Tigrayan opposition party, Salsay Weyane Tigray accused the Tigray People’s Liberation Front of brutally cracking down on peaceful opposition movements across the region, warning that the TPLF is actively obstructing a lasting solution to the existential challenges facing Tigray.
In its weekly press release, the party said repression by the TPLF “targets unarmed civilians simply for holding dissenting views,” citing “a sharp rise in killings, arbitrary shootings, and widespread arrests, particularly in Southern Tigray, all designed to silence dissent.” Salsay Weyane Tigray said the TPLF, which it described as building on its “history of seizing power by force,” is escalating efforts to suppress opposition voices.
Growing Tensions in Southern Tigray
The call from Salsay Weyane Tigray comes against a backdrop of mounting turmoil in Southern Tigray, where leadership changes have triggered political unrest. On July 22, 2025, the interim administration announced the removal of Southern Tigray’s senior zonal leaders, a move critics described as an “irresponsible directive” issued under pressure from the TPLF.
The move by the Interim administration has led to an escalation of tensions in Southern Tigray leading into a massive protest across the zone and a total suspension of all government services as a protest against the decision.
Following days of tension Lt. General Tadesse Werede held discussions with community representatives from the zone and the zonal leadership which led to a decision to address the issue in a discussion with the community leaders and the leadership easing the situation in the zone.
The situation, however, deteriorated again on August 24, 2025, when Tadesse Werede appointed Zenabu Gebremedhin, a central committee member of the TPLF, to lead the Southern Tigray administration, replacing Haftu Kiros. Zenabu and his deputy formally assumed office on August 26, 2025, a move that reignited protests and deepened the political instability.
Allegations of human rights abuses
Amid ongoing political unrest in Southern Tigray, rights groups, media outlets, and local sources have reported multiple human rights violations. Additional units of the Tigray Defense Forces, deployed to Southern Tigray following the July leadership changes, have been accused of using excessive force against civilians, detaining individuals critical of the interim administration, and intimidating local residents.
In one incident on August 18, 2025, in Mekoni, clashes between TDF forces and local militias resulted in injuries to several civilians and the death of one person. The confrontation reportedly began after TDF forces attempted to arrest a local militia leader. Residents say the incident is part of a broader pattern of intimidation, including threats and harassment targeting youth, community leaders, and local militias in the area.
The interim administration has not publicly addressed these specific allegations, though officials maintain that their actions are intended to restore order and ensure effective governance in the zone. However Salsay Weyane Tigray condemned the alleged abuses in “the strongest possible terms” and called on both local and international human rights organizations to investigate the incidents and hold those responsible accountable.
The Tigray People’s Liberation Front has not responded to the accusations.