obligated to hold its general assembly within six months of its special registration on August 9, 2024. The party has not yet convened the assembly, approved its bylaws, or elected its leadership, which NEBE characterized as a "serious violation" of the law.

The suspension will be lifted if the TPLF addresses these violations and formally notifies NEBE of its preparations for the assembly.

13/02/2025

Ethiopia Elected to AU Peace and Security Council

Ethiopia has been elected to the African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) during the 46th Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council meeting in Addis Ababa, the seat of the African Union headquarters.

The Ethiopian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the election underscores Ethiopia's commitment to peace, security, and development across the continent.

The AU Executive Council, composed of African Foreign Ministers and high-level decision-makers, is also discussing several important legal instruments. These include the Draft AU Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls, the establishment of the Africa Food Safety Agency, and digital trade regulations under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

13/02/2025

U.S. troops have killed 13 senior ISIS leaders, including Ahmed Malenine, who was accused of orchestrating terrorist attacks in Somalia.

Ahmed was recruiting terrorists and sending them to the United States and Europe with financial support, the statement said.

The bombings were carried out by the Somali army in the mountains, in the area of ​​Kal Miskad, in the Berkata caves of Balubet.

13/02/2025

International Envoys Stress IDP Return as Priority in Ethiopia's Peace Deal

Mekelle, Ethiopia –A delegation of diplomats from the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and other nations visited Tigray on February 11, urging that the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) be treated as the "utmost priority" in the implementation of the Pretoria Peace Agreement. Following discussions with Getachew Reda, President of the Tigray Interim Administration, and leaders of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), the envoys pledged their full support to this effort.

The diplomats also visited IDP shelters in Mekelle, where displaced individuals expressed their frustration with the slow pace of the agreement's implementation. Getachew Reda stated that the diplomats acknowledged the protracted displacement was due to the "failure of the Interim Administration, the federal government, and other stakeholders" to facilitate the timely return of IDPs.

British Ambassador Darren Welch reiterated the international community's commitment, assuring displaced people, "We want to assure you that the international community hasn't forgotten you."
Despite these assurances, concerns remain among IDPs. Some reported deteriorating conditions, claiming that due to the "failure of both the Pretoria Peace Agreement signatories and the international community to fulfill their obligations," people are "dying of hunger and illness." Others emphasized the need for security guarantees before returning home, citing reports of IDPs from Tselemti being killed after returning or being displaced again.