Mekelle,Nairobi,Pretoria,London,March 11፡2025 (Tigray Herald)
General Tsadkan’s Warning of an Imminent Ethiopia-Eritrea War Contains Elements of a
Sloppy and Unbalanced Accusation.
By G.Amare
At the outset, whether you believe it or not, let me make one thing clear: I am not affiliated with any political party. So, the ideas shared in this piece are solely my own, and my only interest is the greater good of my people and their lasting peace and security. To achieve this, I am deliberately biased in favor of unity because it is critically needed at this pivotal moment when the people of Tigray are desperately crying out for unity, not divisive
rhetoric.
Truth prevails!
General Tsadkan’s article, “A Critical Warning: The Imminent Ethiopia-Eritrea War” (Tigray Herald, March 10, 2025), delivers a mixed message. On one hand, it presents a lopsided and biased perspective; on the other, it attempts to address the urgent geopolitical and military crisis in the Horn of Africa, calling for the international community to intervene. However, the piece fails to provide the necessary balance and context, seeking
to gain traction with the international community by spreading misleading accusations against the TPLF and Tigray
Security Forces.
First and foremost, allow to express the great respect that I have for General Tsadkan-for his 17 years of tireless struggle to free the people of Tigray from the yoke of oppression, discrimination, subjugation, and marginalization. I also honor his determination to stand against the genocidal war waged upon Tigray, risking his life
and at a time when Tigray was bleeding in darkness.
As a matter of fact, I was one of the first to support the Pretoria team for signing the CoHA, despite many accusing the Tigray’s negotiating team of betraying the cause, arguing that the outcome of the negotiation had undermined the sacrifices made to protect Tigray. However, many of us stood in support, recognizing the signing of CoHA to be critical and necessary given the catastrophic consequences of the war.
For this, I used to believe the General deserves immense credit and admiration.
But today, the situation feels different, and it saddens me. I have growing reservations about General Tsadkan’s actions since the formation of Tigray’s interim administration. My observations have highlighted a series
of missteps, leaving me deeply concerned.
The direction he has taken is disconnected from Tigray’s burning matters, the struggle, and sacrifices that once defined him. This shift is not just troubling but heartbreaking for those of us who have long admired his dedication to Tigray’s cause.
It all began when I heard the disheartening statements following the split of the TPLF. I could hardly believe my ears when he came forward with his “us vs them” rhetoric. The simplistic division of “us” for peace and “them” for war was both shortsighted and troubling. By doing this, he interfered in TPLF’s internal affairs, all in an attempt
to show his support for Getachew Reda. It was a deeply saddening moment for me.
Then, I was deeply disheartened by his lack of response to certain harmful and irresponsible statements made
on platforms, whether he himself arranged them or was invited as a guest of honor.
I witnessed General Tsadkan listening passively, remaining indifferent as a few irresponsible individuals made divisive claims. One person asserted that one group in Tigray is wealthy in Mekelle, while another, self-identified as indigenous settlers of certain localities, remains impoverished.
I heard statements attempting to divide Tigray, with one individual saying that Tigray was originally limited to a part of today’s Tigray, called Adwa… and that Enderta wasn’t part of it until it was expanded to include Enderta…Enderta was “unique and a different entity” … along with many other harmful and misguided rhetorics.
I expected General Tsadkan to at least reprimand these grossly irresponsible and divisive statements, as they have the potential to undermine the unity and progress that Tigray strives for. However, to my disappointment, he chose to remain silent and his silence, in this crucial moment, signals a lack of leadership in addressing harmful rhetoric.
Leadership demands not only strategic actions but also the courage to confront dangerous narratives that threaten the collective well-being of the people. With that, let us now turn our attention to the piece.
To begin with, General Tsadkan claims that Tigray’s political leadership may be colluding with Eritrean forces—under the misleading guise of ‘self-preservation’ or evading accountability for past actions—is nothing short of a brazen betrayal of the truth.
