Mekelle, February 24፡2025 (Tigray Herald)
The Significance of Salsay Weyane Tigray (SWT) Joining the Tigray Interim Assembly Council: A Milestone in Tigray’s Political Transformation
A Historic Step Towards Free and Independent Governance in Tigray
The recent decision by Salsay Weyane Tigray (SWT) to join the newly established Tigray Interim Assembly Council marks a historic and groundbreaking moment in Tigray’s political transformation. This decision reinforces the foundation of a post-genocide political transition, paving the way for Tigray’s first truly free and independent governance system, free from the political influence of the failed TPLF political legacies. The move signifies a shift towards a governance structure that prioritizes democratic values, national interests, and a collective vision for Tigray’s future.
Breaking Away from the TPLF’s 50-Year Tyrannical Rule and Corruption
For decades, the TPLF’s political dominance in Tigray led to corruption, mismanagement, and increasing alienation of the Tigrayan people. The collapse of Debretsion Gebremichael’s faction and its continued attempts to sabotage the political transformation in Tigray highlight the urgency of this transition. The remnants of the failed TPLF faction, along with their hardcore supporters and armed militias, continue to act as warlords, deepening the crisis and preventing the much-needed political stabilization of Tigray.
SWT’s decision to join the Tigray Interim Assembly Council, alongside other political parties, signifies the dawn of a new era where political transformation becomes inevitable. This shift is crucial in dismantling the last remnants of the TPLF’s authoritarian rule and creating an inclusive governance structure that serves all Tigrayans, rather than a single party or elite faction.
The Role of the Tigray Interim Assembly Council in Political Transformation
The Tigray Interim Assembly Council serves as a key foundation for post-genocide governance in Tigray. It is a platform that ensures political inclusivity, democratic representation, and a transitional authority that will guide Tigray’s political, economic, and security policies. By rejecting the corrupt and oppressive rule of the past, the Council is setting a precedent for future governance models in Tigray and across the Horn of Africa.
Encouraging SWT’s Role in Tigray’s Inevitable Political Change
SWT’s decision to participate in this political transformation sends a strong message: the time for monopolized political power, corruption, and factionalism is over. The participation of multiple political parties in the Interim Assembly Council demonstrates the possibility of a pluralistic democracy, where different political ideologies coexist to serve the interests of Tigrayans collectively.
This move should be encouraged and supported as it lays the groundwork for:
The establishment of a new political culture that values dialogue over authoritarianism.
A system of checks and balances to prevent the re-emergence of past abuses.
A government accountable to the people, rather than a single ruling party or faction.
A break from factional conflicts, paving the way for stability and economic reconstruction.
Strategic Recommendations for Tigrayan Political Parties and the New Generation
For the political transformation to be effective and sustainable, Tigrayan political parties, youth movements, and civil society organizations must adopt a new Tigray national consensus and a common understanding of governance principles. The following strategic recommendations must be considered:
Establish a New Tigray National Consensus
This consensus should be based on inclusivity, justice, accountability, and the long-term interests of the Tigrayan people.
Political groups must abandon factionalism and work together toward shared national objectives.
Develop a Clear Post-Genocide Political Strategy
This should prioritize reconciliation, institutional building, and good governance.
Transitional justice mechanisms should be put in place to ensure accountability for past crimes while fostering national healing.
Use the Tigray Interim Assembly Council as a Showcase of Political and Democratic Transformation
The Council must serve as a model of transparent and accountable governance.
All political groups should have equal representation and decision-making power.
Incorporate the Tigrayan Diaspora in Nation-Building Efforts
The Tigrayan diaspora, like the Jewish diaspora in relation to Israel, must be recognized as a strategic, diplomatic, and technological asset for Tigray.
Mechanisms should be established to enable diaspora participation in policymaking, economic investment, and technological advancement.
Ensure that Political Transformation is Exclusive to All Tigrayans
Political change should not be restricted to a specific party or ideological group but must include all Tigrayans, irrespective of political beliefs.
Grassroots political engagement should be encouraged to build a robust democratic foundation.
The Geopolitical Implications of Tigray’s Political Transformation
The transition occurring in Tigray has significant regional and international implications. The establishment of a free and independent governance system challenges the historical dominance of Ethiopia’s central government over Tigray. Furthermore, it sends a strong message to international stakeholders that Tigray is committed to a democratic future.
International allies, policymakers, and diplomatic entities must recognize and support Tigray’s journey towards political self-determination. This transformation can serve as a case study for other post-conflict regions seeking democratic reconstruction.
Conclusion: A New Dawn for Tigray
SWT’s decision to join the Tigray Interim Assembly Council marks a pivotal moment in Tigray’s history. It signifies a decisive break from the failures of the past and the beginning of a new political trajectory grounded in democracy, inclusion, and accountability. Tigray’s political transformation is inevitable, and with the support of its people, political leaders, and the diaspora, the region can finally achieve the governance system it deserves.
This analysis is prepared by the Horn of Africa Geopolitical Review, a leading regional and international security and political diplomacy publishing digital media specializing in the Horn of Africa’s geopolitical landscape.
