[TLM Editorial Viewpoint]
To all concerned Tigrayans, civic leaders, and stakeholders in the Horn of Africa,
Our region is at a pivotal moment in its history. The future recovery and lasting dignity of our people depend on the choices we make together today. Let us protect the progress we have worked so hard to achieve by setting aside internal divisions, factional power struggles, and personal political ambitions and continuing to work toward peace, justice, and sustainable development.
To help protect our shared future, let us commit to three essential principles:
- The People’s Agenda Comes First: The immediate priorities of our population—humanitarian restoration, the safe return of displaced families, justice for atrocities, and economic reconstruction—must come before political rivalries. True leadership is measured by providing service to the public, not by the pursuit of factional power.
- A Steady Focus on Security: It is important to stay clear-eyed about external threats. When we work together, we can better guard against hostile forces and the Eritrean regime’s authoritarian interests, both of which may benefit from division. Regional stability depends on thoughtful strategic alignment and a united front.
- Rejecting Opportunism for Democratic Reform: The era of concentrated power and political entitlements is behind us. Together, we can build strong, transparent institutions that leave no room for financial or political opportunism. We are calling for a transition guided by accountability, mutual respect, and the peaceful development of democratic systems.
The dispute between Tigray and the TPLF leadership is an internal matter for Tigrayans alone. We strongly disapprove of the TPLF leadership’s actions against the people of Tigray’s interests. However, we are committed to resolving our problems and addressing our challenges ourselves, rather than relying on the so-called “Tsemedo and EPLF” to fight on our behalf.
We are concerned about the ex-diplomats’ response to Secretary Rubio’s remarks on Ethiopia and Eritrea. We believe their approach pressures the Ethiopian people while claiming to speak for their interests. For Tigrayans, it is especially painful to see someone from their own community misrepresent the realities on the ground, rely on flawed premises, and depart from well-established principles and practices of international relations, as well as international norms and laws.
Let us set aside personal egos and factionalism and focus our energy on healing our society, rebuilding our economy, and building a peaceful Tigray for generations to come.
With solidarity and determination.