First, neither the TPLF nor Tigray’s Security Forces have ever wavered in their call for an independent investigation of past and present misdeeds and repeatedly pleaded to hold any one found to be guilty accountable.
The real question General Tsadkan needs to answer is: Who is obstructing this crucial process of investigation and holding the culprit accountable? Otherwise, this should not be used to score political points at the expense of damaging
another’s image.
Second, when General Tsadkan references ‘past actions,’ is he implicating himself, given that he was a key figure in the TPLF’s top leadership? Or is he specifically referring to a period after he left the party? This distinction
is important, as it could shape the way his words are interpreted, particularly in relation to his role in the TPLF’s past decisions.
It is a point that warrants further clarification to avoid any ambiguity and ensure a clear understanding of his stance.
Third, General Tsadkan fails to recognize the immense suffering of the people of Tigray, who have endured atrocities and war crimes not only at the hands of Eritrean forces but also from Abiy Ahmed’s government. For General Tsadkan to suggest that the TPLF and leaders of Tigray’s Security Forces are secretly conspiring to align with Eritrea—
the very forces that waged a genocidal campaign against our people—is a dangerous accusation. Such claims don’t just deepen division and distort the reality of Tigray’sstruggle; they also unwittingly reinforce Abiy Ahmed’s narrative
that TPLF and Eritrea are plotting war to overthrow his government.
The truth is undeniable: neither the TPLF nor Tigray’s Security Forces have ever sought war. In fact, they have consistently called for peace with anyone including Eritrea, Amhara, and Afar. And they have also persistently
called for an uncompromised implementation of the CoHA. They have made it clear that they will not take sides, should Ethiopia-Eritrea go to war, unless otherwise, forced to take action to defend the people and protect Tigray from becoming a battleground.
So, why is Eritrea singled out at this point, while the call for peace includes others? It appears that General Tsadkan has bought into Abiy Ahmed’s propaganda, allowing the narrative to persist that the TPLF is working to overthrow his government. This selective focus raises significant concerns, as it undermines efforts for genuine peace
and reconciliation by perpetuating a false narrative that conveniently fits Abiy Ahmed’s playbook.
On the contrary, it is the Ethiopian government that has been loudly beating the war drums, openly declaring its intent to seize control of the port of Assab by any means necessary on multiple occasions. Just recently, Field Marshal Berhanu Jula boldly stated that Ethiopia would soon own the Red Sea.
But how is this even possible for
Ethiopia without being engaged in war? Are there secretive agreements or covert diplomatic maneuvers that General
Tsadkan is aware of that could grant Ethiopia control of the Red Sea? Ethiopia is the one calling for and needs to be condemned, not Tigray’s Forces or TPLF. The excessive focus on painting the TPLF and the Tigray Security Forces as war instigators and collaborators is ill-fated.
Let me ask General Tsadkan just these: weren’t the leadership of the Tigray Forces the ones who said “No” to war when Abiy Ahmed asked them to join in fighting against Eritrea and Fano? If such a stand taken by Tigray’s Security Forces is not opposed to war and expression of desire for peace, then
what else could it be?”
Otherwise, General Tsadkan’s warning about an imminent war between Eritrea and Ethiopia should have focused on Ethiopia’s aggressive claims, rather than placing blame on the TPLF/Tigray’s Security forces. This glaring omission is not only misleading—it is a failure to confront the true and urgent threats in the region.
In fact, the critical question one must ask is not whether Tigray’s political or military leadership is seeking alliances with Eritrea, but rather who opened the door for Isaias Afwerki to invade Tigray in the first place? Was it not Abiy Ahmed who extended the invitation to Eritrean troops to cross into Tigray and commit war crimes alongside
Ethiopian forces? This act of treacherous betrayal has no parallels, orchestrated by Abiy Ahmed, has left Tigray in
ruins and countless families broken, and General Tsadkan’s failure and silence to mention Abiy Ahmed in his piece
for this unparalleled treachery is deeply troubling.
