Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London, (Tigray Herald)
President Tadesse Werede Experiencing TPLF Political Interference Similar to
His Predecessor
By Bereket Kiros
The current situation in Tigray is not favorable for political change. This stems primarily from the fact that the ruling leaders are dictators who seized power through force and refuse to give it up, even in the face of public demand. It is unlike a dictatorial regime to share power and acknowledge and accept other political parties (opposition groups) to play any role in the country’s business and affairs. Dictators do not give room to opposing political entities.
The Tigray people have increasingly turned to opposition groups in hopes of change and
relief from their suffering. Dictators have every reason to view rival political parties as
“enemies.” They also struggle to recognize the populace as the “higher authority” and their true rulers. The dynamics have flipped: the leaders now see themselves as masters while the people are treated as servants. The regime leaders are aware that no social contract exists with the citizens. Since the public did not elect them, the leaders feel, perhaps understandably, that they owe them nothing.
The leaders of TPLF are proud of their long military struggles and accomplishments, and passionately believe their sacrifice brought them to power. They feel indebted only to the military wing and their followers who brought them to power. These sentiments are manifest in all actions and every policy they crafted. Without independent institutions in charge of the election processes, Elections are bound to deliver empty hope. This is familiar to the Tigray people. An election in a country without democracy discourages the
development of political parties.
However, any election effort would bring a unique opportunity to introduce new culture and traditions, exposing the people to new concepts and practices. Therefore, the idea that democratic institutions and systems must be in place first to conduct fair elections may not be the correct political thinking. Repeated election practices may change and prepare people to adopt the principles of democracy and a democratic system of government.
In Tigray TPLF, the regime in power is not likely to leave the election process to other people and out of its control. Getachew Reda, who encountered considerable difficulties during his time in office, pointed out that the TPLF’s impact is detrimental to the Pretoria peace agreement and hampers Tigray’s journey towards democracy, good governance, and recovery from the tragic war. Following Getachew Reda’s exit, President Tadesse Werede also confronted similar challenges. Tigray’s stability remains fragile, as the TPLF continues to exert its repressive and
authoritarian influence on the region’s social, economic, and political landscapes.
At this crucial juncture, pragmatic, resilient, and democratic leadership is vital for Tigray’s endurance in such defiance. Without TIRA’s independence from the TPLF, it would be
impossible to promote inclusive governance, and the TPLF’s ongoing consolidation of power would only intensify the difficulties facing Tigray’s citizens.
During Getachew Reda’s presidency, President Tadesse weakened and paralyzed the TIRA, hindering its operations and stirring public discontent against Getachew. He worked with the TPLF splinter group led by Debretsion Gebremichael to remove Getachew Reda from office, which enabled him to take the TIRA presidency through clandestine negotiations with TPLF leaders.
President Tadesse has been working with the TPLF to strengthen its authority. He
consistently pushed his agenda to become the TIRA president, prioritizing this aim over the unity, peace, security, and lifestyle of the Tigray people. The growing rifts between the TPLF and TIRA’s President Tadesse are leading to significant insecurity and instability for the citizens of Tigray, especially as Eritrea and Ethiopia continue their silent genocide in western, northwestern, and eastern Tigray.
The TIRA President’s efforts to foster unity and dialogue to address the political crisis in Tigray are increasingly challenging. Consequently, the suffering of internally displaced persons (IDPs) will persist without relief.Today, the protesters in Mekele breached the office of the TIRA. The TPLF continues to undermine the TIRA and the rule of law to consolidate its power by any means necessary.
President Tadesse is encountering the TPLF’s political interference and unforeseen
challenges to his presidency, much like his predecessor. The generals supporting the TPLF (i.e., General Hintsa Weldegeorgis, General Yohannes Weldegeorgis, General Megebey Haile, General Masho Beyene, General Haileselassie Girmay, General Feseha Kidanu, and General Abraha Tesfay) are committing human rights abuses against civilians. They are now publicly using war rhetoric, posing a significant threat to the Pretoria peace agreement. The political
turmoil driven by the TPLF creates a substantial hurdle for the people of Tigray, preventing them from rebuilding their devastated livelihoods and avoiding another war.
How can Tigray overcome ongoing political instability and the risk of further conflict? A
promising direction is encouraging grassroots efforts that enhance unity and facilitate political dialogue, addressing Tigray’s national interests while distancing from the TPLF’s promotion of divisive politics and conflict. Engaging in conversation and reconciliation makes it possible to mend the rifts caused by political disagreements, work together to restore Tigray’s territorial integrity, and ensure the safe return of IDPs to their homes.
Rebuilding Tigray will require a commitment to economic recovery and a strong emphasis on social cohesion and mutual understanding among the people. By engaging in collaborative projects and inclusive discussions, Tigrayans can cultivate a shared purpose that transcends past grievances and fosters an equitable Tigray for all.
Therefore, if TPLF leaders behave recklessly, obstructing the TIRA process and obstructing and thwarting the people’s voting rights, it would trigger civil unrest that may be
detrimental to our existence.
