Salsay Weyane Tigray said external forces have hijacked the Tigray’s politics, warning that the politics has spiraled out of control and is now being exploited by “genocidal” actors in the north and south.
In a statement following a two-day meeting of its senior leadership, the party said it had reviewed Tigray’s social, economic, political, and security situation, as well as developments in the wider region.
“Tigray’s politics has gotten out of the control of Tigrayans and has become a political tool for genocidal forces, heightening the national threat to our people,” the statement read.
The party said politics in Tigray has increasingly relied on coercion, undermining peaceful political engagement, dialogue, and democratic competition. It also cited a rise in deaths, kidnappings, theft, and other illegal activities.
Salsay Weyane Tigray criticized the Tigray People’s Liberation Front, saying its internal conflicts have worsened the region’s crisis by neglecting core priorities such as territorial integrity, the return of displaced persons, establishment of accountable governance, justice, and reconstruction.
Following its two-day meeting, the party also announced its withdrawal from the Interim Council of Tigray, established on February 2, 2024, which was tasked with “conducting advisory and supportive activities” for the Interim Administration.
At the council’s formation, Salsay Weyane Tigray had initially refused to participate, accusing the interim administration of structuring the council’s regulations to serve its own interests.
On February 24, the party reversed its earlier decision and announced plans to join the council after recent changes granted it decision-making authority, replacing its previous advisory role.
In its latest statement, the party said the council’s institutional legitimacy remains in question and argued that it is unable to fulfill its mandate effectively.