The TPLF has been campaigning to forge for national unity (ወፍሪ ብሄራዊ ሓድነት) in the last few weeks. Conversely, the people of Tigray have rejected the TPLF’s rhetoric of war, and its preparedness campaign for war against the Abiy government has failed spectacularly. The people of Tigray see the TPLF’s obsession with war as the way to consolidate its power by crushing their democratic rights and undermining the Pretoria peace agreement.
The people of Tigray have been voicing unequivocally that they want peace, demanding the implementation of the Pretoria peace agreement. This desire for peace highlights a growing awareness among the populace that shifts to Tigray’s immediate need for sustainable solutions to the genocidal war and political grievances about the TPLF’s repression and human rights abuses. This sentiment reflects a significant shift in the political landscape, as the people of Tigray have had enough with war, but they have chosen peace and dialogue over conflict.
In the struggle for peace, the political parties in Tigray must establish an all-inclusive transitional government that addresses the root causes of the genocidal war and injustice, promotes social cohesion and economic development, and puts measures in place to enforce accountability and the rule of law. Furthermore, it is essential for the international community to monitor progress in the Pretoria peace agreement and provide the necessary resources and support for this transformative process to work, ultimately paving the way for lasting stability.
As discussions around peace gain momentum, it is crucial for all political parties and military leaders to prioritise dialogue and foster a democratic environment where the people of Tigray can live in peace and freely exercise their freedom, liberty, and rights. Building on this foundation, international support will also play a pivotal role in ensuring that the peace process leads to tangible outcomes.
The TPLF must listen and accept the people’s demand for peace rather than preaching for war. For Tigray to move forward, it is crucial for the Tigray political and military leaders to engage with the populace and hear their aspirations for peace are translated into concrete actions and policies to liberate the occupied territories and return the IDPs safely to their homes.
This engagement will nurture a sense of unity and collective purpose among the Tigrayans, creating an environment conducive to dialogue, reconciliation, and working together in the national interest. By listening to the voices of the people, the transitional government can help to rebuild trust and lay the foundation for sustainable and democratic elections through the ballot box to end the TPLF’s authoritarian rule and its repression.
The TPLF must stop its repression and human rights abuses. It must uphold justice and accountability. If the TPLF continues to violate human rights and erode people’s freedom and liberty, it will not escape from facing justice and accountability. The people of Tigray should not tolerate the TPLF’s human rights violations that undermine their rights. The priorities for all Tigrayans must be the peace and security of the people of Tigray. Only through a commitment to genuine democratic elections can Tigray heal, thrive, and secure its future survival.