He misrepresented the truth, portraying Eritrea as the sole perpetrator of the Tigray genocidal war while seemingly absolving Abiy Ahmed of any responsibility. In reality, Abiy
was not just complicit but a key architect of the war, inviting Eritrea, orchestrating military offensives, imposing devastating blockades, and enabling widespread atrocities against the people of Tigray. His collaboration with Eritrea was not incidental but strategic, driven by his intent to crush Tigray’s resistance and obliterate from existence.
It is crucial for the people of Tigray to recognize that Abiy Ahmed’s actions have no parallels in their brutality and should not be mistaken for passive indifference. He is not merely complicit in Tigray’s suffering—he is the primary architect of its devastation. His regime has not only betrayed its responsibility to protect the people of Tigray
but has actively facilitated their destruction by welcoming Eritrean forces into Tigray. To suggest, as General Tsadkan does, that Eritrea is Tigray’s number one enemy simply because it is an external actor in this tragedy—and therefore should be our primary focus—is a dangerously simplistic and misleading perspective.
Historically, the Eritrean government has indeed been an adversary of Tigray. it worked against Tigray. It persistently spewed hatred against the people of Tigray. No ifs and buts here. However, should Tigray opt to follow
Eritrea’s footprints? I don’t believe so. We must ask ourselves: should this historical animosity define our future indefinitely? Where does the cycle of hatred and vengeance end? Will it lead to any meaningful resolution or healing?
If Tigray is willing to engage in negotiations with Abiy Ahmed in an attempt to resolve the political conflict, why should dialogue with Eritrea be deemed unacceptable? If there is a genuine effort to foster a constructive
relationship between the TPLF and Eritrea, why should this initiative be condemned outright? Is it because Tigray is part of Ethiopia? If so, why did Ethiopians turn their backs, collaborate with enemies, and actively wish for the annihilation of the Tigray people?
At this point, there is no constitutional connection—Tigray’s ties to Ethiopia exist solely through the CoHA.
Otherwise, there is no indication that Tigray is genuinely considered part of Ethiopia. No legitimate government invites foreign invaders to wage war on its own people—this is unprecedented unless General Tsadkan expects us to willingly fool ourselves.
Let us be clear: given the geographical proximity, historical ties, and shared cultural connections between Tigray and Eritrea, dismissing the possibility of negotiations between the TPLF and Eritrea is not only shortsighted but also counterproductive. True peace can only be achieved when we acknowledge the complexities of our reality
and engage in honest, pragmatic dialogue—not out of naïveté, but out of a genuine commitment to ending the suffering
of our people and building a future free from perpetual conflict.
If such a deal between TPLF and Eritrea exists at all, as alleged by General Tsadkan, the legitimate question to raise or challenge should have primarily on issues related to a framework of the deal—whether the initiative is genuinely based on mutual understanding and shared benefits, and whether it is being conducted with due diligence and a sincere commitment to fostering lasting peace, true reconciliation, and healing for both Tigray and Eritrea.
Additionally, he should have examined and expressed concerns about whether or not mechanisms are in place to counter the Eritrean government’s opportunistic and deceptive behaviors, ensuring the process is not manipulated for one-sided gains. Rather than outrightly condemning such peace deals, it would have been more prudent to evaluate their legitimacy, sustainability, and long-term mutual benefits. Unfortunately, this does not seem to be General Tsadkan’s interest. Instead, his intent appears to be tarnishing the image of TPLF and Tigray Security Forces.
Furthermore, the General Tsadkan’s rhetoric of “…impending war and the need for Tigray to prepare for the worst…. Only peace remains to be a viable and essential path forward—if only the international community, alongside Tigray’s leadership, works to ensure the full implementation of the Pretoria Agreement.” This is a true assertion. The
problem comes when he suggests that TPLF and the Tigray Security Force are brewing wars jointly with Eritrea.
To my recollection, both TPLF and the leadership of the Tigray Security Forces have loudly expressed their desire for
peace, not for another war that will devastate Tigray even further. General Tsadkan’s alarmist language of accusation
is, therefore, harmful to the fragile peace process that still holds some hope for a resolution.
