NEBE Removes TPLF from Political Party Registry

Addis Ababa, May 14, 2025 (FMC) – The National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) today announced that the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has been officially deregistered as a political party, effective May 13, 2025.

The decision follows the party’s failure to implement corrective measures during a three-month suspension period issued in February 2025. NEBE had instructed the party to conduct preparations and hold a general assembly in accordance with the law, under the observation of the Board. The TPLF did not comply with these directives, according to NEBE’s official statement on the decision.

TPLF had previously been deregistered under Proclamation No. 1162/2011 due to its involvement in violent activities. Following the Pretoria Peace Agreement in November 2022, the party requested reinstatement, which the Board rejected in May 2023, citing the absence of legal grounds for restoring a party deregistered under that proclamation.

After the enactment of Proclamation No. 1332/2016, the party reapplied for registration under the “special circumstances” provision and was granted legal personality on August 9, 2024, with support from the Ministry of Justice. The certificate issued made it clear that the former legal personality was not restored.

Despite repeated written reminders, TPLF failed to meet its obligations, including the requirement to hold a general assembly within six months and to cooperate with NEBE in the monitoring process. The party did not act on the corrective measures issued during its suspension.

The Board has decided that the decision shall be communicated in writing to the TPLF and the Ministry of Justice, made public, and that Article 99 of Proclamation No. 1162/2011, concerning the consequences of party dissolution, shall be applied to the party and its leadership as appropriate.