Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London, (Tigray Herald)
News Analysis: Tigray Democratic Solidarity’s (Simret) party Foundational Meeting Marks a Strategic Political Shift in Tigray
On June 1, 2017 (E.C.), the Democratic Synergy Tigray (Simret) Party convened its first official meeting in Addis Ababa, signaling the formal launch of a new political force within the Tigray region’s evolving post-conflict political landscape.
According to Prof. Kindea Gebrehiwot, the party’s External Relations Coordinator and former Interim Leader of the Tigray Regional State, the meeting concluded with a consensus on key party documents, including its bylaws, manifesto, and future direction.
A Political Gathering with Symbolic Weight
Notably present at the meeting were former interim president of Tigray, Getachew Reda, and several influential political figures such as Beyene Mekru, Nega Assefa, Berhane Gebreyesus, Redai Halefom, Subile Kahsay, Almaz Gebretsidiq, and Tesfaalem Yihdego. Their participation underscores the seriousness of the effort and reflects a convergence of experienced regional actors seeking to shape the next chapter in Tigray’s political trajectory.
Decentralized Strategy: Zones and Districts
A significant outcome of the meeting was the party’s decision to structure its upcoming activities around the administrative zones and districts within the Tigray region. This decentralized approach hints at an effort to build grassroots support and ensure regional inclusivity. Prof. Kindea emphasized that these activities will continue until the party’s founding conference, highlighting a phased, locally grounded expansion strategy.
Context and Implications
The emergence of Simret comes at a time of fragile recovery and political reconfiguration in Tigray following years of conflict. The inclusion of figures from the interim administration suggests the party may seek a moderate, institutional approach to governance, potentially distinguishing itself from past political entities in the region, such as the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF).
Prof. Kindeya Gebrehiwot,“Our ideology is intended to address the criticisms that both #TPLF and #EPRDF used to face from the international community”.
Speaking to local medias about the party’s formation and objectives, Professor Kindeya said Simret is built on “a mindset that takes into account the current state of thought our world has reached,” and that it “considers the overall situation of the region and the country.” He described the party’s ideology as one that aims to “fulfill the desire for change,” which he said is “particularly igniting among farmers, youth, and intellectuals in #Tigray.” He added that the party seeks to ensure “high-level respect and protection of citizens’ rights and freedoms.” At the same time, he said it “fundamentally corrects the criticisms” previously directed at ruling parties.
By codifying its bylaws and manifesto early, Simret appears to be prioritizing internal coherence and transparency. The deliberate focus on all zones in Tigray may also be an attempt to address historical grievances of exclusion or centralization, indicating a reformist orientation.
Looking Ahead
The success of Simret’s political project will hinge on its ability to translate organizational momentum into popular support, particularly among a population still grappling with the aftermath of war. As the party moves toward its founding conference, its policies, leadership choices, and capacity to foster inclusive dialogue will be closely watched both within Tigray and beyond.
