“The genocide still continues in the occupied parts of Tigray” Debretsion Gebremichael told RFI
In an exclusive interview with Radio France Internationale, Dr. Debretsion Gebremichael, Chairman of the TPLF and former President of Tigray, addressed key issues surrounding the Pretoria Agreement and ongoing challenges in Tigray.
Dr. Debretsion acknowledged the Pretoria agreement, signed nearly two years ago, brought hope to the region by restoring public services and ending hostilities in most of Tigray. However, he emphasized that its full implementation has been hindered by significant hurdles, including what he described as the presence of “genocidal forces” and delays in foreign and non-ENDF troop withdrawals.
He said, “The delays are primarily due to Addis Ababa’s lack of political will and failure to uphold its commitments under the agreement.”
Regarding the issue of international assistance for the rehabilitation and reconstruction effort in Tigray Dr. Debretsion said there is a lack of will and also attention from the International community side to address this issue.
According to Dr Debretsion “As soon as the pretoria agreement signed the attention from the international community was turned away from Tigray.”
Responding to accusations of reluctance to comply on DDR process from Tigray’s side, he said “We have began the demobilization and handing over our heavy weapons even before the federal gov’t delivered its part of the agreement as a good faith to build trust and pave way for the full withdrawal of foreign and non-ENDF forces.”
He said Tigray has demobilized more than hundred thousand of its forces without the normal DDR process funding them with our own budget.
“DDR process will be fully implemented concurrently with the full withdrawal of occupying forces and also considering Tigray’s security concerns, as the Pretoria agreement states” he added
Speaking about the Eritrean troops that are still occupying parts of Tigray Dr Debretsion said, Eritrea took part in this war at the invitation of the Ethiopian gov’t so it’s the Federal gov’t responsibility to tell them to leave and We need to continue pushing the federal gov’t to do that.
On the issue of accountability for alleged crimes, including genocide by Abiy Ahmed and Isaias Afwerki, Dr. Debretsion said whether it’s the PM of Ethiopia or President of Eritrea all individuals responsible must face accountability depending on their roles. Prosecutions should involve anyone involved.
Even tho identifying specific crimes requires an investigation in my opinion, prosecuting both PM of Ethiopia and the Eritrean President is essential as they are leaders who gave commands.
Addressing allegations of genocide involving Tigrayan forces in Amhara and Afar regions, Dr. Debretsion denied the accusations, asserting that the TDF was defending against genocide perpetrated on its own people.
He expressed openness to independent investigations into alleged crimes committed by Tigrayan forces.
Regarding Tigray’s right to self-determination, including the possibility of succession, Dr. Debretsion acknowledged the constitutional framework as the pathway for any potential future decisions but did not rule out independence as a future possibility.