Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London,April 1፡2025 (Tigray Herald)
The Future of Tigray’s Defense Forces: Reclaiming the Legacy and Defeating the Betrayal
Prepared by: Horn of Africa Geopolitical Review in collaboration with leading regional and international political and security experts.
Introduction: The TPLF Army Militias’ Coup and the Disintegration of TDF In the aftermath of the TPLF army militias’ irresponsible and treacherous coup against the Tigray Interim Government, the Tigray Defense Forces (TDF), once the world’s most heroic and respected resistance force, is now facing an existential crisis. This coup, orchestrated in coordination with the Eritrean regime and other external actors, represents an act of betrayal against the people of Tigray. As a result, the TDF is fragmenting, disbanding, and degenerating into disunity, raising critical questions about who must own and protect its historic name and legacy.
The disgraceful actions of the TPLF army militias have not only divided the forces but have also sparked the emergence of a new generation of Tigray’s defenders—true patriots committed to peace, stability, justice, and political transformation. This document critically analyzes the current crisis, differentiates between the forces of corruption and the forces of liberation, and outlines a path forward
Key Questions Regarding the Tigray Political Crisis and the TDF Legacy
- Who truly represents the TDF’s legacy—the militias that betrayed their people or the new
generation rising in defense of Tigray? - How can TDF’s name and honor be preserved and owned by those who remain loyal to the
people, rather than those who have conspired with the enemies of Tigray? - What historical lessons can be drawn from other military institutions that have faced internal
betrayal? - How should Tigray’s new generation organize itself to reclaim and redefine TDF’s mission 5. What role does the international community play in recognizing the legitimate TDF movement
The Irreversible Betrayal of the TPLF Army Militias
The TPLF army militias have made a shameful and disgraceful choice: instead of serving the people of Tigray, they have chosen blind political loyalty to the failed and politically bankrupt TPLF splinter group. By doing so, they have become mercenaries against their own people, violating the core principles of TDF’s historic resistance. This treachery includes:
Declaring war against the Tigray Interim Government and the people of Tigray.
Conspiring with the Eritrean regime, which has committed genocide against Tigrayans.
Undermining the Pretoria Peace Agreement and destabilizing Tigray’s recovery.
Prioritizing factional power over the national interest of Tigray. These actions have stripped them of the right to claim the name and honor of TDF.
The Emergence of the True TDF: The Forces of Peace, Stability, and Democracy
In stark contrast, a new generation of Tigray’s defenders is rising. These young leaders and
fighters stand for:
Defending the People – Upholding the true mission of TDF as protectors of Tigray, not political tools.
Political Transformation – Breaking away from the failures of the past and building a just and democratic Tigray. Peace and Stability – Ensuring security and sovereignty while fostering diplomacy and stability.
National Interest First – Rejecting factionalism and external manipulation This new TDF movement is not just a continuation but an evolution—one that must reclaim the
rightful ownership of the TDF name.
Historical Precedents: Why the New Generation Must Own the TDF Name
History shows that when military institutions fall into corruption and betrayal, they must be
redefined by a new leadership. Examples include:
The transformation of the People’s Liberation Army in China after internal purges.
The restructuring of the South African military post-apartheid. The dissolution and rebirth of the Free French Forces under Charles de Gaulle. Similarly, Tigray’s new military forces must assume full ownership of the TDF name and legacy while completely detaching from the failed and discredited elements of the past.
Recommendations for Reclaiming and Strengthening the TDF Name and Mission
- Declare the New TDF as the Sole Legitimate Successor
The emerging forces must officially proclaim themselves as the rightful heirs to TDF’s mission.
- Dissociate from the TPLF Army Militias
Any faction collaborating with Eritrea or working against Tigray’s interests must be formally
rejected. - International Recognition and Legitimacy
Seek international validation for the new TDF as the true representative of Tigray’s defense and security 4. Implement a Code of Conduct
Establish clear ethical and operational principles to ensure discipline and unity.
- Engage in Strategic Diplomacy
Work with allies to strengthen Tigray’s security position and block external interference. - Adopt a New Name if Necessary
If reclaiming TDF’s name proves politically challenging, consider a new, stronger identity that
reflects its values.
Proposed New Names for the Emerging TDF
If a complete rebranding is necessary to break from past failures, the following names are proposed:
Tigray National Defense Forces (TNDF) – Emphasizing national identity and sovereignty.
Tigray People’s Defense Forces (TPDF) – Highlighting its duty to the people.
Tigray Liberation Army (TLA) – Reflecting its role in liberating Tigray from internal and external
threats.
Tigray Security and Defense Forces (TSDF) – A broader name encompassing defense and
stability. Each of these names represents a break from the compromised past while retaining the spirit of resistance, honor, and national duty —
Conclusion:
The Battle for Tigray’s Future
The battle for Tigray’s future is not just against external enemies but against internal betrayal.
The TPLF army militias have forsaken their duty, but the true defenders of Tigray—the new TDF—must rise to reclaim their rightful place.
By owning the name, mission, and honor of TDF, the emerging forces will secure Tigray’s
sovereignty, peace, and democratic transformation. This is a defining moment, and history will remember those who stood for the people over factional corruption.
The future belongs to those who defend Tigray with integrity, unity, and vision.
Prepared by Horn of Africa Geopolitical ReviewReview
In Collaboration with Leading Regional and International Political and Security Experts
This document critically examines the Tigray political crisis, the betrayal by TPLF army militias,and the rise of a new legitimate TDF. It outlines strategic recommendations for reclaiming TDF’s name and mission, while also proposing alternative names if a complete rebranding is needed
