Mekelle፡Telaviv, Nairobi, Pretoria, London, (Tigray Herald).
Horn of Africa Geopolitical Review (HAGR)In Partnership with Tigray Herald Editorial Board
Strategic Narrative Analysis | July 2025
“Wisdom vs. Warmongering: The Soul of Tigray in Conflict”
A Comparative Assessment of the Mothers of Wejerat and the Dangerous Militarism of TPLFHardliners
Executive Summary
In the critical post-genocide chapter of Tigray’s history, two starkly divergent paths have emerged each reflecting opposing moral, political, and social paradigms. On one side stand the Mothers of Wejerat 20 Adi, revered for their grassroots wisdom, spiritual clarity, and moral authority. On the other, the public voice of TPLF military hardliners, personified by General Yohannes Gebregiorgis, whose media appearances have revived authoritarian, divisive, and war-driven rhetoric.
This report provides a strategic, professional, and internationally framed comparative analysis of these opposing directions. It examines how the indigenous conflict resolution traditions and ethical leadership of Wejerat’s women ofer a sustainable foundation for peace, justice, andpost-conflict governance. In contrast, it warns against the return of militarized politics, factional authoritarianism, and anti-civilian incitement dangerously promoted by TPLF military figures seeking to derail reform.
The conclusion is clear: the future of Tigray hinges on the rejection of warlords and the embrace of indigenous, people-centered leadership rooted in truth, humility, and justice.
I. Tigray at a Crossroads: Competing Visions for the Region’s Future
Tigray is navigating a delicate post-genocide recovery, marked by a struggle betweendemocratic transformation and authoritarian regression. At this historic juncture, two paradigms dominate the political landscape:
- Paradigm of Indigenous Wisdom and Feminine Leadership
Represented by the Mothers of Wejerat 20 Adi women with no formal education but endowed with deep moral conviction, communal foresight, and conflict resolution wisdom.Their voices advocate for peace, community justice, and rejection of warlordism.Their moral leadership has galvanized reformists and inspired democratic aspirations acrossTigray.
- Paradigm of Militarized Elitism and Reactionary Warmongering
Embodied by General Yohannes Gebregiorgis and other TPLF hardliners, whose speeches on Jon Media incite civil conflict, glorify past militarism, and attack independent institutions.These figures undermine the Pretoria Peace Agreement and threaten Tigray’s fragile recovery.Their allegiance to a political-military cult prioritizes control over people’s welfare.
II. The Wejerat Legacy: A Beacon of Community Wisdom and Justice
Geographical and Historical Context:
Wejerat 20 Adi, in southeastern Tigray, was once part of the historic Enderta Awraja.Now a sub-wereda of Hintalo-Wejerat, it encompasses 8 modern kebeles: Sebebera, Gonka,Sen’ale, Genti, Adi-keyh, Tsehafty, Adi-mesno, and Bahri-Hatsey (the capital).Historically known as Isra-Adi, these villages uphold a rich tradition of communal governance and indigenous diplomacy.
The Mothers of Wejerat: Moral Pillars of Post-Genocide Recovery:
These women embody ethical leadership and spiritual clarity, despite lacking formal education.They have publicly condemned TPLF’s militarized factions, rejected renewed calls for war, and emphasized:Peace and lawful governance over violence and lawlessness.Accountability for war crimes and corruption committed by military elites. Protection and implementation of the Pretoria Agreement as a legitimate path to peace.Empowerment of community-centered leadership as an antidote to military domination.
Their words carry weight not from titles or force, but from communal respect, historical wisdom,and deep emotional intelligence.
III. Homegrown Conflict Resolution: The Wejerat Model as a Blueprint for Tigray
The Wejerat community ofers a robust, culturally embedded model of non violent conflict resolution. It is built on communal participation, spiritual humility, and ethical dialogue.
Mechanisms of Resolution:
Shimagile/Abogereb(Elders’ Council): Elders with lived experience and wisdom mediate disputes,ensuring culturally grounded and just outcomes.
Restorative Justice Circles: Victims and perpetrators engage in face-to-face reconciliationprocesses, guided by community.Women-Led Mediation:
Women are central figures in dispute resolution due to their trustworthiness, emotional balance, and focus on peace.
