Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London, (Tigray Herald)
Death of a Political Curse: NEBE’s Revocation of the TPLF and the Dawn of Tigray’s
Democratic Renaissance
Executive Summary
On May 14, 2025, the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) issued a historic ruling
revoking the legal status of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), citing repeated violations of electoral law, constitutional defiance, and persistent subversion of democratic principles.
This landmark act not only terminates the official existence of a party long associated
with authoritarian rule, repression, and systemic corruption but also marks a profound turning point in the political evolution of both Tigray and Ethiopia.
Far from being a mere legal formality, this decision represents a seismic political and moral shift—an overdue closure to the era of militarized ethnocracy.
This report delivers a comprehensive analysis of the TPLF’s ideological collapse, its descent into criminality, and the significance of its legal dissolution. It also outlines a forward-looking agenda for democratic renewal, transitional justice, and strategic engagement with global partners.
I. NEBE’s Historic Ruling: A Legal and Moral Breakthrough
NEBE’s final verdict followed a phased legal process:
Initial Warnings: Citing unconstitutional conduct, covert militarization, and electoral subversion.
Suspension and Investigation: Triggered by persistent defiance and anti-democratic behavior.
Permanent Revocation: Sealing the fate of a political entity that had become a parallel state apparatus, exploiting power to the detriment of the people.
Key Implication:
The TPLF is now defunct—stripped of legal recognition, public financing, and electoral
privileges. Its historical narrative stands repudiated. The path is now clear for authentic,citizen-led democratic renewal.
II. The Fall of a 50-Year Political Tyrann
Timeline of TPLF’s Decline:
Militant Origins (1975–1991):
Rooted in Marxist-Leninist extremism, the TPLF fostered
ideological purges, militarism, and anti-intellectualism.
State Capture (1991–2018):
After assuming national power, it institutionalized corruption, ethnic
polarization, and political surveillance.
Weaponized Federalism: Transformed a potentially democratic system into an ethnic control mechanism, silencing dissent and fragmenting national cohesion.
Collapse and Complicity (2018–2022):
TPLF’s rejection of reform led to civil war and enabled
the conditions for genocide in Tigray, even as its elites preserved wealth and privilege.
Ideological Rot:
The TPLF’s political culture was grounded in zero-sum thinking. Reform was branded as
betrayal, and internal critics were purged—especially among youth, women, and intellectuals.
III. The Criminal Nexus: TPLF and Eritrea’s PFDJ
In a perverse twist of history, remnants of the TPLF forged a covert alliance with their former
nemesis—the Eritrean People’s Front for Democracy and Justice (PFDJ). This desperate axis of
Coordinated cross-border militias and targeted assassinations
Facilitated illicit mineral exploitation and gold smuggling
Launched coordinated disinformation campaigns globally
This alliance illustrates what the TPLF had devolved into—a destabilizing, self-serving criminal network with no allegiance to justice or democratic norms.
IV. TPLF: Political Party in Name, Criminal Syndicate in Practice
Governance Through Exploitation:
Shadow Economy: Built on looting, front companies, and illegal mining networks.
Militarized Governance: Security institutions served elite interests rather than public
accountability.
Suppression of Dissent: Civil society, journalists, and activists were targeted and terrorized Ultimate Betrayal:
In the face of genocide, the TPLF prioritized self-preservation and power retention over the
safety of its people—deepening Tigray’s suffering while enriching its leadership.
V. The People’s Verdict: Tigray Rejects the TPLF
Extensive polling and civic dialogues by Horn of Africa Geopolitical Review in Mekelle, Shire,
Adigrat, and rural communities reveal a sweeping public consensus:
Educated Youth: Embrace a new politics rooted in merit, justice, and accountability.
Genocide Survivors: View the NEBE’s decision as long-overdue justice.
Women and Civil Society Leaders: Recognize the opportunity to redefine leadership and
inclusion.
Reformist Leadership: Under the Tigray Interim Assembly Council, enjoys growing public support—free from the shadows of TPLF domination.
VI. Beyond the TPLF: Rebuilding Tigray’s Democratic Foundation
- Institutional Rebirth:
Reconstruct apolitical, professional institutions—judiciary, civil service, security forces, and academia—free from TPLF influence.
- Genuine Political Competition:
Enable a multiparty landscape where ideas—not intimidation—define the political arena.
- Transitional Justice:
Establish independent commissions to investigate human rights abuses, corruption, and war crimes—with international support.
- Strategic Global Engagement:
The Tigray Interim Government can now forge transparent partnerships with the U.S., EU, AU,
and Gulf nations—focusing on peace, mineral diplomacy, and post-war recovery.
VII. End of the “Above the Core” Elite: A Generational Shift
The NEBE’s ruling marks the end of Tigray’s “Above the Core” elite—defined by militarism,
paranoia, and corruption.
What Rises Instead A dynamic, reform-oriented generation—the “Below the Core”—committed to ethical governance, institutional renewal, and international cooperation.
VIII. Strategic Recommendations for Reformists and Global Stakeholders
- Accelerate the De-TPLF-ization of all governance, security, and economic institutions.
- Support Transitional Governance Structures with international and regional expertise.
- Dismantle Residual Criminal Networks, particularly in illicit trade and disinformation.
- Empower Civil Society and Diaspora Institutions to foster political literacy, civic engagement,
and thought leadership. - Recognize and Strengthen the Tigray Interim Assembly Council and the emerging TDF-TPF
governance framework as legitimate agents of stability and post-genocide reconstruction.
Conclusion
NEBE’s revocation of the TPLF marks more than the end of a political party—it signifies the end of a long-standing political curse. For Tigray, it is the beginning of a new chapter: one anchored in justice, dignity, and democratic governance.
The oppressive machinery that once terrorized the region is now defunct. In its place must rise a bold, inclusive, and visionary leadership—rooted in accountability and remembrance of lives lost. The era of fear is over. The age of renewal has begun.
Prepared by: Horn of Africa Geopolitical Review (HAGR)
In collaboration with leading experts in regional politics, diplomacy, security, and strategic policy
