Concerns are growing among political commentators, former TPLF officials, and regional analysts over what they describe as destabilizing actions by hardline elements of the defunct TPLF.

 Alarmed, the former members of the outlawed TPLF warned that such developments could undermine the Pretoria Peace Agreement and threaten stability in northern Ethiopia and potentially the wider Horn of Africa.

Observers note that while the Ethiopian federal government has made significant efforts toward post-conflict recovery—including humanitarian assistance, budgetary support, and the establishment of the Tigray Interim Administration—some factions within the former TPLF leadership are not fully reciprocating these commitments.

Former TPLF Chairman and founding member Aregawi Berhe told the Ethiopian News Agency that certain elements within the former leadership are attempting to exploit the Pretoria Agreement to regroup rather than fully implement its provisions.He warned that continued recruitment and rearmament efforts could reverse the fragile gains achieved since the agreement was signed.

Aregawi also criticized what he described as international silence regarding enlisting the youth for fire fodder, arguing that a lack of accountability could embolden these actors undermining the peace process.

After having committed a regional coup against the leadership of the Interim Administration of Tigray, the TPLF hardliners went on to conduct forced conscription while preparing, with foreign backing, to launch offensives against the for es of the federal government.

Aregawi further alleged growing disillusionment among former fighters, with some leaving the organization, and claimed that recruitment efforts in some areas have targeted minors—claims that have raised concern among local communities.Former officials, including Getachew Reda and National Security Adviser Redwan Hussien, have similarly warned that hardline factions are using the peace process to regroup and prepare for possible renewed confrontation, potentially with external support.

In addition, Professor Kindeya Gebrehiwot, Head of the Cabinet Secretariat of the first Tigray Interim Administration, warned that a breakaway faction within the former TPLF has repeatedly obstructed interim administrations and risks dragging the region back into conflict. He stressed that Tigray remains fragile and cannot withstand another war.

Professor Kindeya also raised concerns over reported forced recruitment of youth and cautioned against external alliances that could escalate tensions across the Horn of Africa. He urged that unresolved political issues be addressed through dialogue and constitutional mechanisms rather than armed confrontation.

Both officials called on the international community to take a stronger stance against actions that could destabilize the peace process, warning that inaction could jeopardize the gains of the Pretoria Agreement.

Despite these warnings, both emphasized that the Pretoria Agreement remains a critical framework for peace, reconstruction, and reconciliation.

“Ethiopia’s future depends on peace,” Professor Kindeya said, stressing that the country should focus on recovery rather than renewed conflict.