The President’s remarks were delivered in Mekelle during the 51st anniversary of the founding of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Against a backdrop of stalled provisions in the Pretoria Peace Agreement—specifically regarding the return of displaced persons and the restoration of regional borders—Tadesse sought to reassure a restive public. Tadesse’s remarks signal a critical juncture for the region as it balances the fragile Pretoria peace process against growing security concerns on its borders. However, even three years after the signing of the Pretoria Agreement between the federal government and the TPLF, regional tensions show no sign of abating. “The war being waged (against Tigray), we must make it very short and resolve it at a small cost,” he said.

Source: Ethiopian News February 21, 2026 09:20 UTC