Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London, (Tigray Herald)
“From Collapse to Rebirth: The Rise of the Below-the-Core TDF and the Decline of the TPLF’s
Above-the-Core Militias”
Executive Summary
The Tigray Defense Forces (TDF) are undergoing a transformative rebirth driven by internal disillusionment, generational shifts, and a sharp rejection of political manipulation by the TPLF’s entrenched military elites.
This paper provides a comprehensive strategic and security analysis
of the growing divide between the collapsing “Above-the-Core”—a TPLF-affiliated, corrupt, and ideologically rigid military structure—and the emerging “Below-the-Core,” comprised of a younger, professional, and nationally driven Tigrayan generation of soldiers and commanders.
This report, prepared by leading regional and international political and security experts under the Horn of Africa Geopolitical Review, evaluates the implications of this dramatic realignment within the TDF for Tigray’s political trajectory, peace efforts, territorial integrity, and long-term stability.
- The Collapse of the “Above-the-Core”: TPLF’s Militias and Political Self-Destruction
- The TPLF’s militarized factions—referred to herein as the “Above-the-Core” TDF—have become synonymous with corruption, ideological arrogance, and destructive political manipulation.
Driven by a false sense of entitlement and historical legitimacy, these groups have prioritized personal power and political survival over Tigray’s national interests.
Their illegal activities include:
Resource exploitation, particularly illegal gold mining and land seizure.Undermining the Pretoria Peace Agreement by forming covert alliances with the Eritrean regime.Attempts to assassinate or politically sabotage reformist leaders, including President Getachew
Reda.Obstructing the emergence of independent national defense leadership free from political interference
This behavior has triggered mass disillusionment within the ranks of the TDF, resulting in widespread desertions and re-alignments to newly emerging, people-centered forces.
- The Rise of the “Below-the-Core”: A New TDF for a New Tigray
What is being witnessed in real time is the rebirth of the TDF—not just as a military force, but as a movement rooted in collective responsibility, national dignity, and ethical military professionalism. This emerging military entity is built upon the principles of:
Tigrayan-ism over TPLF-ism: prioritizing the broader Tigrayan national interest over party
dogma.
Military neutrality in politics: the armed forces are not a party militia, but guardians of
sovereignty, peace, and unity. Peace and justice: ensuring internal stability through dialogue, not armed intra-Tigrayan
confrontation.Protection of the Pretoria Peace Agreement: as a strategic instrument to restore Tigray’s territorial integrity and safeguard its sovereignty.
This generational shift, led by younger, educated, and professional Tigrayan officers and soldiers, has created a dramatic reconfiguration of TDF’s structure and mission.
- Strategic Consequences of the Realignment For TPLF:
The implosion of the Above-the-Core divisions has rendered the TPLF militarily irrelevant. Its
ideological rigidity and manipulative tactics have been decisively rejected by the rank-and-file.Isolated and politically cornered, the TPLF risks total loss of credibility and operational
capability.
For the TDF:
The new TDF under Below-the-Core leadership is:Gaining mass legitimacy and operational strength.Reorganizing military divisions into liberated zones Adopting new doctrine focused on defensive capacity, peace enforcement, and sovereignty protection.
For Tigray’s Political Future:
The military realignment demands a new political culture. Any future governance structure must:Recognize and institutionalize the neutrality of the TDF.Abandon party-militia traditions.Embrace political inclusiveness, internal dialogue, and generational leadership transfer.
- Monitoring and Evaluation by Horn of Africa Geopolitical Review Experts
Our panel of experts confirms that this transformation is not only tactical but historic. TDF is no longer an extension of a failed political party. It is becoming the armed custodian of a reborn
national identity rooted in Tigrayan unity, sovereignty, and justice.
This shift must be consolidated through:
Legal and constitutional reforms securing the military’s independence. National reconciliation processes to heal wounds inflicted by intra-Tigrayan conflicts.
International partnerships recognizing the reformed TDF as a stabilizing force.
- Policy Recommendations
- Immediate dismantling of the Above-the-Core TPLF militias through peaceful retirement,disarmament, and accountability.
- Institutional recognition of the new TDF structure as the legitimate national defense institution
of Tigray. - International support and monitoring for reform and restructuring efforts 4. Non-political defense charter codifying the military’s non-interference in party politics.
- Dialogue-led conflict resolution frameworks within Tigrayan society to prevent civil war and
ensure stability.
Conclusion
The rebirth of the TDF marks a historic turning point in Tigray’s struggle for dignity, sovereignty, and unity. The generational divide has birthed a new era of military ethics and national purpose,signaling the irreversible decline of the TPLF’s militarized grip on power.
This movement deserves support, documentation, and recognition by the international community as a model of post-conflict military and political transformation in Africa.
Prepared by:
Horn of Africa Geopolitical Review (HAGR)
April 2025
Contributions by regional and international political, security, and defense policy experts.
The strategic analysis document titled “From Collapse to Rebirth: The Rise of the
Below-the-Core TDF and the Decline of the TPLF’s Above-the-Core Militias” has been
completed and is now ready for professional circulation through the Horn of Africa Geopolitical
Review
