Addis Ababa, July 18, 2026 (FMC) — Former Tigray Interim Regional Administration President Getachew Reda has accused the defunct Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) of preventing the people of Tigray from pursuing peace, development and a better future, warning that forced recruitment and mass mobilization of young people could push the region back into another cycle of conflict.
Getachew, who also chairs the Tigray Democratic Solidarity (Simret) Party, made the remarks while addressing a peaceful public rally held at Meskel Square in Addis Ababa on Saturday. The rally was organized by the Tigray Peace and Change Council to condemn forced recruitment, mass mobilization and violence in the Tigray region.
The demonstration brought together thousands of participants who called for an immediate end to the forced recruitment of young people for military purposes, stressing that a new generation should not again be drawn into conflict.
Addressing the gathering, Getachew called for coordinated efforts to raise public awareness and ensure the full implementation of the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement.
He said the Pretoria Agreement had brought relief and opened a path toward recovery for the people of Tigray, but stated that the progress achieved since the agreement has been reversed.
Also Adivsor to the Prime Minister of Ethiopia for Horn of Africa Affairs, Mr. Getachew accused the defunct TPLF of overthrowing the interim administration in the region and replacing it with its own structure, saying such actions have undermined efforts to advance peace and development.
He further accused the rump TPLF of continuing to forcibly recruit young people into military camps, warning that such actions could expose the region to renewed destruction and instability.
Mr. Getachew also called for an end to what he described as the trafficking of young people to Sudan, arguing that such activities prevent the people of Tigray from moving toward peace, development and a better future.
He accused the illegal TPLF group of committing serious abuses against civilians, including taking children away from their mothers and imprisoning mothers who resist the recruitment of their children.
Meanwhile, thousands of participants gathered at Meskel Square despite rainy and cold weather conditions to take part in the peaceful rally and call for an end to forced recruitment, mass mobilization and violence in Tigray.
The demonstrators appealed to the federal government and the international community to pay attention to the situation in the region, protect civilians and support efforts aimed at preserving peace.
Participants reiterated that the youth of Tigray should not once again be drawn into conflict and called for the region to pursue peace, stability and development.