Mekelle፡ 14 August 2024 (Tigray Herald)
By Yerga Yaecobe
Critical Analysis of General Tadesse Worede’s Recent Statements: TDF’s Role and the Dangers of Military Overreach in Tigray
Recent statements by General Tadesse Worede, head of the Tigray Defense Forces (TDF) and Tigray’s military and security under the interim government led by President Getachew Reda, have sparked considerable controversy. These statements suggest that the TDF could reject the authority of the Tigray Interim Government (TIG) regarding the appointment of zonal and district administrators. This assertion poses a significant challenge to the legal framework established by the Pretoria Peace Agreement and threatens to destabilize Tigray during its critical post-genocide recovery period. Drawing lessons from the current situation in Sudan, where military overreach has plunged the country into civil war, it is imperative that the TDF leadership recalibrates its approach, placing Tigray’s national and collective security interests first.
The Legal Framework and the Role of the Tigray Interim Government
The highest authority in the Tigray region is, by law, the Tigray Interim Government. This government is recognized both regionally and at the federal level, and it enjoys international legitimacy, including by the Pretoria Peace Agreement guarantors. The Interim Government’s mandate includes governance, administration, and peacebuilding efforts, particularly in the war-torn post-genocide Tigray. Any opposition to the authority of the Tigray Interim Government from the TDF leadership, or any faction within the military, is illegal and could destabilize the region.
According to the Pretoria Peace Agreement, the TDF, like all other institutions, is expected to operate under civilian control, ensuring that the military is subordinate to the democratically recognized government. The Interim Government, being the highest legal authority in Tigray, is empowered to make decisions on governance, including the selection and appointment of zonal and district administrators. By challenging this authority, the TDF risks undermining the fragile peace that the people of Tigray have fought so hard to achieve after the genocidal war.
The Dangers of Military Intervention in Civil Administration
History teaches us that military intervention in political and civil administration often leads to chaos, instability, and long-term suffering for nations. One only needs to look at the ongoing crisis in Sudan as a cautionary tale. Sudan’s recent descent into civil war, following a conflict between rival military factions, has destroyed the country’s infrastructure, displaced millions, and shattered any hope for peace. The military’s refusal to allow a civilian-led government to take control led to warlords taking over, further exacerbating the situation.
Tigray, still reeling from the genocide and years of conflict, cannot afford to follow the path of Sudan. Any attempt by the TDF leadership to seize political power or interfere with the governance structure of the Tigray Interim Government could lead to catastrophic consequences for the region. The legacy of the TDF, once seen as a heroic force that defended Tigray during its darkest hours, could be tarnished. They must avoid becoming a destabilizing force that derails the progress of peace, reconstruction, and the rebuilding of institutions vital to Tigray’s future.
The Role of the Military: Protector, Not a Political Tool
The TDF must remain committed to its role as a protector of the people and the region’s security, not a political tool for any faction. The actions of General Tadesse Worede and the TDF leadership must align with the national interests of Tigray, placing the region’s collective security and future ahead of personal or political ambitions. By aligning themselves with the Interim Government and respecting its authority, the TDF can ensure that the region remains stable, that peace is maintained, and that the process of post-genocide recovery continues uninterrupted.
It is crucial that the TDF does not become a political tool of the Debretsion Gebremichael splinter group, which has shown its unwillingness to accept necessary political and institutional reforms. The splinter group’s failure to adapt to the changing dynamics of post-genocide Tigray has already done enough damage, and allowing the military to be drawn into this political struggle would only deepen divisions and further destabilize the region.
From Hero to Zero: The Consequences of Military Overreach
The TDF, under General Tadesse Worede’s leadership, has achieved much during the genocidal war against Tigray. However, history is replete with examples of military leaders who lost their credibility and stature because of overreach. Once revered as defenders of the nation, they ended up becoming oppressors or destabilizers. The TDF risks a similar fate if it continues on its current trajectory. Instead of being seen as heroes who saved Tigray during the genocidal war, they could become villains who undermined its hard-won peace.
To prevent this, the TDF leadership must reconsider its stance and align itself with the Tigray Interim Government’s policies. This would not only preserve their legacy but also ensure that they remain a respected and integral part of Tigray’s future.
Learning from Sudan: The Consequences of Military-Civilian Power Struggles
Sudan’s ongoing conflict serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by military intervention in civilian politics. After the ousting of long-time dictator Omar al-Bashir, Sudan was on a path towards civilian governance. However, the military leadership refused to relinquish power, leading to a protracted struggle between military factions and civilians. This struggle has now devolved into a full-blown civil war, with rival generals vying for control, plunging the nation into chaos.
Tigray must learn from Sudan’s mistakes. Military power, unchecked by civilian authority, leads to fragmentation and destruction. The TDF leadership must be careful not to repeat these mistakes in Tigray. By asserting itself over the Interim Government, the TDF could sow the seeds of division and civil strife in Tigray, ultimately undoing all the progress made since the end of the genocidal war.
Conclusion: The Imperative for Unity Under Civilian Rule
The Tigray Interim Government, under President Getachew Reda, represents the legal and legitimate authority in the region. It has the support of the people, the federal government, and the international community, including the guarantors of the Pretoria Peace Agreement. The TDF must respect this authority and operate within the legal framework established by the peace agreement. Failure to do so could have dire consequences, not only for the future of the TDF but for the entire Tigrayan people.
Military overreach into civil administration, as seen in Sudan, leads to destruction and chaos. The TDF must avoid this path at all costs. They have the opportunity to continue being the protectors of Tigray’s future, or they could risk becoming the very force that derails it. The choice is theirs, but the consequences of choosing the wrong path could be disastrous for Tigray’s post-genocide recovery and long-term stability.
The TDF must prioritize Tigray’s national interests and collective security, ensuring that the military remains under the control of the civilian-led Interim Government. Only by working together can they rebuild a stronger, more stable, and prosperous Tigray. The TDF’s excellence in military leadership should not be squandered on illegal and unwise decisions that could transform them from heroes into antagonists of peace. Instead, they should remain steadfast in their commitment to Tigray’s future and uphold the principles of democracy, civilian rule, and national unity.
