[By Bereket Kiros]
Let us make a few observations first. We do not think anyone disagrees that diversity of thought is a necessary right; in fact, any restrictions on thought are bound to undernourish public conversation. None of us has the final word on procedures or how they turn out; time has a way of shedding light on matters that conspire to leave us in the dark. Finally, it must be noted that people generally understand what works for them when the terms are presented. We now realize the case for intervention was exaggerated and that the issue is being recalibrated to fit the “imminent danger” thesis. We will be paying a heavy price for that. The presumed danger was no more significant than that caused by mass arrests, defects, and killings within Tigrai, which must be recognized and dealt with first. Where transparency is not forthcoming, outcomes are also difficult to verify, which means one is at the mercy of proponents of a course of action.
We are currently living in Ethiopia, in a volatile political environment, where a potential disaster is looming all around us. We are surrounded by our historic enemies and newly minted ones that are getting stronger by the hour. Those of us in the Diaspora have a moral obligation not to promote division through a harmful political campaign, thereby further inflaming a situation that is already highly charged with corruption and a deadly conflict, as leaders seek to stay in power by any means necessary. Our enemies have become powerful because we are a divided people. Thus, we urge TPLF leaders and their supporters to refrain from blaming the interim administration and its supporters as the sole cause of Tigrai’s problems and the suffering of its people.
When a nation faces a crisis or significant changes in its political, social, economic, or international position, the political parties in that nation as a whole must assume much greater responsibilities than would be the case under everyday peaceful national conditions. Every member of the Tigrai community, including political parties and individuals, must take greater responsibility for the nation’s well-being. Sadly, Tigrai’s Aweragism will always be exploited by those with nefarious agendas, the likes of Sebhat Nega. While the regional factor is a complex one and can be viewed from a range of angles, our people’s positive contribution can be a simple one: a dedication by each of us not to do anything that will endanger our harmony in Tigrai.
After the Pretoria Agreement, Tigrai was swept up in a wave of euphoria characterized by a sense of relief and enormous hopes, with high and ambitious goals seeming attainable. Regrettably, we, Tegrawot, are faced with the worst crisis in our long history. We are in pain and agony and fearful of the fate of our country. After the TPLF dismantled the interim administration, social media is being used for mounting massive propaganda by dishonorable and hateful individuals in Tigrai and the Diaspora. A futile attempt to destroy the Pretoria agreement that will lead to a civil war and the disintegration of Tigrai. This is the time for a wake-up call against deceit and manipulation.
I am hopeful that the tide of violence will turn back on supporters of the change; I have great confidence in the judgement and common sense of the Tigrai people. Over the last six months, we have all been aware of the stakes; however, the crisis unfolding before our eyes is perceived differently by each interest group, political party, and individual Tegrawot. This rift of serious political dissonance is tearing apart the heart of our nation. The reasons for this rift are many and are rooted in our national characteristics.
We, Tegrawot, are at a crossroads; we face a choice on one hand that leads to further escalation and bitterness or another choice of peaceful reform. The choices our leaders make during those crucial few months ahead will determine the conditions that either enhance or undermine our future peaceful coexistence with one another and the survival of our Tigrai. The choice for peace is not easy, especially with complex and dangerous political leaders who seem determined to drag a nation to destruction to cover their misdeeds. What is needed is creative effort to educate the public, mobilize key constituencies, and persuade hesitant partners to participate in saving our Tigrai from disintegration. Tigrai belongs to everyone equally, and each individual has equal political and civil rights, just like every other person. The interim administration has struggled for democratization and democracy. Democracy is the outcome of democratization.
TPLF leaders have asserted that democracy can only be achieved in Tigrai if they rule the country. The development of a democratic system of government would require establishing a legal framework that delineates the rights of citizens, guarantees freedom of speech, the press, and other fundamental rights, and a competitive party system must be developed. Free and fair elections must be held regularly and consistently. Thus, such a system of government will ensure that the leaders are accountable to the electorates. The election will serve as a form of referendum on the performance of the governing party and/or leadership. Lastly, a strong civil society needs to be established; in short, this is the blueprint of liberal democracy.
However, Tegrawot are demanding both political democracy and economic democracy. In Tigrai, liberal democracy is a basket case; it has fostered authoritarianism, repression and oppression, corruption, and exploitation. The documented evidence of corruption collected in the last few months alone supports that party officials have illegally enriched themselves at the expense of the Tigrayan people.
Hence, it is an excellent paradox that several officials are caught in a web of corrupt practices within a liberal democracy, adding fuel to the conflict. This controversy could emerge as a major flashpoint for violent arguments and brawls even in a learnt community. A mixed message of victory and serious conflict arose from the drama surrounding the current outlawed action, which is committed to maintaining an unequal distribution of power, with the assumption that no opposition party or leader in Tigrai will be able to change the situation by mobilizing the people. It undermines the development of a genuine democratic movement at a significant cost to innocent Tegrawot and the nation. Regardless of the innocence or ignorance of the TPLF leadership, the fact remains that, as a political organization, it is accountable for the tragic national disaster that led to the fragmentation of Tigray. Silence is not golden. Silence allows few shrill voices to usurp the high ground and subdue or sabotage our collective aspirations. By diligently participating in our shared hopes, we turn the tide on deception, become the narrators of our own stories, and, in due course, establish a flourishing consensus.
We call upon concerned TPLF officials who have so far lacked the courage to openly arrest and hand over corrupt and/or criminal officials, irrespective of their loyalty to the TPLF, and who have also failed to do so, to salvage Tigrai’s future and glory. We call upon genuine Tegrawot to abandon their loyalty to a treasonous, mafia-like organization and join the reform movement underway for the sake of our nation. As Jimmy Cliff captures the sentiment and puts it to reggae beat: “I’d rather be a free man in my grave than living as a puppet or a slave.”