The Ethiopian Parliament Removes TPLF from Terrorist List, Clearing the Way for Interim Government in Tigray

In a significant move, the Ethiopian parliament has voted to remove the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) from the list of terrorist organizations. The decision was announced on Wednesday by the lower house of the Ethiopian parliament, which declared that the move was critical for fulfilling the peace accord negotiated between the federal government and the TPLF.

The TPLF, which ruled Ethiopia for thirty years, was designated a terrorist organization by the government in May 2021, following an armed confrontation that began in November 2020. However, the peace deal reached in November 2020 required the removal of this terrorist designation, which has now been achieved.

The removal of the terrorist classification clears the way for the formation of an interim government in Tigray led by the TPLF. With fighting ceased and access to essential services restored, this could be a crucial step towards peace and stability in the region.

It is unclear how many MPs voted in favor of the decision, but the Ethiopian House of People’s Representatives confirmed that the majority had accepted the move to abolish the TPLF’s terrorist label. 61 MPs voted against the decision, and five abstained.

As the region continues to recover from the conflict, the removal of the TPLF’s terrorist designation represents a significant development. The decision to form an interim government in Tigray, led by the TPLF, could help to bring lasting peace and stability to the region.