[By Tigray Media Watch Digital Intelligence Monitoring Group, Mekelle, Tigray, 7 January 2025]
To:
- The United States Government and Diplomatic Mission in Ethiopia
- The European Union and Delegation to Ethiopia
- The United Kingdom Government and Diplomatic Mission in Ethiopia
- The African Union Commission and Member States
- The Norwegian Government and Diplomatic Mission
- Observers and Signatories of the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA)
- Tigray Interim Government Leadership
- Tigray Defense Forces (TDF) Command and Security Apparatus
Subject: Assassination Plot Against General Tsadkan Gebretensae – A Threat to Regional Peace and Stability
Tigray Media Watch Digital Intelligence Monitoring Group, in collaboration with Tigrayan Advocacy for Human Rights and Justice International, want to urgently alert the international diplomatic community to a credible and alarming assassination plot targeting General Tsadkan Gebretensae—a globally respected military strategist, statesman, and key architect of Ethiopia’s Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA).
Recent intelligence reports confirm that a secret Zoom meeting held involving the Eritrean regime intelligence operatives, diaspora-based extremist supporters, and elements of the former TPLF leadership faction led by Debretsion Gebremichael. The meeting focused on plans to eliminate General Tsadkan Gebretensae. This plot poses an existential threat not only to Tigray but also to Ethiopia and the entire Horn of Africa, undermining ongoing peace and stabilisation efforts following the devastating genocidal war on Tigray.
Call for Action
We urge all peace loving countries, particularly the international diplomatic missions, security observers, and stakeholders in the Pretoria Peace Agreement—to take the following immediate actions:
1. Prevent the assassination plot and monitor subversive activities
Launch urgent investigations into the Eritrean regime’s destabilising activities, assassination plot and their collaboration with anti-peace factions.
2. Condemn the assassination plot and demand accountability
Issue public condemnations against threats targeting General Tsadkan Gebretensae and hold perpetrators accountable.
3. Enhance Security Protection
Collaborate with the Tigray Interim Government and Tigray Defense Forces (TDF) to bolster security for General Tsadkan and other targeted leaders.
4. Apply diplomatic pressure on Eritrea
Demand Eritrea cease hostilities, genocidal agendas, and destabilising operations aimed at derailing Tigray’s peace process.
5. Mobilise international intervention
Activate swift international mechanisms to prevent escalation, protect human rights, and sustain post-genocide recovery in Tigray, Ethiopia, and the Horn of Africa.
Background and General Tsadkan Gebretensae’s Role
General Tsadkan is regarded as one of Africa’s most accomplished military strategists and a dedicated advocate for peace. As former Chief of Staff of Ethiopia’s National Defense Forces, he played a pivotal role in securing the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA)—a milestone that ended Ethiopia’s brutal civil war.
General Tsadkan’s leadership has been vital in Tigray’s post-genocide recovery and peace process including rebuilding demeocracy, good governance, security, and stability. Targeting him constitutes not only an attack on an individual but a direct assault on Tigray’s aspirations for peace, security, self-determination, and sustainable recovery.
The Threat
Intelligence leaks have revealed:
- Coordinated efforts by Eritrean intelligence operatives and remnants of the failed TPLF leadership to destabilise Tigray’s leadership.
- A renewed genocidal agenda by Eritrea, aiming to derail peace efforts in Ethiopia and provoke conflict.
- Collusion between internal and external actors to undermine Tigray’s fragile peace process.
- Such actions violate the spirit and principles of the PretoriaCessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA) and threaten to destabilise Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa.
The Danger and Its Ramifications
Failure to address this plot carries grave consequences, including:
- Destabilisation of Tigray’s fragile security and political environment, reversing post-war progress.
- Renewed ethnic violence and mass atrocities, undermining international peacebuilding efforts.
- Threaten neighbouring states and regional peace, insecurity, and humanitarian operations.
- Will contribute to the collapse of the Pretoria Peace Agreement between TPLF and the federal government of Ethiopia that was achieved by international mediation efforts.
Urgent Recommendations to the International Community
1. Conduct Independent Investigations
Launch immediate and transparent investigations into Eritrea’s involvement, the hardliners of the TPLF led by Debretsion Gebremichael, and diaspora-affiliated TPLF networks implicated in this plot.
2. Strengthen Diplomatic Oversight and Accountability
Eritrea should be held accountable for actions violating peace agreements and destabilising regional peace, security, and stability.
3. Enhance Security Protections for Tigrayan Leadership
Democracy and peace loving countries should provide support to the Tigray Interim Government and TDF to safeguard General Tsadkan and other high-risk leaders.
4. Issue Formal Warnings and Diplomatic Notes
Demand Eritrea halts its genocidal ambitions and destabilising operations targeting Tigray’s interim government leadership.
5. Mobilise Regional and International Monitoring Mechanisms
Deploy observers to enforce the Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (COHA) and prevent further escalations.
Conclusion and Final Appeal
The assassination plot against General Tsadkan Gebretensae is part of a broader genocidal campaign orchestrated by the Eritrean regime to dismantle peace in Tigray and destabilise Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa.
We urgently call upon the international diplomatic community to treat this alert with the highest priority and act decisively to prevent another tragedy. Protecting lives, preserving peace, and ensuring regional stability must remain at the forefront of international efforts.
Contact information for follow up:
Tigray Media Watch Digital Intelligence Monitoring Group
Email: info@tigraymediawatch.org
Tigrayan Advocacy for Human Rights and Justice International
Email: advocacy@tigrayjustice.org