Amhara region rejects any talks with TPLF

Amhara regional government has rejected the possibility of talks with Tigray People’s Liberation Front. In a statement released today, Gizachew Muluneh Amhara, Regional government spokesperson said that there would be no negotiations with TPLF and TPLF would not be part of upcoming National Political Dialogue.

The statement from Amhara region has come at a critical time when Tigray forces, after a failed attempt to capture Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, have retreated from all their territorial gains in Amhara and Afar regions of Ethiopia. The statement further says that military operation against Tigray fighters will continue until TPLF is no more a threat to the people.

While international community is calling for the start of an all inclusive national political dialogue in Ethiopia, Tigray-Amhara historical grievances are far from over. Three days ago, Tigray President Debretsion Gebremichael announced to withdraw all his forces from neighbouring Amhara and Afar regions of Ethiopia. But Amhara, Afar regional and Ethiopian federal government say that Tigray forces are not withdrawing. Rather they have been squarely defeated and destroyed and their remaining units are running for their lives.

Ethiopian Federal Government has announced the formation of a national dialogue commission to debate all contentions and controversial issues among Ethiopian regions. But it seems that Tigray People’s Liberation Front will not be invited to be part of this national dialogue.