[By T. Araya, Mekele]
The TPLF split has emerged again into two rival factions once more, i.e., the Fetlework (Mengerino) group versus the Alem Gebrewahed group. The split may ultimately lead to Tigray being free from the TPLF’s corrupt and repressive ideology. The demise of the TPLF will be a new chapter and a significant change in the political landscape of the region and the rebirth of Tigray as a democratic region, laying the foundation for freedom, liberty, democracy, justice, accountability, and good governance. Shifting away from the political repression to an economic powerhouse is the only way for Tigray to survive, which has been dominating the politics and power in Ethiopia. Tigray is experiencing instability, famine, and poverty as a result of the war-driven politics and repression, making it dependent on foreign aid.
The developing political phenomenon in Tigray and the disintegration of the TPLF are going to bring fundamental changes for good. Democratic elections must be the only system to resolve political disputes and seize power peacefully without resorting to lethal force. The TPLF arrogantly rejected the wishes of the people who have voiced demands for peace and development by implementing the Pretoria peace agreement fully. The people of Tigray have led against the genocidal war, and they are now embarking on a struggle for a fundamental change against the TPLF repressive political system. The TPLF’s total removal from power could pave the way for a change of democratic governance and a renewed focus on rebuilding Tigray. If Tigray establishes a democratic government, it will be an economic powerhouse.
The people of Tigray lost faith in the TPLF leadership for abandoning the Pretoria peace agreement. People’s demands for freedom, liberty, justice, accountability, and democracy are becoming more and more pressing. Instead, the TPLF leadership is obsessed with internal power struggles and human rights abuses. For the people of Tigray, the TPLF alliance with the genocidaires Shaebia and Fano is the last straw. The people have condemned the alliance with Shaebia and Fano. But the TPLF has pressed ahead with the alliance, dismissing the voices of the people of Tigray.
The situations in Tigray have been swiftly shifting in favour of change. The people of Tigray’s support for the TPLF has come to an end for good. The Tigray Peace Force (TPF) has emerged to liberate Tigray from the TPLF’s authoritarian rule. The former TDF fighters founded the TPF, and many TDF fighters are joining the struggle against the TPLF. The people of Raya, Wejerat, and Enderta joined the armed struggle alongside the TPF to remove the TPLF from power. The Irob people just declared their intention to fight the genocidal Shaebia, and the TPLF has joined the TPF struggle, adding to the aspirations of the Tigrayan people for change.
The TPLF is disintegrating itself and going from crisis to crisis. The public no longer supports the TPLF; only its cadres and social media activists remain. Some of the media activists, like Stalin Teklu, has turned against the TPLF and condemned/labelled the TPLF leadership and above core generals as “traitors” for their alliance with Shaebia. What a change of heart from Stalin, who was the prime advocate of the TPLF-Shaebia alliance. Another YouTube activist, Biserat Kebede, has told the TPLF and the above core generals to surrender or give up power if they can’t listen or take decisive measures against those TPLF members who collaborated with the Ethiopian government. The TPLF has dug its grave for its final burial. The internal strife within the TPLF and the fading support of its activists and the public will ultimately result in the TPLF being buried with no one present for its funeral.
The TPLF’s internal divisions and its political survival will be nil. The Fetlework group has begun enlisting militia members under 40 years old from the Central Zone districts (Aksum and Adwa). Although the TPLF was born in Dedebit, it will not be buried there in the end. But the Fetlework faction has chosen the Central and Northwest zones as the final line of defence and escape routes to exile.
The TPLF history will be rewritten from liberator to oppressor, traitor, betrayer, and human rights abuser. The challenges will be immense, as old wounds may take generations to heal. Only through honest dialogue and a commitment to justice can a more peaceful future be forged, one that breaks free from the shackles of past grievances.
To avoid the rocky democratic journey, all Tegaru must participate to establish a democratic system where each voice is heard and valued. Tigray require a nationalist leader and coherent strategy to radically reform the TPLF political system and carefully handle the transition to a democratic system. We, all Tegaru, must work together for the smooth transition to a progressive and democratic Tigray to maintain our destiny and restore our Aksumite grandeur.