Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London,March 23፡2025 (Tigray Herald)
The Greatest Enemy of Knowledge is Not Ignorance, But the Illusion of Knowledge: The Case of the Failed Debretsion Gebremichael-led TPLF Splinter Group and its Ignorance Army’s Militias in the Context of Tigray
Prepared by Horn of Africa Geopolitical Review (HAGR)
Leading Regional and International Political and Security Experts
Introduction
The quote, “The greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge”,
originally attributed to American historian Daniel Boorstin, serves as a profound critique of those
who falsely believe they possess absolute knowledge. This illusion of knowledge leads
individuals and groups to make misguided decisions, resist new insights, and ultimately
sabotage their own progress.
The relevance of this concept is particularly striking in the political
and military failures of the Debretsion Gebremichael-led TPLF splinter group and its associated
militias in post-genocide Tigray.
In this detailed analysis, we examine how the illusion of knowledge—rooted in ideological
rigidity, political arrogance, and resistance to evolving realities—has led to disastrous
consequences for the failed TPLF splinter group, the fragmentation of Tigray’s military
leadership, and the persistent instability facing the region. By drawing parallels to scientific
revolutions, the self-correction of major theories, and the necessity of embracing objective
truths, we explore how Tigray’s future depends on breaking free from this illusion of knowledge.
I. Understanding the Illusion of Knowledge: A Historical and Philosophical Perspective
- The Hawking Paradigm: Self-Correction in Scientific Knowledge
The quote in discussion is often mistakenly associated with Stephen Hawking, though it was
actually coined by Daniel Boorstin. Nevertheless, Hawking’s own intellectual journey illustrates
the importance of self-correction in knowledge. His early research on black hole singularity led
him to propose that the universe had boundaries, but later in his career, he disproved his own
theory, arguing instead that the universe has no boundaries and that Hawking radiation allows
black holes to emit energy and eventually evaporate.
Hawking’s ability to revise his own theories in light of new evidence represents the opposite of
the illusion of knowledge—it is an acknowledgment that knowledge is always evolving, and that
previous conclusions must be questioned when new data emerges. In contrast, political actors
who cling to outdated beliefs despite overwhelming evidence of their failure embody the illusion
of knowledge, which leads to stagnation and collapse.
- The Dangers of the Illusion of Knowledge in Leadership and Govern Throughout history, some of the most catastrophic political and military failures have been
caused by leaders who were convinced that their flawed ideologies were absolute truths. When
leaders become trapped in their own illusions, they ignore alternative perspectives, resist
reform, and fail to adapt to changing circumstances. This is precisely what has happened with
the Debretsion-led TPLF splinter group and its ignorance army’s militias in Tigray.
Rather than engaging in self-reflection or acknowledging their mistakes, they have doubled
down on failed strategies, alienating the Tigrayan people, undermining the post-genocide
recovery process, and allowing external forces to manipulate Tigray’s internal affairs. Their
illusion of knowledge, rooted in a false belief that they alone understand Tigray’s destiny, has
resulted in devastating political miscalculations, military missteps, and internal divisions.
II. The Debretsion Gebremichael-led TPLF Splinter Group: A Case Study in the Illusion of
Knowledge
- The Political and Military Failures of the Splinter Group
The Debretsion-led faction of the TPLF has exhibited all the classic signs of political stagnation
and ideological decay:
A refusal to acknowledge past failures: Rather than taking responsibility for its role in Tigray’s
catastrophic war and genocide, the faction continues to blame external actors while ignoring its
own political miscalculations.
A failure to adapt to new political realities: Despite overwhelming evidence that the Ethiopian
federal government and international actors are prioritizing stability and reconstruction, the
splinter group has chosen a path of political sabotage and subversion.
The militarization of political failures: Unable to secure legitimacy through democratic means,
the faction has relied on rogue militias and corrupt TDF generals to maintain influence through
force, further destabilizing Tigray.
A disconnect from the Tigrayan people: The splinter group falsely assumes it speaks for Tigray,
despite growing opposition from reformist leaders, civil society, and the international community.
- The Role of the Ignorance Army’s Militias
The so-called ignorance army—comprised of militia groups and TDF factions loyal to the failed
splinter group—has become a destructive force within Tigray. Operating without a coherent
strategy or vision, these militias have Obstructed Tigray’s recovery by engaging in criminal activities, illegal gold mining, and destabilization efforts.
Undermined the credibility of Tigray’s military leadership by fostering divisions and internal
conflicts.
Weakened Tigray’s diplomatic position by creating an image of disorder and lawlessness that
international actors exploit.
Like those who are trapped in the illusion of knowledge, these militias falsely believe that their
actions serve Tigray’s national interest, when in reality, they are deepening the crisis and
exposing Tigray to further vulnerabilities.
III. Breaking Free from the Illusion of Knowledge: Lessons for Tigray’s Future
- Learning from Science: The Need for Self-Correction
Just as scientific theories evolve through rigorous testing and revision, Tigray’s political and
military leadership must embrace self-correction. This means:
Acknowledging past failures and learning from them, rather than rewriting history.
Adopting evidence-based policies rather than clinging to outdated ideologies.
Encouraging internal criticism within political and military institutions to prevent groupthink and
stagnation.
- Building a Leadership Culture Based on Reality, Not Illusions
Tigray’s future depends on leadership that is:
Pragmatic and adaptable, not ideologically rigid.
Committed to ethical governance and accountability, not corruption and cronyism.
Focused on real economic and security solutions, not illusionary narratives 3. Dismantling the Failed TPLF Splinter Group and its Militias
To restore stability and progress in Tigray, the failed Debretsion-led faction must be completely
dismantled. This requires:
A clear political transformation strategy to replace the old, failed leadership.
A decisive security policy to neutralize rogue militias and reintegrate professional military forces.
A new diplomatic and economic vision that aligns Tigray with regional and international allies for
sustainable development.
Conclusion:
The Urgency of Embracing Knowledge Over Illusion
The tragedy of the Debretsion Gebremichael-led TPLF splinter group and its ignorance army’s
militias lies in their failure to recognize their own ignorance. By clinging to outdated ideas,
rejecting reform, and engaging in reckless political and military strategies, they have weakened
Tigray at a critical moment in its history.
However, history also teaches us that self-correction is possible. Just as scientific revolutions
have occurred by challenging flawed assumptions, so too must Tigray’s political and military
leadership embrace truth over illusion, knowledge over arrogance, and progress over
stagnation. Only then can Tigray move forward towards a stable, secure, and prosperous future.
References
- Boorstin, D. J. (1983). The Discoverers: A History of Man’s Search to Know His World and
Himself. Random House. - Hawking, S. (1988). A Brief History of Time. Bantam Books.
- Janes Defence Weekly (2025). TDF Military Leadership and the Crisis in Tigray.
- Horn of Africa Geopolitical Review (2025). Tigray’s Political Future: Reform or Ruin?
Prepared by Horn of Africa Geopolitical Review (HAGR)
Leading Regional and International Political and Security Expert
