By: Getahun Tsegaye
Staff Reporter
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Salsay Weyane, one of the prominent opposition parties in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, has sharply criticized both the federal government and the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), accusing them of neglecting the safety and rights of the Tigrayan people in the aftermath of the devastating war.
In an exclusive interview with Borkena Media, Salsay Weyane’s Communication Head, Berhane Atsbeha, condemned the TPLF for dragging Tigray into what he described as “an unnecessary and destructive war” with the federal government that started in November 3, 2020 and ended in November 3, 2022. “The war was avoidable. The TPLF’s stubbornness led us into a devastating conflict that cost thousands of lives and left widespread destruction,” said Berhane.
The signing of the Pretoria Peace Agreement in November 2022 was initially hailed as a step toward peace and stability. However, Salsay Weyane argues that the agreement has only deepened political marginalization in Tigray. “We have consistently opposed the TPLF’s monopolization of the interim administration. Despite the peace accord, opposition parties like ours have been sidelined,” Berhane stated.
He alleged that the TPLF, under the leadership of Dr. Debretsion Gebremichael, has continued to suppress dissent, silencing other political actors and excluding them from key decision-making processes. Hopes that a leadership change—from Getachew Reda to Lt. General Tadesse Werede—would bring inclusiveness were dashed, as the new administration maintained the status quo. “We had hoped for meaningful inclusion, but repression continues,” he said.
Berhane also criticized the federal government for its alleged manipulation of the interim administration, claiming that the absence of opposition voices enables the federal authorities to exert undue influence. “This is not a shared governance. It’s a setup for control,” he added.
Another major concern Salsay Weyane raised involves the controversial relationship between the interim administration and Eritrea. Berhane accused the TPLF of maintaining “unprincipled ties” with Eritrean actors, despite official prohibitions on foreign relations. He claimed that Eritrean troops still control parts of northern Tigray and are perpetrating serious human rights abuses.
“We have credible evidence that Eritrean forces are still in control of areas like Zalambessa and Shiraro. The TPLF and federal government are turning a blind eye to the atrocities—looting, rape, and violence—inflicted on our people,” said Berhane. He warned that these ongoing violations undermine the peace process and deepen public disillusionment.
While there were recent reports that Eritrean troops were seen dismantling a camp near Zalambessa as of May 20, local residents told the BBC Amharic that Eritrean forces have not fully withdrawn. The areas of Badme, Shiraro, and Rama reportedly remain under Eritrean control.
The contested Wolkait-Setit Humera zone remains a flashpoint between the Amhara and Tigray regions. Salsay Weyane blames the TPLF for agreeing to label the area as “contested” in the Pretoria Agreement, a move Berhane said opened the door for Amhara forces to maintain control. “These areas were never contested to begin with. TPLF betrayed Tigray by accepting such language,” he claimed.
Recent developments have further escalated tensions. Earlier Borkena reported in depth that on April 16, a military-style graduation ceremony in the contested area, with local Amhara officials vowing to defend their claim. Colonel Demeke Zewdu, a key figure in the region, declared that local forces must be ready to “resist subjugation” and protect Amhara identity.
In a swift rebuttal, the Tigray Regional Government accused the Amhara side of “violating the Ethiopian Constitution and the Pretoria Agreement,” warning that such provocations could lead to renewed conflict. “This is a direct breach of the peace accord,” Tigray’s Communication Bureau said in a statement.
The Pretoria Agreement, while historic in ending the war, left several issues unresolved. Most notably, it failed to define a clear legal pathway for the administration of disputed territories like Wolkait. Article 4 references restoring constitutional order but omits specifics on territorial disputes.
This vagueness has allowed both regions to interpret the deal in their own favor. Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has repeatedly described Wolkait as a constitutional issue requiring dialogue and legal resolution—not force. “Wolkait is not a matter to be resolved through war or force. It is a constitutional issue that requires wisdom, discussion, and the rule of law,” he told parliament on April 4, 2023.
Yet, critics argue that Abiy’s ambiguous stance has enabled a de facto Amhara occupation of the area. While the federal government calls for legal resolution, it has avoided taking decisive action, which Tigrayans interpret as tacit approval of the status quo.
As tensions simmer across disputed regions and mistrust deepens within Tigray, Berhane Atsbeha emphasized that the people are weary of war and repression. “The Tigrayan people are exhausted. We are calling on the international community, diplomats in Addis Ababa, and regional partners to pressure all actors—TPLF, the interim administration, and the federal government—to stop further conflicts and protect civilians,” he said.
Despite ongoing political intimidation, Berhane noted that no Salsay Weyane members have been arrested so far. Still, he warned that continued political suppression and unresolved territorial disputes risk reigniting violence in a region struggling to heal from one of the most brutal conflicts in recent Ethiopian history.
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When I first heard the name of this group I asked a longtime friend what the word ‘Salsay’ meant and he told me it meant ‘A third’. That means The Third Woyane’ and my friend explained to me that the First Woyane was the name given to a rebellion in Tigray region that erupted right after the gallant Ethiopian freedom fighters kicked out Mussolini’s fascist forces in 1941. The 2nd Woyane, I was told, was the TPLF formed in 1975 by the deacons of Marx, Lenin and Mao. This group claims to be the Third Woyane. Just look at this, folks. The 1st and the 2nd Woyane did not bring peace, stability and prosperity to the noble of Tigray. In fact, the previous two brought untold death and destruction to those upright people. Now this! Vying to be ushers of death and destruction of the 3rd kind. Previous Woyanes were formed by individuals who were hell bent to solve issues by violent means. The 2nd one was even better. It was founded by committed commies well versed with the demonic scriptures of Marx, Lenin and Mao. Their objective was to found a socialist state led by non-existing factory workers. They call that a ‘Proletariat Dictatorship’. The reality is there were one or two factories and not that many factory workers in Tigray in 1975. Even the entire country of Ethiopia with a population of close to 50 million in 1975 did not have factory workers that number more than 100,000. It was comical and it was an extremely dangerous proposal.
But the leaders and their connected few of the 2nd Woyane knew how to talk. They were experts in deception. Boy, were they so eloquent in their trade! By the time they were kicked out of Arat Kilo, they had siphoned off from the nation’s coffers to the tune of 30 billion in US dollars in just a decade and leaving the upright people of Tigray holding the bags. Empty bags, if you will. I’ve daring finance experts among us the trace and locate even a single red cent from the loot.
When will such irresponsible nonsense leave the noble people of Tigray, Amhara and Oromia alone? Let’s all pray for that to go away. .
I have told you not to start with me about commies.