 extends its sincere acknowledgment of the efforts made by the United States of America in support of long-lasting peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.){kind=link}
Welqait Tegede Tellemt Amhara Scholars’ Association (WTTASA)
Press Statement
The Welqait Tegede Tellemt Amhara Scholars Association (WTTASA) extends its sincere acknowledgment of the efforts made by the United States of America in support of long-lasting peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. We value the continued engagement of the U.S. government in fostering dialogue and addressing threats to regional security.
We have taken note of the recent announcement by the U.S. Department of State regarding targeted visa restrictions on individuals involved in undermining peace in Ethiopia. WTTASA welcomes this measure, particularly as it applies to hardline members of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and their immediate family members who bear responsibility for, or are complicit in, actions that threaten Ethiopia’s stability and peaceful order.
On the Issue of Accountability
The Association wishes to underscore the imperative of full accountability for mass atrocity crimes committed against the people of Welqait, Tegede Tellemt, and Raya before and during the 2020–2022 conflict. In this regard, it is noted with grave concern that more than twelve mass graves have been documented in the aforementioned areas, alongside the Maikdara and Chena massacres, the unlawful killing of numerous civilians, and the widespread destruction of critical infrastructure in the Amhara Region. It is the considered view of the Association that addressing these historical grievances constitutes a fundamental precondition for any durable and inclusive peace.
On the Status of the COHA
Furthermore, we observe with concern that the TPLF continues to undermine regional peace through what we regard as persistent violations of the Pretoria Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA). In our assessment, these concerns are evidenced by the group’s refusal to engage in: The Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) program; Transitional justice processes; The National Dialogue initiative; and failure to respect the laws and legislations of the Federal government.
On the Character of the Semi State Terrorism (TSS)
In light of these patterns, we observe that the activities of the TPLF hardline faction exhibit certain characteristics that some scholars have associated with what is termed the “fifth wave” of contemporary terrorism—namely, entities functioning as semi-state insurgent structures. These include:
· Control over defined territorial areas;
· Engagement in governance and administrative functions;
· Extraction of taxes and other revenue;
· Use of victimhood narratives as a propaganda tool;
· Weaponization of historical grievances; and
· Sustained rebellion driven by power-seeking objectives.
We further understand that the TPLF is a principal actor behind the “Tsimdo” military alignment that we view as posing a threat to Ethiopia’s national sovereignty and contributing to regional instability. In addition, credible reports shows that TPLF combatants are participating in the Sudanese civil war, reportedly operating alongside Sudanese Armed Forces under the command of General Abdulfatah Alburhan as mercenary fighters.
Our calls
1. Withholding explicit diplomatic recognition of actions that, continue to jeopardize peace, stability, and justice in Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa;
2. Considering the terrorist designation of the TPLF hardline faction under relevant counter-terrorism frameworks; and
3. Freezing assets held by TPLF hardliners across international financial sectors.
The Association reiterates its commitment to the principles of justice, accountability, and the peaceful resolution of conflict, and trusts that this matter will receive due attention in the spirit of constructive engagement in which they are offered.
Welqait Tegede Tellemt Amhara Scholars Association (WTTASA)
Humera; Amhara Region, Ethiopia
June 19, 2026 G.C
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