Tigray Opposition Parties Unite in Support of Southern Tigray Protests, Urge Wider Mobilization

UMD Media, May 16, 2025

The Alliance of Tigrayans for National Redemption—comprising the Tigray Independence Party (TIP), the National Congress of Great Tigray (Baytona), and Arena Tigray for Democracy and Sovereignty—has declared its solidarity with the public demonstration that took place in Southern Tigray.

A large-scale peaceful public demonstration was held yesterday in the town of Maychew, Southern Tigray, with participants demanding a democratic political order that represents all Tigrayans and not just ruling elites.

Organized by local communities, the rally brought together residents from across Southern Tigray under the slogan “Tigray for All Tigrayans”, signaling a call for unity, equality, and inclusive governance. Demonstrators voiced opposition to ongoing internal political exclusion and called for an end to domination by a single faction.

The march saw broad participation, including women, youth associations, students, elders, and religious leaders. Speakers emphasized that Tigray’s culture, peace, and shared identity must be the basis for rebuilding society, not internal division or political monopolies.

The Alliance described the peaceful protests as a powerful testament to civic courage and democratic spirit, calling them a “clarion call to awaken the collective moral conscience of all Tigrayans.” In a statement released today from Mekelle, Tigray’s capital, the Alliance condemned what it termed the “illegitimate power grab” by what it called the faction of Debretsion Gebremichael and its military backers. It emphasized that the era of tyranny and militarized politics must come to an end.

“These demonstrations mark a critical milestone in Tigray’s democratic journey,” the statement reads, highlighting the significance of nonviolent resistance and its role in paving the way for reform and lasting peace.

The opposition bloc urged other cities, towns, and zones across Tigray to follow the example set by Southern Tigray, encouraging mass participation in the broader movement for justice, inclusive governance, and liberation from authoritarian rule.

“We can dismantle the structures of tyranny and lay the groundwork for a democratic Tigray,” the Alliance affirmed.

This statement by Tigray’s main opposition parties reflects the deepening political tensions in the region and growing public discontent with the post-war interim administration and its ongoing internal power struggles.