PM Abiy Ahmed: “I Will Not Decide” on the Wolkait Issue

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has declared that neither he nor members of Parliament will make the final decision regarding the status of Wolkait dispute, a territory contested by the Amhara and Tigray regions.

Emphasizing that the “people of the area” are the only ones capable of deciding their own existence, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s position: the issue must be resolved “through a referendum and in accordance with the law.”

Key Highlights from Parliament

The Context the Prime Minister made these remarks on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 (Tir 26, 2018 E.C.), while responding to questions from the House of Peoples’ Representatives.

The Question on IDPs MP Abdu Hassan raised concerns regarding citizens displaced from Northern Ethiopia.

• He asked for a status update on federal efforts to return displaced people to their homes.
• He accused the TPLF (Tigray People’s Liberation Front) of using displaced citizens for political purposes, alleging the group is obstructing support and preventing returns to perpetuate a crisis.

The Prime Minister’s Response Abiy Ahmed outlined the government’s “firm belief” regarding the rights of the residents.

“Whether the residents of the Wolkait area are displaced from Tigray, Wolkite, or Asosa, it is their 100% right to live in Wolkait peacefully.”

He acknowledged the long-standing dispute, stating:

• “It is no secret that both Amhara and Tigray regions have claimed this land for a long time, both citing evidence.”
• “The Federal Government’s stance is: Let the people not be displaced, let them return to their homes, let them administer themselves, and let them decide for themselves.”

The Pretoria Agreement and Diverging Views

Legal Framework The Pretoria Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, which ended the war in Northern Ethiopia, stipulates that “contested areas” be resolved according to the FDRE Constitution. The Federal Government has repeatedly stated it will implement processes to resolve the status of Wolkait and other areas via a referendum.

Rhetorical Challenge In his address, PM Abiy challenged the MPs:

“Who among you, or I, can decide on the existence and will of that people? Unless the people return, live in peace, and say ‘I should be administered here or there,’ which official has the right to decide for them?”

The Opposition View Despite the PM’s stance, the Tigray Interim Administration and TPLF leadership maintain a clear position that Wolkait “must be under the Tigray region.”

• They argue that the pre-war administrative structure of the “Western Tigray Zone” must be restored before displaced citizens return.
• These conflicting positions between Tigray, Amhara, and the Federal Government have kept the area in a state of high tension and security risk.

Recent Security Incidents

Clashes in Tselemte Tensions spiked early last week following a clash between Tigray forces and the National Defense Force in the Tselemte area, raising fears of a return to full-scale war.

Tigray Leadership’s Response Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede, a leader within the Tigray Interim Administration, gave an interview to Tigray TV regarding the incident:

• He stated the movement of forces was intended “to remind [others] of our desire to enter our territory.”
• He clarified that while the objective was not to clash with the Defense Force, unexpected conflict occurred, and the forces were subsequently ordered to withdraw.

Impact on Development & International Stance

Lack of Services: Prime Minister Abiy noted that the unresolved status of Wolkait has severely hindered development.

• “This issue has caused the people of Wolkait to remain without the federal support they deserve in budget, education, and health.”
• He affirmed that the government is ready to welcome and support returnees to the best of its ability.

US Ambassador’s Visit Two weeks ago, US Ambassador to Ethiopia Ervin Massinga visited Humera.

• He emphasized that priority must be given to the safety of those “severely affected” by the situation.
• He urged all sides to put the people above politics and suggested that the residents should determine their political fate “at the appropriate time.”

Conclusion

Prime Minister Abiy concluded his explanation by reiterating the need for a democratic process:

“I will not decide on the Wolkait issue. I hope you won’t either. The one who decides is the people of that area. I believe parties are expected to create the enabling conditions for that.”

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