Tigray Herald፡November 27,2024 (Mekele)
Axum, Tigray: A Cradle of Resilience, Betrayed by Politics
Written by Batseba Seifu
My visit to Axum, Tigray, the ancient heart of the Horn of Africa, was a journey into a land of contrasts: beauty and devastation, resilience and despair, unity and division. As I walked among its historical ruins and modern scars, I was struck by the weight of its people’s stories. Their voices, struck with pain yet unwavering in strength, told a tale of survival against impossible odds. However, beneath this resilience lies a simmering frustration—one that could plunge the region into deeper turmoil if left unaddressed.
A People Craving Peace Amid Political Rift
Every person I spoke with in Axum shared one overwhelming desire: peace. Yet, this peace remains elusive, not because of external aggression alone, but due to internal fractures within Tigray itself. Political rifts have created fault lines, shaking the foundations of unity that once defined Tigrayans during the siege.
During the genocidal war, the people of Tigray stood together, defending their land, their families, and their identity against overwhelming forces. But now, many feel betrayed by their own leadership. “Why did we fight if this is the result?” This haunting question echoed in nearly every conversation I had. It was not a question of regret for the struggle against genocidal war but rather an indictment of the leadership that has failed to capitalize on their sacrifice.
Instead of using the hard-won unity forged during the war to rebuild and heal, the region is now riddled with political infighting. This disillusionment is not just a political issue; it’s a deeply personal one for those who lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods. Their grief is compounded by the sense that their sacrifices are being squandered.
The Traumatized Soul of Tigray
The trauma of the genocidal war manifests in every interaction. Some people erupt in bursts of anger, unable to contain the pain bubbling beneath the surface. Others retreat into a chilling silence, their eyes betraying the emotions they dare not speak.
The siege left Tigray in darkness—literally and figuratively. For over two years, people were cut off from the world. Banks were closed, phones were silent, electricity was a luxury, and food was almost non-existent. Families were forced to survive on scraps they could find.
Their resilience is awe-inspiring, but it is also fragile. Trauma that is not processed, grief that is not acknowledged, and stories that are not told can fester. What will become of this unprocessed pain in 10 or 15 years? Will it fuel renewal, or will it transform into bitterness, resentment, and further division?
The Occupied Lands: A Wound That Won’t Heal
The illegal and forceful occupation of Tigrayan lands by Amhara and Eritrean forces remains an open wound. Everywhere I went, people spoke about these forcefully taken territories and thus, displaced Tigrayans from their own lands. The loss is not just geographical—it is deeply personal. It is a violation of identity, history, and sovereignty.
I visited an IDP center, where displaced Tigrayans live in conditions that defy human dignity. Families crammed into makeshift shelters with no access to basic services, no clear path to return home, and no assurance of safety. These are people who have already lost everything, yet they cling to the hope that justice will prevail.
But hope alone is not enough. The international community has largely turned a blind eye to these illegal occupations. The world’s silence is a betrayal, one that reinforces the pain of those who have already lost so much.
Cultural Erosion: The Quiet Genocide
One of the most disheartening aspects of my visit was witnessing the compromise of Tigrayan culture. In cafes and restaurants, I heard Amharic songs—some of which were used as propaganda tools during the genocidal war—being played openly. In one cafe, I had to ask for the music to be changed because it was too painful to hear. This casual acceptance of Amharic music, and the use of the language in daily communication, was disheartening.
Socioeconomic Ruins Amid Opulence
The economic disparities in Axum are staggering. Illegal mining operations thrive, benefiting wealthy elites, corrupt politicians, and foreign profiteers. Meanwhile, ordinary Tigrayans remain trapped in poverty, struggling to rebuild their lives.
Young people, disillusioned by the lack of opportunities, are risking their lives to leave Tigray. They fall prey to illegal brokers and dangerous migration routes, seeking a better future but often finding only more suffering.
Yet, amid this devastation, luxury hotels have sprung up. The contrast is jarring: opulence for the few and destitution for the many. This growing divide between the haves and the have-nots threatens to further destabilize Tigray’s fragile social fabric.
The Path Forward: Turning Resilience into Renewal
Tigray cannot afford to remain in this limbo. The resilience of its people is a powerful resource, but it must be channeled into constructive action. Here is what needs to be done:
- Document the Pain: The stories of Tigrayans must be recorded—both for posterity and for healing. Documentation is the first step toward truth and justice.
- Unify Leadership: Tigray’s leaders must set aside their differences and prioritize the well-being of their people. Unity is not just a political necessity; it is a moral imperative.
- Preserve Culture: Efforts must be made to celebrate and protect Tigrayan identity. Language, music, and traditions are not luxuries—they are the soul of our people.
- Rebuild the Economy: Illegal mining must be stopped, and resources must be directed toward rebuilding Tigray’s economy. Job creation, especially for young people, is crucial to prevent further migration.
- Demand Justice: The illegal occupation of Tigrayan lands cannot be normalized. Amhara and Eritrean forces must leave. Tigrayans must continue to push the international community to act.
- Support Mental Health: Trauma counseling and mental health services must be prioritized. Healing the soul of Tigray is just as important as rebuilding its infrastructure.
A Plea for True Peace
The people of Tigray deserve more than survival. They deserve dignity, justice, and a future where peace is not just the absence of war but the presence of hope.
Resilience is not infinite. It must be nurtured, supported, and directed toward renewal. If we fail to act now—if we allow trauma to fester, if we ignore the cries for justice, if we let cultural erosion to continue—then Tigray’s resilience may become its undoing.
The time for action is now. The sacrifices of the past demand it, and the generations to come depend on it. Let us honor the strength of Tigray’s people by building a future worthy of their resilience.
