Tigray Herald፡December 8,2024 (Mekele)
Voice for Democracy and Social Justice Condemns “Joint Declaration” by Civic Organizations
Voice for Democracy and Social Justice, a civil society organization in #Tigray, has issued a statement strongly criticizing the “Joint Declaration” released on December 6, 2024, by seven non-governmental civic and business organizations. The organization has labeled the declaration as fundamentally flawed and warned of its potential harm to the democratic aspirations of the #Tigrayan people.
The statement highlights several concerns with the declaration, describing it as lacking a coherent vision and genuine unity among the organizations involved. It argues that the declaration appears opportunistic, prioritizing narrow interests over collective progress and the needs of the public.
Voice for #Democracy and Social #Justice expressed disappointment over the lack of transparency in the framework proposed by the declaration. The inclusion of organizations with no direct focus on human rights, justice, or democratization further erodes its alignment with core democratic principles. The statement also raised alarms about the declaration’s authoritarian undertones, which it claims marginalize public opinion and stifle democratic consultation. This approach, the organization argues, undermines trust and fosters division within the region.
A significant concern raised by Voice for #Democracy is the politicization of civil society as evident in the involvement of trade and business entities within the civic framework. This overlap, the organization suggests, risks conflicts of interest and compromises the nonpartisan nature of civic platforms. Such developments could enable these entities to prioritize their interests over the welfare of society, thereby eroding the credibility of civil society initiatives.
The statement also condemned attempts to suppress public protests and demonstrations, framing these actions as violations of internationally recognized rights. It warned that such measures contradict civil society’s role in peacefully advocating for public interests and protecting fundamental freedoms.
The eight-point press release issued by the seven organizations, including an alliance of civil societies and two chambers of commerce, which called for a moratorium on the appointment and dismissal of political leaders as well as a suspension of demonstrations outside formal settings until the political crisis is resolved and consensus-driven administrative reforms are implemented, has drawn widespread criticism on Tigrayan social media.
Voice for Democracy further criticized the alignment of some organizations with militarized groups, asserting that such associations compromise the integrity and peace-focused mandate of civic organizations. The statement accused these groups of prioritizing power consolidation over societal welfare, marking a shift toward political roles that are at odds with the traditional nonpartisan ethos of civil society.
The organization also expressed concerns over the declaration’s departure from established legal frameworks and its potential to undermine the rule of law. It argued that the actions outlined in the declaration signal a troubling trend toward serving political or institutional interests rather than fostering unity and serving as impartial advocates for the public.
In its conclusion, Voice for Democracy and Social Justice urged the people of Tigray to scrutinize the declaration critically. The organization called on Tigrayans to recommit to democratic principles and collective efforts rooted in ethics, transparency, and a genuine dedication to public service.
“The future of Tigray,” the statement emphasized, “depends on unwavering dedication to democracy, justice, and the collective good.”
