EU, TPLF Clash Over Tigray Developments as Pretoria Peace Deal Faces New Strains

June 30, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

The European Union and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) have exchanged opposing views over recent developments in Ethiopia’s Tigray region, raising fresh concerns over the implementation of the 2022 Pretoria Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.

The EU Delegation to Ethiopia said it was concerned by what it described as recent actions by the TPLF to establish a parallel regional council and unilaterally enforce military conscription in Tigray, warning that such steps breached the terms of the peace agreement.

The delegation called for an urgent resumption of talks among all parties on the implementation of the agreement and reaffirmed its support for mediation efforts led by the African Union’s High Representative, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The TPLF rejected the EU’s claims, saying the allegations were based on inaccurate information and did not reflect conditions on the ground in Tigray.

In a statement, the group said there was only one Regional Council of Tigray and denied establishing a parallel governing body. It said the council had resumed its functions after consultations across towns and rural communities, with support from elected local councils.

The TPLF also rejected accusations that it was imposing unilateral military conscription, saying authorities in Tigray had a responsibility to protect the population amid what it described as increased security threats around the region.

The group accused Ethiopia’s federal government of failing to fully implement the Pretoria agreement, which ended the two-year conflict between federal forces and the TPLF in November 2022. It said key provisions of the agreement remained unfulfilled and alleged that actions by the federal government had undermined the peace process.

The TPLF said restrictions on fuel and commercial goods had contributed to economic hardship in Tigray, while internally displaced people continued to face difficult conditions. It also raised concerns over military mobilisation, drone strikes and aerial surveillance, saying they had increased the risk of renewed conflict.

The EU has not publicly supported the TPLF’s claims and instead urged all sides to return to negotiations focused on implementing the peace agreement.

The dispute comes as the Pretoria agreement continues to face challenges over political arrangements, security issues and the process of restoring normal governance in Tigray. Both sides have, however, called for dialogue, with the EU backing mediation efforts and the TPLF saying political engagement remains the preferred path to resolve the impasse.

Source: FSX Business News