TPLF: We are fighting for survival of Tigray people, we shall give peace a try

©️EPA

NAIROBI, ( GO) - The Tigray People's Liberation Front [TPLF] has refuted claims that it sacrificed the ideals of the struggle but gave peace a chance following negotiations brokered by the African Union, with a number of professionals from the community showing dissatisfaction with the process. 

On Monday, the second phase of the talks involving commanders from both divides met in Nairobi, where they are expected to formulate the best disarmament strategy as part of the initial agreement in South Africa, where the talks were mooted.

Getachew Reda, the spokesperson of TPLF, maintained that agreements signed by his team will always factor in the interests of the people of Tigray. According to the fierce spokesperson, peace is what the people of Tigray need now. 

"Everything we do, every move we make, or every agreement we sign is driven by the need to ensure the interest of the people of Tigray. Peace is what our people need more than anything. Whether we will deliver on our promise in a manner that satisfies our people, time will tell," he said in a tweet. 

"We will do what it takes to protect our people who have suffered beyond what ordinary mortals can endure. We are fighting not because we are a trigger-happy nation but because our survival as a people is at stake," he added. "If  a peace agreement can ensure our survival, why not give it a try?"

A number of Tigray people have expressed dissatisfaction with the process of peace talks, with a number of them claiming the negotiating team has been compromised to accept a " raw deal." However, some believe the progress made so far is significant toward restoring peace.

The fighting started in November 2020, with a number of insiders saying thousands of people have been killed and millions displaced. There have been concerns over humanitarian access, with stakeholders accusing Ethiopian and Eritrean troops of imposing blockades in the Tigray region.

The international community has demanded immediate withdrawal and disengagement of Eritrean troops from Tigray, but this directive is yet to be obeyed. Redwan Hussien, the national security advisor to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, confirmed that humanitarian accessibility is being discussed in Nairobi. 

"The peace agreement TPLF and FDRE inked days ago state that military commanders would meet within five days. Today is the fifth day, and the commanders meeting has begun in Nairobi. That ensures the safety and expedites humanitarian flow to areas hitherto inaccessible," he said. 

GAROWE ONLINE