By LJDemissie
July 31, 2025
In a time of rising tensions and renewed fears of war in Ethiopia, a voice of clarity and restraint emerged from Mekelle. On TBS TV, on July 30, 2025, General Tadesse Worede, President of the Tigray Interim Administration, addressed a gathering of Ethiopian elders, religious leaders, business figures, and the TPLF’s leaders. His message was not one of defiance—it was a plea for peace, recovery, and understanding.
“There is no preparation for war in Tigray,” he said. “Everything we had was destroyed. What our people need now is a little help, the return of the displaced, and to be understood.”
The Power of Pressure, Not Dictates
General Tadesse reflected on the Pretoria Peace Agreement of November 2022, crediting the mediators for their strategic diplomacy. He emphasized that the international team did not impose a solution but created substantial pressure that compelled both the TPLF and the Ethiopian federal government to negotiate in earnest.
“They didn’t dictate terms,” he noted. “But they helped us reach an agreement. That was good.”
This is a rare and powerful endorsement of mediation done right—and it deserves global recognition.
Who Made Peace Possible?
Let the record show: the Pretoria Agreement was not the product of chance. It was the result of tireless work by a coalition of seasoned diplomats and African statesmen:
Mediators & Facilitators of the Pretoria Agreement
- S. Department of State, led by Secretary Antony BlinkenRole: Oversight and strategic support
- Ambassador Michael A. Hammer, U.S. Special Envoy for the Horn of AfricaRole: Key mediator and pressure builder
- Ambassador Ervin Massinga, U.S. Ambassador to EthiopiaRole: On-the-ground diplomacy and coordination
- E. Olusegun Obasanjo, former President of NigeriaRole: African Union High Representative for the Horn of Africa
- E. Uhuru Kenyatta, former President of KenyaRole: African Union High-Level Panel member and mediator
- E. Dr. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former Deputy President of South AfricaRole: African Union Panel of the Wise member and mediator
- E. Dr. Naledi Pandor, former Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, South Africa Role: Diplomatic anchor and vocal advocate for African-led peace efforts
- Redwan Hussien Role:Lead negotiator representing the Federal Government of Ethiopia
- Getachew Reda, former President of the Tigray Interim Administration Role: Lead negotiator representing the TPLF
- General Tadesse Worede, President of the Tigray Interim Administration Role: Senior military and political figure supporting the peace process and post-agreement implementation
These individuals, among others, and institutions demonstrated that African-led solutions, backed by international support, can yield real peace.
Tigray’s Reality: No War, Just Ruins
General Tadesse’s remarks were a sobering reminder of the cost of war:
- Tigray’s infrastructure and economy are devastated.
- Displaced families remain scattered and vulnerable.
- The region isnot mobilizing for war, but for recovery.
- Tigray’s political issues, he stressed, are resolvable through dialogue.
This is not the rhetoric of a rebel leader—it’s the voice of a region seeking healing.
Why Americans Should Care
- Your diplomats helped make peace possible.That success deserves recognition and continued support.
- Your tax dollars fund humanitarian aid.Knowing it’s needed and welcomed in Tigray should strengthen bipartisan resolve.
- Your leadership matters.Continued engagement can prevent relapse into war and support democratic recovery.
A Global Thank You
To the African Union, the U.S. State Department, and every mediator who stood firm for peace: thank you. Your work saved lives and gave a war-torn region a chance to rebuild. Now, let’s ensure that chance becomes a lasting reality.