[TLM Editorial Viewpoint]
The divisions within the TDF and the TPLF threaten Tigray’s future, as conflicting interests hinder unity, peace, and justice. The TPLF leadership’s political manoeuvres have changed quickly, and their attempt to oust President Tadesse Werede has led to unforeseen further consequences. Why do the TPLF leaders and the hardcore generals continue to pursue such a reckless path?
The TPLF’s leadership political manoeuvres have created different factions within the TPLF and TDF, splitting into separate opposing factions. The TPLF is divided into three groups, while the TDF is split into four: the Above Core Generals, the Tigray Peace Force (TPF), the TDF Middle Level Commanders, and TDF fighters who emigrated and then returned home. The TPLF is destroying itself from within, and weakening the TDF.
The good news is that the TPF and the TDF Middle Level Commanders share the same goals. Both have committed to being the people’s army and aim to eliminate the TPLF and its oppressive ideology and corrupt practices. They are operating under a unified command structure in the fight for freedom in Tigray, even though hardcore TPLF supporters try to downplay it as an economic issue, focusing on salaries and some fringe benefits.
On the other hand, if TPF and TDF adopt more inclusive policies with the opposition, especially those eager to contribute to Tigray’s development, the new political landscape will open new opportunities. It could even create unexpected yet promising prospects for future generations of Tegrawot.
The political waters are now clear between the two opposing forces in Tigray. The TPF and the TDF Middle Level Commanders aim to represent the interests of the Tigrayan people. In contrast, the TPLF leadership and the Above Core Generals act against Tigray’s interests, having betrayed its people and aligned with the genocidal Eritrean government and expansionist Fano. The TPLF leadership and the Above Core Generals are fighting for their own personal interests, not those of the Tigrayan people.
The conflicting interests among these factions could further destabilize Tigray until the TPLF’s authoritarian political system ends and a democratic system is put in place. The people of Tigray must seize this opportunity to support TPF and the Middle Level Commanders in regaining the freedom, liberty, and democracy they have lost over the past 50 years.
Four key factors are highlighted potential pitfalls that could jeopardise the Pretoria agreement. Let us see the TPLF betrayals and reflect on the following issues.
- Firstly, the TPLF leadership and its Above Core Generals allied with Shaebia and Fano, while the people of Tigray strongly opposed the alliance, demanding peace rather than war.
- Secondly, the TPLF leadership and its Above Core Generals are focused on their power struggle, corruption, and repression instead of addressing Tigray’s problems and implementing the Pretoria peace agreement.
- Thirdly, the TPLF leadership and its Above Core Generals are aggressively trying to reignite war, making Tigray the battlefield.
- Fourthly, the TPLF leadership and its Above Core Generals are exploiting Tigray’s resources and building their personal wealth while the people are starving. The youth are emigrating to survive and find jobs.
- Fifth, the TPLF leadership and its Above Core Generals are committing human rights abuses against the people of Tigray for demanding justice and democracy.
Both the Tigray Peace Force (TPF) and the TDF Middle Level Commanders must collaborate to develop a unified strategy to address the root causes and obstacles hindering Tigray. Peace, justice, and democracy are the top priorities of the people of Tigray. Only through combined efforts and a dedication to peace can the people of Tigray hope to rebuild their shattered livelihoods and recover from the deep scars of the genocidal war.
Therefore, the TPF and the TDF Middle Level Commanders should remove the TPLF leadership from power if Tigray is to solve its problems and maintain its dignity, unity, peace, and security. This approach can also address the need to free the occupied territories and safely return the IDPs to their homes.
The commitment to freeing the people of Tigray from TPLF repression is also essential for establishing lasting peace and freedom. The collaborative approach will restore stability and economic growth in Tigray.
As the TPF and the TDF Middle Level Commanders engage with people, they can foster a democratic government and a resilient society that empowers individuals and promotes sustainable peace and development. In this way, Tigray can genuinely heal and prosper from the trauma of the genocide.
Ultimately, reconciliation not only heals wounds and trauma but also helps preserve the sanity of conflicting parties and supports Tigray’s positive national development. Conversely, the one-sided perspective, or “my way or the highway” attitude, often a political tactic used by the TPLF party, is dangerously harmful to the people of Tigray. Such politics threaten Tigray’s the very existence, as it could lead to mutual destruction.