Salsay Weyane Tigray

Salsay Weyane Tigray is a political party in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia.

Policies

In January 2021, SAWET's political programme was outlined as follows:

Establishment of a free and democratic Tigray nation through a peacefull and legal way
Protection of Tigray's territorial integrity
Sustainable development, justice and democracy
To sustain, protect,advance Tigrayan national identity
Social justice and sustainable economic development
Building happy, healthy, prosperous and modern population
Brotherhood and Peace with Eritrea and Tigray people

In September 2020, prior to the 2020 Tigray regional election held that month, SAWET aimed at increased autonomy for Tigray Region, to "secure its territorial integrity, promote its language, and preserve its heritage."

September 2020 election

SAWET won 7,136 votes out of the 2,633,848 votes cast, winning no seats in the September 2020 election. The Tigray Regional Council resulting from the election established a mechanism for minority parties to propose agendas and bills, present motions, propose policy and nominate appointees. SAWET criticised the mechanism as insufficient to "bring about the desired outcome for a vibrant democratic process". SAWET was allotted two seats on the council which it rejected out of principle.

Tigray War

In January 2021, during the Tigray War, the National Election Board of Ethiopia asked SAWET for an "explanation about activities" before taking a possible decision on deregistering the party in relation to its participation in the September 2020 Tigray election, that NEBE considered illegal.
On 2 February 2021, SAWET, together with National Congress of Great Tigray and Tigray Independence Party, estimated there to have been 52,000 civilian casualties of the Tigray War.

Leadership

Kinfe Hadush Belay is founding Member and chairperson of Salsay Weyane Tigray.
Gebretnsae Weldemichael is vice-chairman.
Hailu Kebede, foreign affairs head, was arrested in Addis Ababa by the Ethiopian authorities in August 2021.