It is deeply saddening that this article comes from a General who once commanded respect from many yet now seems intent on supporting Abiy Ahmed’s broader project of dismantling the TPLF and Tigray’s Security Forces.
If there were ever any doubt about Tsadkan’s alignment with Abiy’s agenda, his piece clearly demonstrates that he is
now firmly on that side. General Tsadkan seems more concerned about Abiy power than addressing the devastating
consequences of Abiy’s cruelty and vengeance against the people of Tigray. General Tsadkan seems more concerned
with Abiy’s power when he states, “In doing so, they believe they will use Esayas Afewerki and his regime to topple Abiy Ahmed and then turn on Esayas.”
Otherwise, what is the difference if the TPLF aligns with Eritrea, given that aligning with Abiy Ahmed is viewed as a way to supposedly save Tigray? In my view, both are predatory threats to Tigray. At his point, however, Abiy Ahmed is more dangerous and cruel in his intentions. He must be the first leader to invite foreign forces to invade
his own region, betraying the very people who had expected protection, and continually seek to dismantle Tigray’s political and military institutions in pursuit of his own ambition to rule as a king.
The ultimate tragedy here is not just the loss of lives and livelihoods caused by the war, but the erosion of trust among Tigray’s own leaders. It is now apparent that General Tsadkan has fully abandoned his former stance of defending Tigray’s sovereignty and security.
He is actively working to undermine the very forces that stood as the backbone of Tigray’s resistance against external and internal threats.
General Tsadkan is seemingly attempting to save Ethiopia from disintegration, but in doing so, he is doing it at the expense of the people of Tigray. This approach places the survival of Ethiopia above the lives, rights, and dignity of the people of Tigray. By prioritizing the preservation of a unified Ethiopia, he overlooks the immense suffering and sacrifices made by the people of Tigray.
I concur with General Tsadkan that regardless of who initiates it, “…if a war breaks out between Ethiopia and Eritrea at any moment, it could escalate into a regional conflict, drawing in neighboring countries and directly impacting the security of the Red Sea…. At the heart of this conflict will be Tigray, which possesses a substantial,well-trained, and experienced military, making it a decisive factor in both the conduct and outcome of the war.”
To avert this from occurring, the better option lies in remaining united to denounce the war and actively working to prevent it, rather than promoting divisive narratives and issuing a one-sided assessment that solely accuses TPLF and the Tigray Security Forces while putting less emphasis on the true instigators of the conflict.
A balanced and objective approach is necessary to address the root causes of the tensions, hold all responsible parties accountable, and foster a path toward genuine peace and stability in the region.
It is undeniable that Eritrean forces committed horrific atrocities—”…they killed any man of military age, raped women, and plundered assets, with the goal of turning Tigray into a wasteland….” However, were they the only ones responsible for such crimes? What about Abiy Ahmed, who invited Eritrea in order to exact revenge?
Do we grant Abiy Ahmed amnesty simply because he is the leader of Ethiopia and Tigray is under Ethiopia’s control? Does
this allow him to act with impunity? General Tsadkan should have the courage to challenge and denounce Abiy Ahmed
clearly and without fear for his repeated and dangerous desire to go to war. To me, Abiy remains the number one culprit for what has happened and continues to happen in Tigray today and for the political and diplomatic blunderx in the Horn of Africa, not with standing Eritrea’s past actions.
Furthermore, General Tsadkan’s accusation that “…certain factions within the fragmented TPLF and military are choosing to protect their past and present misdeeds by allying with Esayas Afewerki…” is a myopic perspective and oversimplifies the situation. The suggestion that those, ‘…fearing accountability for their actions, would align
with Eritrea—despite the country’s invasion of Tigray in 2020…’ falls apart for several critical reasons.
