[TLM Editorial Viewpoint]
“No man can serve two masters; for he will either hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one and despise the other…” Matt. 6:24
The foundation of TPLF nationalism rests on falsehoods and deception, and it inherently carries the risk of its collapse. The TPLF’s weakening stems from its inconsistent and shifting stances, coupled with its desire to retain power. Che Guevara highlighted that ‘Liberators do not exist; it is the people who free themselves.’ Dying without a purpose is worse than death. Unconditional support, combined with a lack of accountability, has harmed Tigray’s political and economic landscape. Blindly following political leaders does not eliminate the need for stability, knowledge, and education, which current leaders lack. What makes the TPLF situation unique is that issues such as nationality, economic hardship, inequality, territorial integrity, and deep despair over living standards remain prominent, yet they are overshadowed by a personal ambition to gain power at Tigray’s expense.
The TPLF’s secret history has remained unspoken for over five decades. Who is responsible? A solid record of actions taken and the victims involved exists. These important details will not stay hidden or forgotten for much longer. TPLF leaders need to fully face their past. The severe purges were brutal and caused great harm to many fighters, changing the political landscape. Sebhat Nega, Meles Zenawi, and their allies gained complete control over the party. Now, former TPLF members are revealing the horrific crimes and exposing the truth about high-ranking TPLFofficials involved in unlawful killings. The TPLF’s hidden secrets have remained unspoken for over 50 years. Who bears responsibility? A solid foundation of facts about actions and the number of victims exists. These crucial details will not be forgotten or hidden for long. TPLF leaders must fully confront their past demons.
The severe and targeted purges were brutal and had devastating effects on many fighters. These purges shifted the political power landscape. Sebhat Nega, Meles Zenawi, and their associates brought the party and its members under total control. Former TPLF members now reveal the gruesome atrocities committed and expose the truth about current high-ranking TPLF officials involved in the unlawful killing of innocent civilians. In their recent book “Hinfishefish,” Girmay Bahli reveals the TPLF’s hidden secrets by discussing various issues. Rewriting history depends partly on silencing and discouraging witnesses, discrediting them, and calling them Banda instead of acknowledging their guilt. Now, the clear links and vivid examples of human rights abuses and the undermining of Tigray and Ethiopian interests have become evident.
Albert Camus observed that the protection of people’s welfare has historically justified tyrants, giving their enforcers a clear conscience. Over nearly two decades, the TPLF has exploited Tigrayans’ hardships to bolster their oppressive regime and misappropriate national resources. Now, the international community must recognize the deceptive strategies employed by these dictators and take action to prevent further suffering driven by negotiations and territorial conflicts. If instability in Tigray risks its unity, a transitional, civilian-led government should be formed to peacefully replace the divisive, anti-Tigray TPLF leadership with a new administration dedicated to Tigrawinet and Tigray’s sovereignty. The current leadership’s sincerity in negotiations with the Federal government or the Pretoria Agreement remains doubtful.
Debretsion is arguably the worst leader since Mengistu Hailemariam. He risks dividing us by turning us against the Tigray people, who legitimately oppose his rule. We ask you to avoid repeating past mistakes, such as engaging in military action against fellow Ethiopians to support the TPLF leadership. Instead, steering clear of factional infighting, like Tsemedo, would be the most helpful service you can provide Tigray. Such misplaced loyalty stifles open dialogue and undermines the democracy so many have fought and died for. The TPLF’s corruption and tight grip on power, resembling a dynasty, are concerning—absolute power often corrupts. Despite accusations of theft, murder, sexual violence, and trafficking war trophies, TPLF generals still see themselves as honorable, not brutal. A small, often misled group of supporters and politicians tends to praise them as heroes, even deify them. Sadly, the true meaning of heroism is losing meaning amid the Tigray genocide, one of history’s tragic chapters.
Most media outlets in Tigray, including social media, TV, and radio, serve as loyal propaganda channels for the TPLF and often lack objectivity when covering news or discussing conflicts involving the TPLF military during expeditions, clashes, or wars. In some areas, Tigrayans do not distinguish themselves from the TPLF, an understandable mistake shared by many worldwide. Although the primary Tigrayan websites promote a moral stance rooted in Tigrawinet, other outlets such as Dedebit Media, Zara media, and Tigrai Press—considered regime mouthpieces by many Tigray political followers—are increasingly attempting to marginalize opposition parties and dissenting intellectuals, aiming to distance Tigrayans from voices of reason.
Despite the destructive impact of conflicts and greed associated with the TPLF, leaders and individuals from diverse backgrounds continue to inspire hope through bravery and justice. Within the Tigray diaspora, the most ardent TPLF supporters are often frightened by prolonged terror, indulging in gossip, manipulation, and spreading falsehoods. This group includes party members and retired ambassadors aiming to preserve their organization’s dominance. As their influence wanes because of divided loyalties, aging, and hidden misconduct, they see themselves as the community’s all-knowing authority and take pride in that role.
We, the Tegrawot, must reveal the regime’s harsh tactics. The TPLF leader’s record of crimes and rights abuses disqualifies them as true advocates for Tigray. Their actions lack moral integrity. These criminals banned private land ownership to suppress rural communities, promoting unsustainable land use and environmental harm like illegal gold mining. They also enacted laws restricting NGOs that address human rights and expose corruption.
All Tigrayans are advised not to harm Tigray, even if TPLF leaders or authorities instruct them to. TPLF is in transition, and Tigray will survive beyond its oppressive rule. Citizens should stay vigilant and address concerns within the community. Bob Marley’s lyric, “you can fool some people sometimes, but you can’t fool all the people all the time,” shows the elite’s ongoing deception. Girmay Lemma revealed harsh truths about a scandal-ridden organization. While it’s known that the TPLF regime used torture, official acknowledgment is unlikely, and tactics like executions, torture, and purges were common.
The TPLF openly committed acts, knowing the truth would surface. The brutality against citizens should trigger global condemnation. Meanwhile, only a few of the architects of past torture continue to live freely in Addis Ababa, North America, and Europe. Ato Gebremedhin named Meles and Sebhat Nega as the masterminds behind manipulative schemes, leading their supporters to commit brutal atrocities. The alliance between Meles and Sebhat wielded unchecked control through their absolute authority.
They frequently used torture to suppress opposition and achievespecific objectives. Their strategy involved instilling fear via continuous threats and executions to extract confessions, resulting in an organization devoid of democratic principles and traditions. Torture is universally condemned and fundamentally rejected. When the TPLF conducted widespread and systematic torture, it was considered a crime against humanity. The TPLF’s top leadership is always responsible.
They used torture and questionable methods via their cadre forces to instill terror in our people, accusing them of being spies, diehards, feudalists, capitalist collaborators, revisionists, or anti-Eritrea. As a result, many young people want change but feel compelled to flee to avoid forced conscription and being sent to the front lines. It appears that dictators generally do not fare well in the end — sooner or later, their misconduct catches up with them.