Ex-Mekelle Mayor Says Defunct TPLF Preventing IDP Return to Advance Political Goals

Addis Ababa, June 22, 2026 (FMC) — Former Mekelle City Mayor under the Tigray Interim Regional Administration, Atakalti Haile-Selassie, has accused the defunct TPLF group of obstructing the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and committing what he described as inhumane acts against the people of Tigray.

Speaking in an interview with Fana Podcast, Atakalti alleged that the group continues to pursue its own interests at the expense of the people of Tigray and remains opposed to efforts aimed at securing lasting peace in the region.

According to him, the former TPLF group is a destructive force that continues to undermine peace, development, democratic progress, and stability in Tigray.

He claimed that the group’s leaders are preventing the return of IDPs to their villages in an effort to safeguard their own interests, despite the hardships faced by affected communities.

Atakalti further alleged that the defunct group has accepted assignments from what he described as Ethiopia’s historical enemies and has contributed to turning Tigray into a battlefield in pursuit of its objectives, thereby disrupting the peace and security of the region’s people.

The former mayor also claimed that the group is working with foreign and domestic forces seeking to weaken Ethiopia through what he referred to as a destructive alliance known as “Tsemdo.”

Emphasizing the need for urgent action, Atakalti called for an end to what he described as the atrocities being committed against the people of Tigray by the defunct group.

He also urged Ethiopians living abroad to play their part in exposing the alleged abuses committed against the people of Tigray and to serve as a voice for those affected.