The African Union’s Betrayal: Why Tigray Rejects the "Contested Area" Narrative

The African Union’s (AU) classification of Western Tigray as a “contested area” is not only misleading but also an outright betrayal of justice, historical truth, and the very principles of international law. The people of Tigray reject this reckless and unfair decision, which distorts the reality of the war, legitimizes ethnic cleansing, and emboldens those responsible for war crimes.

Western Tigray: A Case of Illegal Occupation, Not a Territorial Dispute

The Tigray War (2020–2022) was never about territorial claims—it was a political conflict rooted in governance, federalism, and the struggle for power between the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and the Ethiopian federal government. Before the war, Western Tigray was an undisputed part of the Tigray Regional State under Ethiopia’s federal system. Its forceful occupation by Amhara militias and government-backed forces does not make it "contested"—it makes it illegally occupied.

By labeling Western Tigray as “contested,” the AU is actively distorting the facts to align with the Ethiopian government’s narrative while ignoring the systematic ethnic cleansing and forced displacement of Tigrayans. This mischaracterization is not just unfair—it is an endorsement of the atrocities committed against the Tigrayan people.

Why the AU’s Decision is Fundamentally Wrong

1. Western Tigray Was Never "Contested" Before the War

Western Tigray was legally part of the Tigray Regional State under Ethiopia’s federal constitution.

The war did not start over land disputes but over political and military aggression by the Ethiopian government.

The forced occupation of Western Tigray by Amhara forces and the mass expulsion of Tigrayans does not turn it into a contested territory—it turns it into a crime scene.

2. Ethnic Cleansing & Forced Displacement Cannot Be Legitimized

Reports from the United Nations, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch confirm that systematic ethnic cleansing took place in Western Tigray.

Thousands of Tigrayans were forcibly expelled, imprisoned, or killed simply for their ethnic identity.

Declaring the area "contested" whitewashes these crimes and denies justice to the victims.

3. The AU is Complicit in Ignoring Amhara Expansionism

The AU and its mediator, Olusegun Obasanjo, have consistently ignored Amhara’s illegal claims and the forced demographic changes in Western Tigray.

The AU’s stance aligns with the Ethiopian government’s political strategy rather than upholding Ethiopia’s constitutional order and international law.

Instead of calling for accountability, the AU is normalizing occupation and displacement.

The Correct Approach: Restoring Justice for Tigray

The people of Tigray will not accept this betrayal, nor will they remain silent in the face of injustice. The rightful course of action is:

1. Recognizing Western Tigray as part of Tigray based on Ethiopia’s constitutional framework.

2. Holding independent investigations into war crimes and ethnic cleansing committed during the war.

3. Ensuring the safe return of displaced Tigrayans before any discussion on governance or administration.

4. Rejecting any AU or Ethiopian government narratives that justify ethnic cleansing through occupation.

International Law: A Strong Case Against the AU’s Decision

The classification of Western Tigray as a “contested area” violates multiple international legal frameworks, including:

1. Prohibition of Forced Displacement & Ethnic Cleansing

Geneva Conventions (1949): Article 49 prohibits the forcible transfer or deportation of populations in occupied territory.

Rome Statute of the ICC (1998): Ethnic cleansing in Western Tigray constitutes war crimes and crimes against humanity under Articles 7 and 8.

2. Illegal Occupation & Sovereignty Violations

UN Charter (1945), Article 2(4): Prohibits the use of force to alter recognized borders.

Hague Regulations (1907), Article 42: Defines illegal occupation as control over a territory without sovereignty.

3. The Right to Self-Determination & Territorial Integrity

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), Article 1: Tigrayans have the right to determine their political and territorial status.

African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights (ACHPR): Guarantees protection from forced assimilation and illegal land annexation.

Why the AU’s Stance is a Dangerous Precedent

If the AU’s reckless classification of Western Tigray as a “contested area” stands, it will:

Set a precedent for legitimizing ethnic cleansing across Africa by treating forceful displacement as a territorial dispute.

Reward aggression and occupation, rather than upholding justice and human rights.

Betray the AU’s core mission of defending the sovereignty and rights of African peoples.

Tigray Rejects This Betrayal—The AU Must Be Held Accountable

The people of Tigray categorically reject the AU’s false narrative and will not accept any decision that denies their rights, legitimizes war crimes, or erases their identity. The AU must correct its stance and take a principled stand against ethnic cleansing and occupation. Anything less is an endorsement of injustice.

The people of Tigray will not be silenced. The international community must act now to ensure justice, accountability, and the safe return of the rightful residents of Western Tigray.