Ethiopia: TPLF Criticizes Obasanjo, Says His Mediation Efforts Lack 'Neutrality and Concrete Substance'

What the report says

The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) has publicly challenged former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo’s role in efforts to mediate peace in Tigray, saying his approach lacks neutrality and concrete proposals. The remarks were made in a statement issued on 6 September 2026 and reported by Addis Standard, published through AllAfrica. The party said it remains open to peaceful dialogue, but only through an independent and impartial mediator.

According to the statement, the TPLF questioned whether Obasanjo’s initiative is truly separate from the Ethiopian federal government. It pointed to his visits to Tigray, including one in June and another in August 2026, and said the visits did not produce meaningful follow-up, clear agendas or new proposals. The TPLF also argued that the mediation effort appeared to be shaped by federal interests, rather than by a fully neutral process.

The criticism comes nearly four years after the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement between the TPLF and the federal government. In the statement, the TPLF said the agreement has not brought substantial improvement and accused federal authorities of maintaining pressure on Tigray, including restrictions, military presence and continued insecurity. It also questioned comments by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed that it interpreted as weakening the agreement’s relevance.

Contextually, Obasanjo has served in an African Union-linked peace role, and the United States has previously welcomed his involvement. The TPLF’s latest statement underscores how disputed the mediation process remains, even as concerns persist over stability, displacement and humanitarian conditions in northern Ethiopia.