Open Community Dialogues: Regular public assemblies facilitate transparency, mutual respect,and long-term social cohesion.
Guiding Principles:
- Neutrality & Trust
- Inclusiveness & Respect
- Transparency & Honesty
- Restorative Justice over Punitive Action
- Protection of the Vulnerable This model is a living example of democratic self-governance and peaceful post-conflict rehabilitation one that can be institutionalized across Tigray.
IV. The Threat of Militarized Elitism:
General Yohannes Gebregiorgis’ Dangerous Rhetoric
Highlights from the Jon Media Appearance:
Advocated internal war against reformist civilian leaders.Called for reinstating military dominance in Tigray’s political afairs.Labeled independent media outlets like TBS TV and Laza Tigryna Media as “traitors.”Attempted to revive the defunct TPLF’s authoritarian legitimacy.Promoted a criminal alliance between the TPLF faction and Eritrea’s PFDJ regime, under theguise of a “strategic unity” a direct threat to Tigray’s sovereignty and dignity.
Key Violations and Risks:
Incitement to Violence: Violates both Ethiopian constitutional law and international normsprohibiting hate speech and war propaganda.
Undermining Peace: Sabotages the Pretoria Agreement and diplomatic progress.
Criminal Collusion: Forms de facto alliance with the genocidal PFDJ regime.Suppression of Free Media: Undermines Tigray’s democratic institutions and freedom ofspeech.General Yohannes exemplifies the broader crisis of unaccountable militarism clinging torelevance through intimidation and destabilization.
V. Comparative Matrix: Wisdom vs. Militarism
Criteria Mothers of Wejerat (Voices of Wisdom) (Warmongering Speech)General Yohannes & TPLF Hardliners Source of Authority powerLeadership Style Vision for Tigray dominance Community-based, ethical, and spiritual Military hierarchy and legacy Humble, participatory, inclusive Aggressive, authoritarian, top-down Peace, accountability, social justice War, vengeance, factional Relationship to Media Supportive of independent journalism inciting against journalists Hostile to media freedom,Impact on Governance Strengthens reform and reconciliation governance, fuels civil conflict Destabilizes civilian Public Trust credentials Earned through service and honesty Claimed through coercion and militaryAlignment with Law Advocates for constitutional and moral law Undermines legal frameworks and peace accords
VI. Strategic Implications for Tigray’s Political Future
The Road Ahead Requires:
Protection and amplification of grassroots wisdom especially the voices of indigenous women leaders like those of Wejerat.Institutionalization of home grown conflict resolution mechanisms as part of Tigray’speace building framework.Immediate political and legal accountability for military leaders who incite internal violence orcollude with external enemies.A total rejection of war cults, revolutionary nostalgia, and militarized authoritarianism.A free, vibrant media space protected by law and community engagement.
VII. International Recommendations
Directed to:
United Nations Human Rights Council | African Union Peace and Security Council | EuropeanUnion External Action Service | U.S. State Department
- Investigate and publicly denounce the warmongering rhetoric and illegal political activities ofTPLF military elites.
- Recognize and support the Wejerat conflict resolution model as a scalable example ofindigenous peacebuilding.
- Protect Tigray’s independent media outlets, ensuring they are not silenced by former armedfactions.
- Empower women-led and community-based leadership in transitional justice, democraticgovernance, and social reconstruction. Final Declaration
“Tigray’s future must be feminine, wise, and peaceful or it will be lost to militarism, division,and authoritarian regression.”The struggle for Tigray’s soul is no longer about arms or alliances; it is about vision, morality,and courage. The Mothers of Wejerat have spoken not with bullets, but with wisdom. Their leadership must be elevated, protected, and institutionalized. It is time for the internationalcommunity and reformist Tigrayans alike to reject the cult of war and instead rally aroundjustice, dignity, and indigenous moral leadership.
Prepared and Reviewed by:Horn of Africa Geopolitical Review (HAGR)In Collaboration with Tigray Herald Editorial Board
July 2025 | Mekelle | Nairobi | Brussels “Let the war drums be silenced. Let the wisdom of mothers guide us home.”
