Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London,April 5፡2025 (Tigray Herald)
By Getachew
The TPLF leadership (both factions) seems trapped in a mindset similar to the “Nearest Neighbor Algorithm”, making decisions based only on short-term political gains instead of pursuing a clear, strategic vision for Tigray’s long-term future. This reactive and fragmented approach has widened the leadership vacuum, stalled the reconstruction of critical institutions, and left the public feeling deeply frustrated and abandoned at a time when thoughtful and united leadership is most essential.
In computer science, the Nearest Neighbor Algorithm chooses the next step based solely on the closest or most immediate and simple option, without considering the full path or end goal. Sadly, the TPLF leadership has mirrored this approach Nearest Neighbor Algorithm focusing only on short-term tactics rather than planning for the long-term welfare and self-determination of the people of Tigray.
As a result, Tigray has been left politically paralyzed. After surrendering critical political leverage under the Pretoria Agreement to Ethiopia’s ruling regime led by Abiy Ahmed, Tigray has now been without a functioning government for over a month. The people have no clear answers about when or even how a legitimate and inclusive Tigray Interim Government will be established. Meanwhile, the risks of deepening instability, renewed conflict, and public despair continue to grow.
Now more than ever, Tigray needs strategic, people-centered leadership that can break out of this short-sighted cycle and focus on institutional rebuilding, national dignity, and the restoration of self-rule.
