Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London, (Tigray Herald)
Towards a New Political Horizon: Establishing an All-Inclusive National Tigray Collation for Democratic Consensus and Post-Conflict Reconstruction
Strategic Recommendations for the Formation of a National Consensus Government and a Strengthened Tigray Interim Assembly Council
Prepared by:
Horn of Africa Geopolitical Review (HAGR)
In collaboration with leading security and diplomacy experts and the Editorial Board of the Tigray Herald
Executive Summary
Tigray stands at a decisive historical juncture. The region’s political disarray, institutional fragility, and ongoing post-genocide recovery require not factional dominance, but a visionary and inclusive national strategy. This strategic document proposes the establishment of the All-Inclusive National Tigray Collation—a transformative platform designed to anchor democratic legitimacy, political reconciliation, and sustainable nation-building.
At the heart of this proposal is the Tigray Interim Assembly Council (TIAC)—reimagined not merely as a provisional body, but as a legitimate and representative forum capable of steering Tigray through its transitional phase. Grounded in values of pluralism, justice, and unity, this collation aims to restore institutional trust, promote inclusive governance, and prepare the region for free and fair democratic elections.
I. Rationale for an All-Inclusive National Collation
A. The Crisis of Political Fragmentation
Tigray’s political ecosystem is fractured along generational, ideological, and institutional lines. Former liberation movements have splintered; civic and youth voices remain largely excluded. The absence of a legitimate, inclusive political framework threatens the region’s long-term peace, democratic consolidation, and recovery from genocide.
B. The Imperative of National Consensus
Only a shared and inclusive national framework—rooted in political pluralism, transitional justice, and institutional reform—can pave the way toward reconciliation and sustainable governance. All actors committed to peaceful politics and democratic principles must be part of this consensus.
II. Strategic Objectives of the National Collation
- Establish a National Political Consensus based on minimum principles, transitional governance priorities, and post-conflict institutional reform.
- Integrate All Willing Stakeholders including political parties, veterans of the struggle, civic organizations, youth coalitions, diaspora groups, religious institutions, and women’s associations.
- Strengthen the Tigray Interim Assembly Council (TIAC) as the legitimate and central transitional governance structure.
- Restore Political Legitimacy through legal reform, inclusive participation, and accountable transitional mechanisms.
- Prepare for Democratic Elections under secure, transparent, and internationally monitored conditions.
III. Structural Framework of the National Collation
A. Proposed Institutional Structure
Level Key Actors Primary Function
National Consensus Forum (NCF) Political parties, civil society, diaspora representatives, independent experts Deliberate and adopt the minimum criteria for participation
Tigray Interim Assembly Council (TIAC) Interim representatives, expanded with coalition members Act as transitional legislature and strategic convening body
Transitional Governance Committee (TGC) Appointed legal scholars, constitutional experts, diplomats Draft institutional reforms and legal frameworks Tigray People’s Assembly Consultative Forum Representatives from zones, religious leaders, community elders Provide public legitimacy and feedback mechanisms
B. Minimum Criteria for Participation
- Renunciation of violence and armed contestation
- Commitment to transitional justice and accountability mechanisms
- Recognition of TIAC as the sole transitional legislative body
- Acceptance of democratic pluralism and shared governance
- Willingness to collaborate with international peace partners
IV. The Role of the Tigray Interim Assembly Council (TIAC)
A. Core Mandates of the TIAC
Uphold the legal and constitutional mandate of the Tigray Interim Administration in accordance with the Pretoria Peace Agreement.
Convene and oversee the National Collation process.
Ensure inclusive representation across demographic, political, and regional lines.
Legislate transitional governance matters until formal elections are held.
Investigate and hold accountable actors involved in war crimes, corruption, and factional interference.
V. Strategic Recommendations
A. Institutional Measures
- Expand the TIAC to include political parties, civic leaders, diaspora representatives, youth organizations, and women’s associations.
- Establish an Independent Consensus Commission (ICC) to mediate disputes and ensure procedural integrity.
- Launch a National Dialogue Series across all zones to facilitate healing, engagement, and reconciliation.
B. Political and Governance Measures
- Disband all armed groups and militias affiliated with individual commanders or factional interests.
- Convene a National Charter Conference to ratify foundational principles for a post-genocide political order.
- Invite international observers from the African Union, European Union, and peacebuilding organizations to enhance transparency and legitimacy.
C. Security and Legal Measures
- Empower transitional legal mechanisms to investigate war crimes, economic malfeasance, and institutional corruption.
- Implement civilian oversight structures for the security apparatus, with a specific focus on the Tigray Defense Forces (TDF).
- Guarantee protection for reformist leaders such as former Interim President Getachew Reda, General Tsadkan Gebretensae, and other anti-corruption officials, from internal sabotage and assassination attempts.
VI. Conclusion: A Defining Moment in Tigray’s History
The era of narrow factionalism and political inertia must come to an end. Tigray has a historic opportunity to construct a new political order based on unity, justice, and democratic legitimacy. The proposed All-Inclusive National Collation, underpinned by a restructured and representative TIAC, offers a viable path forward.
This is the time to reclaim the nation—not for one group, but for all Tigrayans—through shared governance, institutional integrity, and a commitment to democratic rebirth.
Annexes
- Draft Structure for the Expanded TIAC
- Timeline for Transitional Governance and Consensus-Building (12–18 months)
- Stakeholder Mapping: Political Parties, CSOs, Diaspora, Youth Movements
- Principles of Inclusion: Gender, Generational, and Regional Equity Standards
- Comparative Models: Lessons from South Africa, Rwanda, Kosovo, and Timor-Leste
Prepared for Political Deliberation and Immediate Implementation
By the Horn of Africa Geopolitical Review (HAGR)
With Contributions from Leading Security and Diplomacy Experts and the Editorial Board of the Tigray HeraldHerald.
