[TLM Editorial Viewpoint]
The circus of yet another marriage among constantly changing partners reaches its peak with the so-called alliance (Tsemedo ፅምዶ), happy members of the so-called alliance, congratulatory messages from dedicated groups in the Diaspora, and, of course, a blessing from the master conspirator and head priest Isaias Afeworki from Asmara. Shabia recognizes that the most formidable weapon at his disposal against Tigray is to turn us against each other, making Tigray the battlefield and keeping destruction away from Eritrea. The reason why the TPLF wants to align with Shaebia and Fano, who oppose the Pretoria peace agreement, as this enables it to exploit instability and create chaos in order to consolidate its power and continue its repressive rule.
What benefits has the TPLF brought to Tigray? The TPLF has brought the Ethio-Eritrean (Badme) war and the genocidal war to Tigray because the leadership has been forgotten their responsibility and has been preoccupied with corruption and misusing/stealing public funds and resources for their personal use. The TPLF leaders treat Tigray as their own personal property, and they seem to disregard the people of Tigray’s wishes opposing the alliance (ፅምዶ) with Shaebia and Fano and waging another war with the federal government of Ethiopia.
It’s quite ironic that groups with such different ideologies, perspectives, and questionable democratic backgrounds have come together in what seems to be an unlikely alliance to support a divisive agenda and a brutal genocidal war aimed at breaking up Tigray’s political space, freedom, and liberty. Looking back at the histories of Shaebia and TPLF, one might wonder whether they truly understand what they agreed to or if this pact was just part of a propaganda effort to deceive Tigrayans. They act as if they are the representatives of Tigray, despite their well-known limited and narrow knowledge beyond their own Aweraja. They attempt to capitalize on their evident falsehoods by exploiting the gullible and uninformed Tigrayans within the diaspora.
Ever since the alliance between the TPLF and Shaebia was found to be in violation of highly sensitive security information, it has raised serious concerns among genuine Tigrayans. The regime of Eritrea’s relentless sabotage, including terrorist acts carried out by organized and trained cells involving various enemies of Ethiopia, aims to disintegrate or weaken Tigray and Ethiopia. This is coupled with extensive, fabricated propaganda, which has become a regular feature of the Eritrean dictator’s daily political life.
It appears that the Eritrean regime has played a crucial role in the Tigray genocide. Many believe that the genocidal war was carefully planned, coordinated, financed, and instigated by Eritrea’s leader, with the goal of targeting Tigray. My enemy’s enemy is my friend philosophy, which led to the suffering of millions in Tigray, over 2 million people being displaced, over a million killed, over 120,000 women and girls raped, and billions of dollars’ worth of property being destroyed and looted. It seems that Isaias’s and Abay’s intentions were motivated by personal ambitions, aiming to justify their actions and goals.
Will the TPLF leadership stand up for these innocent people and seek justice, or will they ignore their plight as they have done before? We understand the TPLF leadership’s reputation regarding Eritrea; they have served as a bogeyman. Many Ethiopians, particularly Tigrayans, including prominent TPLF fighters, have suffered due to joint operations between Shaebia and Meles in the 1990s and subsequently in 1998. Today, we do not want to reopen old wounds that threatened our national and personal dignity. However, we believe it’s our moral duty to openly criticize and hold the TPLF leadership accountable for their betrayal against the people of Tigray.
Focusing on economic development is truly important and a constant part of our survival. The TPLF’s efforts to improve the economy in Ethiopia are commendable, but the TPLF has forgotten the people of Tigray and made over 2 million people rely on the safety net of humanitarian aid. When Tigray’s national pride and security are threatened directly or indirectly, the TPLF leadership has lost sight of our people’s safety and security – protecting and preserving the dignity, culture, and territorial integrity of Tigray.
Shaebia is more than simply a mercenary and terrorist organization; it represents a significant danger to the safety and well-being of Tigrayan people. Regardless of our diplomats’ efforts or dedication, achieving a successful resolution largely relies on the strength and unity of Tigrayans coming together in these crucial moments. To accomplish this, all Tigrayans should unite to create a clear, inclusive plan in the interest of Tigray. Remember, Tigray’s true strength isn’t just reflected in international media or foreign powers; it’s rooted in us—the people—our shared culture and national pride.
Tigray is resilient enough to withstand any attempt to undermine its dignity and sovereignty. During these times, we warmly invite all Tegaru scholars and writers to openly share their thoughts, respectfully challenge the TPLF leadership if they see fit, and tell us how the displacement and mass exodus of our fellow Tegaru affect us all.
Diplomatic and advocacy efforts in this situation are essential and can greatly help resolve the crisis. Although reaching an international diplomatic solution with Shaebia is quite difficult, it’s important to keep advocating and expose the TPLF leadership as a corrupt group that doesn’t care about the suffering of Tigrayan people.
This is the same party of leadership who once debated fiercely and let down their supporters. They overthrew the legitimate government based on the Pretoria Agreement and eventually took control of the state apparatus with the help of the corrupt generals. It’s understandable that they are now allied with resources that oppose peace and democracy, as it allows them to loot Tigray and sow chaos while the people are starving to death.