Narobi,Pretoria,London, March 7፡2025 (Tigray Herald)
Tigray’s Elite: Power Struggles Over Solutions in a Time of Crisis
In today’s world, elites are often seen as the intellectual and political class responsible for shaping a society’s future. However, in Tigray, like in many places, they are increasingly viewed as a group that fails to provide real solutions to pressing problems—particularly political ones. This perception holds significant validity for several reasons:
- Failure to Implement the Pretoria Agreements
Despite the signing of the Pretoria peace deal, critical aspects such as the return of internally displaced Tigrayans (IDPs) and the restoration of Tigray’s territorial integrity remain unresolved. Instead of ensuring these agreements are fully executed, the leadership has largely stalled, leaving thousands in suffering and uncertainty.
- Internal Power Struggles Over Governance
Rather than focusing on rebuilding Tigray, political elites have been engaged in factional infighting. The division between Debretsion’s and Getachew’s factions within the TPLF has not only weakened governance but also distracted from urgent matters like security, stability, and economic recovery.
- A Leadership Disconnected from the People
The gap between the ruling elite and the people of Tigray has never been more evident. While ordinary citizens continue to endure hardship, displacement, and loss, many leaders appear more concerned with maintaining their own power than addressing the people’s needs. The suffering of war victims and displaced families often seems secondary to political maneuvering.
- Lack of a Clear Roadmap for Tigray’s Future
The post-war period has exposed the absence of a visionary and united plan for Tigray. There is no concrete strategy for governance, economic recovery, or long-term stability. Without a roadmap, the region remains vulnerable to external pressures and internal instability.
- Inability to Counter External Threats
The continued occupation of parts of Tigray by Amhara and Eritrean forces, along with the growing influence of the Ethiopian federal government over Tigray’s political affairs, highlights a failure of leadership. Instead of mobilizing a strong, unified response, the elite remain embroiled in internal disputes, weakening Tigray’s position on the national and international stage.
- Corruption and Political Decay
Years of war and political upheaval have exposed deep-seated corruption within Tigray’s leadership. The lack of transparency, accountability, and commitment to reform has further eroded public trust, reinforcing the belief that the elite are focused more on self-preservation than solving real problems.
A Crossroads for Tigray’s Leadership
While some individuals within the elite are undoubtedly working toward a better Tigray, the broader perception remains that leadership has largely failed to rise to the occasion. The challenges facing Tigray—peace, security, governance, and economic stability—demand bold and principled leadership. The question remains: Will the elite continue their power struggles, or will they finally prioritize the needs of the people and lead Tigray toward a sustainable future?
