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The Dark Side of Power Struggle within TPLF
An excerpt
By Assefa Leake(PhD)
Mekelle University, Political Science
The Tigray war in Ethiopia stands as a harrowing testament to the catastrophic conflicts of the
21st century, yielding profound and lasting consequences for the region. The TPLF, despite its
considerable power, finds itself ill-equipped for effective governance and resistant to relinquishing
its authoritarian grip. Within this complex regional tapestry, high-ranking military and political
figures, particularly those entrenched in the Central Committee, are enmeshed in systemic
corruption, resource expropriation, and egregious human rights violations, often shrouded in the
secrecy of detention. Their actions frequently prioritize narrow, self-serving interests over the
collective welfare of the populace.
In response, the interim administration has embarked on a law enforcement campaign targeting
various individuals, predominantly lower-level officials. Yet, the efficacy of this initiative warrants
scrutiny. There exists a pressing need for equitable accountability among senior military and
political leaders, including those within the Central Committee. Furthermore, this campaign risks
being co-opted as a tool of political retribution in the ongoing internal power struggle within the
TPLF.
The paradoxical stance of prominent leaders within the TPLF's headquarters—now excluded
from the interim administration—poses a formidable threat to the fragile political transition.
These leaders appear intent not only on obstructing the interim administration's efforts but also
on dismantling its very foundation through the convening of a party congress. This congress,
envisioned as a vehicle for their ambitions, is fraught with criticisms regarding its democratic
legitimacy—a deviation unprecedented in the party’s storied history.
Such internal discord unveils profound challenges, as dissent emerges from within the central
committee and resonates among a significant faction of members and supporters, as well as
influential figures within the interim administration. The federal government has also expressed
its discontent, contending that the preparations for the congress violate newly established
regulations governing party registration, thereby undermining the integrity of the electoral
board's institutional framework.
To discerning observers, the potential convening of this congress under such contentious
circumstances threatens to abrogate the Pretoria agreement that established the interim
administration. This precarious situation risks further discord with the federal government and
the possibility of reigniting armed conflict. Additionally, a pervasive public apprehension lingers
that such political maneuvers may serve as instruments of retribution against perceived
adversaries within both the TPLF's inner circle and the interim administration.
Such political rifts and internal power struggles are not uncommon in the realm of tyrants.
However, one must ponder the inadvertent consequences these conflicts impose on the masses,
who have long endured the oppressive yoke of the TPLF. The war has unleashed a cascade of
multifaceted repercussions, leaving a legacy of suffering and unresolved issues that echo through
the fabric of society.
In this context, the imperative question arises: how can we transcend tyranny and foster a
transformative peace in the region? This concern is paramount, demanding a rational inquiry into
the nature of power, justice, and the moral obligations of leadership. The path forward must be
navigated with wisdom and compassion, seeking not merely to end oppression but to cultivate a
flourishing society where the dignity of every individual is upheld and the shadows of tyranny are
dispelled.