Tigray Herald፡November 20,2024 (Mekele)
Prepared by:
MediaWatch Tigray
Critical Historical Analysis of TPLF Authoritarianism and Tyranny
- The Cult of Political Authoritarianism: TPLF’s History of Failures
The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), once lauded for its leadership in overthrowing the Derg regime, has tragically devolved into a rigid political cult marked by authoritarian tendencies. Over the decades, its governance model prioritized self-preservation over public service, employing intimidation, propaganda, and political suppression as tools of control. This reflects the hallmarks of a cult: ideological rigidity, self-interest, and an inability to acknowledge failure.
Instead of evolving into a democratic institution that represented the diverse aspirations of the Tigrayan people, the TPLF entrenched power within a narrow elite. This leadership clique fostered a mob-like political culture, silencing dissent through fear, violence, and systemic corruption. Such actions alienated the very constituency it claimed to serve and eroded trust, both within Tigray and across the Ethiopian political spectrum.
- A History of Unlearned Lessons
The failures of the TPLF leadership exemplify the timeless adage: “Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” During its dominance within the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), the TPLF ignored the mounting grievances of Ethiopia’s marginalized regions, particularly Oromia and Amhara.
The 2014 urban expansion plan, which sought to annex Oromo lands for Addis Ababa, epitomized this disregard. It prioritized political and economic gain over inclusivity, sparking widespread Oromo protests. These demonstrations, fueled by years of repression and disenfranchisement, ultimately led to the unraveling of the TPLF-led EPRDF in 2018.
Rather than addressing legitimate grievances, the TPLF doubled down on authoritarian tactics, including land-grabbing, suppression of dissent, and rampant corruption. This lack of foresight and refusal to adapt culminated in the genocidal war on Tigray—a catastrophic failure in leadership that underscores the consequences of an absent political exit strategy or contingency planning.
- Cult and Mob Politics: Characteristics and Consequences
The TPLF’s governance structure bore striking similarities to a cult:
Authoritarian Leadership: Absolute loyalty was demanded, with internal dissent crushed through intimidation and violence.
Mob Mentality: Organized factions targeted opponents with propaganda, fear tactics, and direct aggression, fostering a divisive and toxic political culture.
Rigid Ideology: The TPLF clung to outdated policies, refusing to adapt to changing socio-political realities.
One glaring manifestation of this failure is the treatment of Tembien, a historic epicenter of Tigrayan resistance during the genocidal war. The people of Tembien, who sacrificed greatly to defend Tigray, now face betrayal. The 60th TDF military division, stationed in the region, has become a tool of oppression, serving the TPLF splinter group rather than the people. This underscores the leadership’s prioritization of self-preservation over the welfare of its citizens.
- History Repeats Itself: From Tragedy to Farce
The TPLF’s current trajectory is a textbook case of history repeating itself. Just as its authoritarianism led to its federal downfall, its reliance on fear, intimidation, and violence continues to deepen Tigray’s crisis. The assassination, kidnapping, and suppression of young Tigrayan voices, particularly in Tembien, are stark reminders of a regime unwilling to learn from past failures.
As Winston Churchill warned: “Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” The TPLF’s refusal to evolve has transformed its initial tragedy into a farce, with the leadership now oppressing the very people who once stood as its defenders during Tigray’s darkest hours.
- A Political Crisis of Unprecedented Magnitude
Tigray stands at a historic crossroads. Post-genocide recovery is being derailed by the authoritarian practices that have long defined its leadership. The youth, particularly in Tembien, face systematic suppression, stifling their potential to rebuild and rejuvenate the region. Compounding this crisis is the complicity of ex-military generals and corrupt officials, who exploit their positions for personal gain rather than contributing to Tigray’s recovery. - A Warning to Oppressors: Accountability is Inevitable
To those who perpetuate oppression in Tigray, this serves as a clear warning:
Power cannot be sustained through intimidation, violence, or repression.
The voices of the oppressed will rise, and justice will prevail.
Every act of violence, suppression, and betrayal is being meticulously documented by MediaWatch Tigray and other accountability mechanisms. There is no escape from history’s judgment or from justice.
- A Call to Action for Tigray’s Future
To secure a brighter future, Tigray must dismantle the remnants of TPLF’s cult-like governance and embrace a new political vision rooted in:
Democracy and Inclusivity: Reject authoritarianism and rebuild governance on democratic principles.
Accountability: Hold all those responsible for crimes against the Tigrayan people accountable, irrespective of rank or affiliation.
Youth Empowerment: Allow the younger generation to lead the recovery, free from the shackles of suppression and intimidation. - Conclusion: Tyranny Has No Future
History has repeatedly shown that authoritarian regimes collapse under the weight of their failures. The TPLF’s leadership has reached the end of its political relevance, clinging desperately to power through fear and violence.
The resilient communities of Tigray, particularly in Tembien, deserve better. They deserve a future built on justice, democracy, and hope. Tigray’s post-genocide recovery demands political reform, economic rejuvenation, and an unwavering commitment to inclusivity and justice.
The message is unequivocal: tyranny has no future, and justice will prevail.
This document has been meticulously prepared by the MediaWatch Tigray Digital Intelligence Group to shed light on the failures of the past and chart a path forward for a brighter Tigray.
Prepared by:
MediaWatch Tigray
For a future where journalism serves truth, justice, and democracy.