First, as previously mentioned, the TPLF has called for an investigation and accountability for any alleged actions, demonstrating their commitment to justice and transparency. What is General Tsadkan expecting TPLF or
Tigray Security Forces to do? Are there any better mechanisms available than calling for an investigation and being ready to be held accountable if found guilty of any wrongdoing?
Second, while there is only speculation and no concrete evidence to suggest that the TPLF is engaging with Eritrea or Isaias Afwerki as part of a strategy to overthrow Abiy Ahmed, it is important to acknowledge that such claims remain unsubstantiated. Until credible evidence surfaces, there is little more to discuss on this matter.
Speculation alone does not provide a solid foundation for drawing conclusions, and without verifiable facts, this issue remains in the realm of conjecture. Therefore, it is crucial to focus on the actual dynamics and verifiable actions that shape the current political landscape. Should Tigrayans be more concerned about Abiy Ahmed being overthrown?
Is he truly a better alternative than Isaias when it comes to Tigray’s destruction?
Unless there’s a desire to drag Tigray back into the quagmire of a system known for its harsh subjugation, oppression, and marginalization, Abiy Ahmed’s intentions are crystal clear—his goal is to annihilate Tigray or reduce it to a politically meaningless entity.
Yes, dealing with Isaias carries significant risks, but in my assessment, but so is with Abiy Ahmed.
In my point of view, the risks posed by Abiy Ahmed are far greater at this point. It is very critical for Tigray to assess its strategic and long-term interests. Otherwise, neither Isaias nor Abiy Ahmed are figures Tigray can depend on.
The question remains: who is strategically important for Tigray to navigate out of this political quagmire? The focus should
not only be on Tigrayans seeking alliances for self-preservation. We must also acknowledge the larger context, where the crimes of Abiy Ahmed’s forces remain largely unaddressed, and the continuing suffering of Tigrayans under his leadership persists.
Another critical and relevant matter is that General Tsadkan’s position on the implementation of the CoHA has lacked openness and transparency. Over the last two years, his focus has been largely on long-term projects, such as democratization and the separation of state and party functions, while the people of Tigray continue to suffer
miserably in makeshift shelters, enduring harsh weather, lack of food, and inadequate medical care—many lost and continues to lose their lives. Honestly speaking, the failure to implement the CoHA has been a bottle neck and major source of disagreement and a driving force behind the political crisis in Tigray, leading to divisions within the TPLF.
Another issue of controversy. General Tsadkan has boldly pushed for a swift DDR, emphasizing its critical importance for Tigray to honor the CoHA. However, his approach is marred by an unnecessary and troubling
precondition: he insists that a council must be established before IDPs can return to their homes, effectively rewriting the CoHA to fit his own vision. Even more audaciously, he has claimed that Tigray no longer needs an army.
His proposal is that some Tigray’s forces join the ENDF, while others shall be sent home under DDR— a stance that not only undermines Tigray’s defense capabilities but also contradicts his own earlier assertion that Tigray’s situation is beyond its control. In a stunning move, he suggested federal forces should take charge of Tigray’s territories, sidelining Tigray’s own security forces and further compromising Tigray’s safety and security.
His position is both contradictory and dangerous. How can General Tsadkan express a lack of confidence in
Tigray’s security forces while simultaneously placing his faith in the very forces that destroyed Tigray? It is inconceivable that he would trust those who have brutalized our people, while calling for DDR and dismissing the only force capable of defending Tigray’s interests. This double standard is not only illogical but deeply troubling, revealing his disregard for the realities on the ground and the legitimate needs of Tigray.
In conclusion, while General Tsadkan may portray himself as a voice of reason and caution, his recent article betrays his true intentions—to sow division within Tigray and support the dismantling of Tigray’s security apparatus.
His article should be rejected for what it is: a self-serving, misleading piece that disregards the realities of Tigray’s suffering and the ongoing challenges of navigating the peace process. The people of Tigray, now more than ever, need unity, clarity, and an unwavering commitment to protecting their hard-won sovereignty, not divisions fostered by
those who have lost their way
