Mekelle, March 4፡2025 (Tigray Herald)
Restoring Unity and Rebuilding Trust: A Strategic Framework for Establishing a National Dialogue and Reconciliation Commission in Post-Genocide Tigray
Executive Summary
The establishment of a Tigray National Dialogue and Reconciliation Commission (TNDRC) is a critical step in addressing the deep political, social, and economic fractures caused by the war that began in 2020. The genocide against Tigrayans has left the region politically polarized,socially fragmented, and economically devastated. Without a structured mechanism for
truth-seeking, justice, and reconciliation, past wounds will continue to hinder progress and
national unity.
This document outlines the strategic, legal, and operational frameworks necessary to establish the TNDRC under the auspices of the Tigray Interim Assembly Council (TIAC). It provides a roadmap to ensure inclusive representation, transparent processes, and a victim-centered approach in achieving sustainable peace and justice.
By integrating historical lessons, international best practices, and local realities, this strategy seeks to foster social cohesion, political stability, and long-term economic recovery without compromising justice.
I. Context and Background
1.1 Historical and Political Landscape
The Tigray War (2020–2022) erupted amid escalating tensions between the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and the Ethiopian federal government, leading to one of the worst humanitarian crises in modern African history. War crimes, ethnic cleansing, and large-scale atrocities were widely documented, culminating in what has been recognized as the Tigrayan genocide.
Mass killings, systematic sexual violence, and forced displacement have left Tigrayan society deeply fractured. In the aftermath, political divisions have intensified, with some factions aligning with the failed Debretsion Gebremichael-led TPLF splinter group, while others advocate for a neutral, professional, and pragmatic approach to Tigray’s future.
The absence of a structured transitional justice mechanism has deepened mistrust, political hostility, and social fragmentation. Without a formal reconciliation framework, historical grievances risk being exploited for political gain, fueling cycles of division, resentment, and instability.
1.2 The Need for a National Dialogue and Reconciliation Mechanism In the aftermath of genocide, Tigray’s political, social, and economic survival hinges on an effective reconciliation and justice process. The failure to establish such a framework will likely
result in:
Persistent political polarization and internal divisions.
Lingering animosity between war victims and perpetrators, fostering cycles of revenge.
Weakened governance and legitimacy of the Tigray Interim Government.
External geopolitical exploitation, with hostile actors leveraging Tigray’s fragmentation.
To prevent these risks, the Tigray Interim Assembly Council (TIAC) must act decisively to establish the Tigray National Dialogue and Reconciliation Commission (TNDRC).
II. Strategic Objectives of the TNDRC
The TNDRC must be structured to achieve the following objectives:
2.1 Truth, Justice, and Healing
Establish a Truth and Accountability Mechanism to document war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and other atrocities committed against Tigrayans. Ensure victim-centered justice, providing survivors of war crimes, genocide, and sexual violence with a platform for redress, recognition, and reparations.
Promote historical truth-telling to counter revisionist narratives that distort the realities of Tigray’s suffering.
2.2 National Unity and Political Stabilization
Facilitate inclusive dialogue among all Tigrayans, regardless of political affiliation, to rebuild national cohesion.
Prevent politically motivated cycles of revenge, ensuring reconciliation efforts are
institutionalized and safeguarded against political manipulation.
Counteract external interference seeking to exploit Tigray’s internal divisions.
2.3 Governance, Rule of Law, and Democratic Transition Build a transitional justice system that ensures accountability while incorporating rehabilitative
justice mechanisms.
Strengthen institutional governance to guarantee fair representation and participation of all Tigrayan communities.
Formulate a legal and constitutional framework that enshrines reconciliation, rule of law, and non-partisan governance.
III. Structural and Legal Framework of the TNDRC
3.1 Legal and Institutional Foundations
The TNDRC should be established as an independent statutory body under the Tigray Interim Assembly Council (TIAC), ensuring autonomy from political influence. Its legal framework must:
Align with international human rights standards and best practices for post-conflict
reconciliation.Establish enforcement mechanisms to hold war criminals accountable.
Create a Standing Committee on National Reconciliation within TIAC to oversee implementation and prevent political interference.
3.2 Composition and Representation
The TNDRC should include diverse representatives to ensure legitimacy, including:
Survivors of genocide, displaced persons, and affected communities.
Legal experts, human rights advocates, and transitional justice professionals.
Religious and community leaders to foster grassroots reconciliation.
Youth, women, and marginalized groups to ensure broad participation.
IV. Key Pillars for Implementation
4.1 National Awareness and Public Engagement Launch mass sensitization campaigns to educate Tigrayans on the commission’s mandate.
Utilize media and civil society organizations to foster trust, transparency, and public
participation.
4.2 International Support and Strategic Alliances Leverage international partnerships for technical, legal, and financial support.
Align with U.S. and European diplomatic efforts to strengthen Tigray’s global positioning.
Prevent external exploitation of Tigray’s internal divisions by hostile actors.
4.3 Sustainable Reconciliation and Post-War Rehabilitation Develop long-term psychosocial support programs for war survivors and victims of trauma.
Integrate economic rehabilitation strategies to restore livelihoods and prevent resentment-driven
conflicts.
V. Risks and Challenges
5.1 Political Resistance and Elite Manipulation Factions aligned with the Debretsion-led TPLF splinter group may resist reconciliation efforts to maintain political influence. Radicalized militias and extremist factions may disrupt dialogue processes to sustain instability.
5.2 Security Threats
Ensuring the safety of reconciliation participants and officials amid ongoing instability. Preventing foreign sabotage from actors seeking to exploit Tigray’s divisions.
5.3 Institutional and Financial Constraints
Securing sustainable funding despite limited governmental resources. Establishing international financial partnerships to ensure long-term operational viability.
VI. Conclusion: A Roadmap for Sustainable Peace and National Unity
The establishment of the Tigray National Dialogue and Reconciliation Commission (TNDRC) isnot an option—it is an urgent necessity for Tigray’s political survival, social cohesion, and long-term stability. Without reconciliation, the region risks internal collapse, continued fragmentation, and geopolitical vulnerability. By prioritizing truth, justice, inclusivity, and institutional legitimacy, the TNDRC can serve as a cornerstone for a post-genocide Tigray that is politically stable, economically viable, and socially
united.
The Tigray Interim Assembly Council (TIAC) must act decisively and strategically to
institutionalize the TNDRC, ensuring that Tigray’s wounds are acknowledged, addressed, and healed with justice, dignity, and national solidarity.
Prepared by the Horn of Africa Geopolitical Review Leading experts in Horn of Africa geopolitical research, peace, and security, based in the United Kingdom and Kenya Nairobi.
