[By Amare]
“Ensuring a Free, Independent, and Non-Politicised Tigray Defence Forces as a Pillar of National Security”
Introduction
A Call for Unified Commitment to Tigray’s Future In this momentous time of post-genocide recovery, every Tigrayan—regardless of their political beliefs, personal affiliations, or background—must recognise the vital importance of standing together for a single, unifying cause: the security, territorial integrity, and sovereignty of Tigray. This unity must extend beyond personal interests and political divides, reflecting an unwavering commitment to a collective purpose. It is crucial that the Tigray Defence Forces (TDF) embody this unity, standing as an independent institution that defends Tigray’s national interests, free from political manipulation or interference.
The Imperative of an Independent TDF: Guarding Tigray’s Sovereignty and Integrity
The TDF must remain an independent body, unswayed by any political party, including the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) or any other entities. Tigray’s security demands a military institution that operates without bias, guided solely by the constitutional principles of the Tigray Interim Government until a freely elected government is in place. This independence ensures the TDF can maintain Tigray’s national interests and shield its people without succumbing to factional pressures or corruption.
Accountability and Integrity: Removing Political Interference and Criminal Influence
To safeguard the trust and respect of all Tigrayans, the TDF must distance itself from individuals and factions that have exploited or betrayed the region. The four individuals identified—Debretsion Gebremichael, Getachew Assefa, Alem Gebrewahid, and Fetlework Gebregziabher—represent failures in governance, integrity, and preparation. Their ties to past failures, including corruption, nepotism, and lack of transparency, are fundamentally incompatible with the values of a disciplined, impartial defence force. Their continued involvement undermines the TDF’s credibility and weakens the unity that is essential for Tigray’s strength. Only by severing ties with such figures can the TDF secure its mission and serve as a force for all Tigrayans, rather than a tool manipulated by a few for personal gain.
The TDF must address these corruption networks, neutralise criminal influences, and resist serving as a “political party tool” to ensure that it represents the voice and interest of the entire Tigrayan population.
A Unifying Principle: Listening to Every Tigrayan Voice and Prioritising National Interests
Unity within the TDF reflects the will of the Tigrayan people. To ensure this unity, the TDF must incorporate the perspectives and priorities of all Tigrayans, particularly the younger generation, whose resilience and vision will guide Tigray’s future. By standing for justice, inclusivity, and integrity, the TDF can reinforce Tigrayans’ collective purpose and cultivate loyalty across generations. A national defence institution that respects and protects the political will of its people without seeking to influence or control it will build unbreakable trust, helping to cement the TDF as a pillar of Tigrayan resilience and purpose.
The Cost of Political Entanglement: The Danger of a Compromised Defence
If the TDF becomes entangled in party politics or is influenced by the failed leadership of the Debretsion Gebremichael faction, it risks being perceived as a factional entity rather than a protector of all Tigrayans. The history of inadequate leadership, lack of military preparation, intelligence failures, and the inability to foresee and prepare for the genocidal onslaught is a stark reminder of what is at stake. The TDF must rise above these past failures by becoming a force for unity, trusted by all Tigrayans, and protected from any political compromise that could endanger its purpose.
Ensuring the Unity of Purpose: Principles for a Non-Politicised TDF Independent Chain of Command
The TDF leadership should be answerable only to the Tigray Interim Government, with a transparent chain of command that respects constitutional boundaries and prioritises Tigray’s national security and sovereignty.
Zero Tolerance for Corruption and Exploitation: Criminal activities, including illegal mining, land grabbing, exploitation of women, and kidnapping, must be eradicated with full commitment. These acts not only violate human rights but also destabilise the unity of Tigray’s people.
Non-Interference Policy: The TDF must operate independently of all political parties, including the TPLF, ensuring that its decisions and actions are never subject to partisan influence.
Merit-Based Leadership: TDF leadership roles should be filled based on integrity, competence, and merit without nepotism or favouritism to cultivate a sense of trust and pride among the Tigrayan people.
Respecting the People’s Will and Rights: The TDF must embody the aspirations of the Tigrayan people, especially the younger generation, who demand a future free from the failures and divisions of the past. By aligning with the people’s will and rights, the TDF can build lasting trust and unwavering loyalty.
Conclusion
A Vision for a Strong, Unified Tigray Defence Force For Tigray to survive and thrive, it is essential that the TDF remain a non-partisan, independent institution committed to protecting Tigray’s sovereignty and ensuring the safety of its people. Only then can the TDF fulfil its duty to Tigray, free from the corrupting influences of failed leaders and partisan agendas.
Every Tigrayan should stand with TDF. The TDF is a defender of our rights, our land, and our future—a future that belongs to all Tigrayans, united in purpose and resilient in spirit.
- “Defend Tigray with Integrity: A Military Above Politics, For All Tigrayans”
- “United by Purpose and Strengthened by Independence: The TDF Stands for Every Tigrayan”
- “A Shield for Sovereignty and a Protector of Peace: TDF as the Protector and Voice of Tigray’s Unity”
- “Beyond Politics and Division: TDF as the Unyielding Defender of Tigray’s Self-determination and Sovereignty”
We should strengthen our unity and renew our commitment to a free, strong, and principled defence force—one that stands solely to safeguard Tigray’s interests without bias or influence. It is only by fostering this unity and ensuring TDF independence that the people of Tigray can collectively rebuild, protect, and aspire toward a prosperous Tigray.