EU Raises Alarm Over Reported TPLF Military Conscription, Urges Renewed Pretoria Peace Talks

Ethiopia , June 29, 2026 - The European Union (EU) Delegation to Ethiopia has voiced concern over what it describes as a worsening political and security situation in northern Ethiopia, warning that reported actions by hardline elements of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) could undermine the fragile peace established under the Pretoria Peace Agreement.

In a statement issued on Monday, the EU said it was closely monitoring developments in the Tigray region amid reports that factions within the now-defunct TPLF leadership are taking steps that risk reigniting tensions.

The Delegation said it was particularly concerned by reports of the establishment of a parallel regional council and the unilateral implementation of military conscription in Tigray.

According to the EU, these developments threaten to reverse the gains made since the signing of the Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA) in November 2022.

"The European Union is deeply concerned by the deteriorating security and political situation in northern Ethiopia," the statement said.

The bloc warned that the reported measures are inconsistent with the commitments contained in the Pretoria Peace Agreement and could increase the risk of renewed instability in the region.

"The recent developments could undermine the gains achieved under the Pretoria Permanent Cessation of Hostilities Agreement. Such actions contravene the provisions of the Pretoria Peace Agreement and risk escalating tensions in the region," the EU stated.

The Delegation called on all parties to urgently resume dialogue on the full implementation of the peace agreement, stressing that sustained engagement remains essential to preserving stability.

"The urgent resumption of talks on the concrete implementation of the Pretoria Agreement by all parties is essential to safeguarding the peace process and preventing renewed instability," the statement added.

The EU also reaffirmed its support for mediation efforts led by Olusegun Obasanjo, the African Union High Representative for the Horn of Africa, who played a central role in facilitating negotiations that culminated in the Pretoria Agreement.

The Union said it remains committed to supporting a lasting political solution in Ethiopia and backed ongoing African Union-led efforts to promote dialogue, reconciliation and peace in northern Ethiopia.

The statement comes amid renewed concerns over political divisions within the TPLF following months of internal disagreements over the implementation of the Pretoria Agreement and the administration of the Tigray region.

The Pretoria Peace Agreement, signed in November 2022 between the Federal Government of Ethiopia and the TPLF under the auspices of the African Union, formally ended the two-year conflict in northern Ethiopia.

The agreement committed both parties to a permanent cessation of hostilities, the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration of former combatants, restoration of constitutional order and federal institutions in Tigray, as well as the resumption of humanitarian assistance and reconstruction efforts.

Since the accord was signed, Ethiopia has gradually restored basic services in much of the region, reopened transport links and facilitated humanitarian access, although implementation of several provisions, including full disarmament, political normalization and transitional justice, has progressed more slowly.

The EU's latest statement adds to growing international attention on developments in northern Ethiopia, where diplomats and regional observers have repeatedly urged all stakeholders to fully implement the Pretoria Agreement and avoid actions that could jeopardize the peace process.

The diplomatic intervention also follows earlier measures taken by the United States, which imposed visa restrictions on individuals it said were responsible for undermining peace and stability in Ethiopia during and after the conflict.

Continued adherence to the Pretoria Agreement remains critical to Ethiopia's broader political and economic recovery, particularly as the country pursues ambitious economic reforms, debt restructuring negotiations and efforts to attract greater foreign investment while maintaining stability across the region.

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EU Raises Alarm Over Reported TPLF Military Conscription, Urges Renewed Pretoria Peace Talks

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