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The Perils of Illegal Land Grabbing, Tenure Security, and Livelihoods in Mekele, Tigray

Mekelle፡ 3 July 2024 (Tigray Herald)

By Yerga Yaecobe

The Perils of Illegal Land Grabbing, Tenure Security, and Livelihoods in Mekele, Tigray: A Critical Examination
Introduction
Illegal land grabbing has become a significant issue in Tigray’s cities, particularly in Mekele, the regional capital. This practice, fueled by political corruption and collaboration with criminal syndicates, poses severe consequences for the Tigrayan population. Recent efforts by Mekele city authorities to reclaim 202 hectares (499.153 acres) of land highlight the extent of this problem, which is merely a fraction of the total land illegally seized post-genocide. This article critically examines the dangers and existential threats posed by illegal land grabbing in Mekele and its broader implications for Tigray’s collective security and survival.

The Scale of Illegal Land Grabbing
Land grabbing in Tigray, specifically in Mekele, has been rampant due to the corrupt practices of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) leadership and their associates. The reclamation of 202 hectares of land by Mekele city authorities is a significant but insufficient step toward addressing the issue. The sheer magnitude of land illegally acquired underscores the systemic nature of the corruption and the scale of the problem.

Conversion Metrics and Context
To understand the extent of the reclaimed land, consider that 202 hectares equal 499.153 acres. This conversion is crucial for contextualizing the area in more familiar terms for some audiences:

Square Meters: 2,020,000 square meters
Square Kilometers: 2.02 square kilometers
Square Feet: 21,747,940 square feet
Square Yards: 2,420,000 square yards
These conversions help visualize the vastness of the reclaimed land, emphasizing the severity of the illegal land grabbing issue.

Consequences of Illegal Land Grabbing
Economic Impacts
Illegal land grabbing disrupts the local economy by displacing legitimate landowners and farmers, leading to loss of livelihoods and economic instability. It also discourages investment and development due to the uncertainty and insecurity surrounding land ownership.

Social and Humanitarian Impacts
The displacement caused by illegal land seizures exacerbates social tensions and creates humanitarian crises. Families are often forcibly removed from their homes and lands, leading to increased poverty, homelessness, and food insecurity. The social fabric of communities is torn apart as trust in authorities erodes.

Environmental Impacts
Unregulated land use resulting from illegal grabbing can lead to environmental degradation. Deforestation, loss of biodiversity, and unsustainable agricultural practices are common outcomes, further threatening the region’s ecological balance and long-term sustainability.

Political and Security Implications
Illegal land grabbing undermines the rule of law and erodes trust in governmental institutions. It fuels corruption and can lead to political instability as affected populations lose faith in their leaders. Furthermore, the involvement of criminal syndicates in land grabbing activities poses a direct threat to regional security, contributing to increased crime and violence.

The Existential Threat to Tigray’s Survival
The cumulative effect of these consequences poses an existential threat to Tigray’s collective security and survival. The combination of economic hardship, social disruption, environmental degradation, and political instability creates a volatile situation that jeopardizes the region’s future.

Addressing the Issue
To mitigate the dangers posed by illegal land grabbing, a multifaceted approach is necessary:

Strengthening Legal Frameworks: Ensuring robust land ownership laws and enforcement mechanisms to prevent illegal seizures.
Promoting Transparency and Accountability: Enhancing transparency in land transactions and holding corrupt officials accountable.
Supporting Displaced Communities: Providing support and resources to those displaced by illegal land grabbing to rebuild their lives.
Environmental Protection: Implementing sustainable land use practices to protect the environment and ensure long-term ecological health.
Conclusion
Illegal land grabbing in Mekele and broader Tigray is a profound issue with far-reaching consequences. Addressing this problem requires concerted efforts from local authorities, national governments, and international bodies. Ensuring the rule of law, promoting transparency, and supporting affected communities are crucial steps toward safeguarding Tigray’s collective security and survival. The recent reclamation of 202 hectares of land is a positive development, but it is only the beginning of a much-needed comprehensive solution to a deeply rooted problem.

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