The TPLF Dilemma: Navigating Power, Avarice, and Its Perpetual Grip

Abstract

Existing circumstances of the TPLF Leadership

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The TPLF Dilemma: Navigating Power, Avarice, and Its Perpetual Grip
Assefa Leake Gebru (PhD)
Department of Political Science
Mekelle University
The TPLF's Tenure and Its Legacy
Emerging in the mid-1970s as an insurgent group, the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF)
played a pivotal role in overthrowing Ethiopia's military regime in 1991, subsequently asserting
dominance within the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) coalition.
During its tenure, the TPLF/EPRDF adeptly constructed a new democratic constitution; yet, this
framework was devoid of true constitutionalism. While it implemented various economic policies
and reforms that heralded a period of commendable national development, this façade of progress
was marred by profound inequities. The regime faced severe criticism for the uneven distribution
of economic resources, fostering a chasm between the privileged and the marginalized.
Furthermore, the specter of rampant corruption loomed large—unprecedented in the annals of the
nation’s history—casting a long shadow over its achievements and undermining the very
principles it professed to uphold. Thus, the TPLF/EPRDF's legacy emerges as a complex tapestry,
woven with threads of ambition and progress, yet tainted by the corrosive forces of inequality and
avarice.
However, this ascendancy was not without undercurrents; it was marred by grave accusations of
authoritarianism and egregious human rights violations. The TPLF and its EPRDF allies faced
widespread allegations of electoral manipulation—fraudulent practices that undermined the very
essence of democracy—and systemic repression targeting civil society organizations, the press,
and political opposition. Critics decried their repressive tactics as instruments of control, designed
to stifle dissent and subjugate the populace. As nearly three decades of rule unfolded, the
TPLF/EPRDF encountered formidable challenges manifesting as widespread protests, social
unrest, and internal dissent. This tumultuous climate necessitated a reluctant embrace of reforms,
ultimately leading to the TPLF's marginalization in 2018.
The Tigray War and Aftermath
The emergence of a new prime minister precipitated a profound rift between TPLF leaders and the
incumbent government, igniting tensions that spiraled into a devastating war in Tigray by 2020.
Though belatedly, the international community intervened, facilitating a tenuous agreement in
Pretoria aimed at cessation of hostilities. This accord, heralded as a potential resolution to the
bloody conflict of the 21st century, has resulted in what can only be described as a negative
peace—a state of tranquility that masks underlying violence and despair. Nearly 21 months’ post-

agreement, the majority of its provisions remain unfulfilled, and the promises of enduring peace
linger as mere illusions.
Today, the region finds itself in a paradoxical state—a peace that, rather than fostering life,
cultivates a silent death. The Tigray War has inflicted profound devastation on the region, leading
to a severe humanitarian crisis marked by violence against civilians, mass displacement, an
unprecedented scale and nature of sexual violence, and egregious human rights violations. This
has resulted in tragic loss of life and a pervasive atmosphere of fear, undermining community
safety. The deliberate destruction of critical infrastructure has disrupted essential services and
governance, complicating recovery efforts.
In the aftermath, critical challenges persist. Food insecurity looms large due to agricultural
disruptions, severely impacting livelihoods. The absence of a stable security environment raises
concerns, with unresolved grievances fostering potential intra-community strife. The rift between
the TPLF and the Interim regional administration exacerbates tensions and hinders reconciliation.
Rampant corruption erodes trust in government institutions, while youth unemployment deepens
socio-economic woes. Simultaneously, social cohesion has eroded, fracturing trust and
interconnectedness. Notwithstanding scant improvements after the Pretoria Agreement,
humanitarian access remains limited, leaving many vulnerable individuals without support. Efforts
toward reconstruction and development are insufficient, complicating the path to recovery.
The current circumstances have ignited a fervent public outcry for the timely implementation of
agreements and a sincere political transition; however, concrete actions remain conspicuously
absent. It is widely acknowledged that addressing the multifaceted damages of war, along with its
lingering effects and complex postwar dilemmas, should be the foremost priority in the region.
Such efforts are essential for fostering peace, rebuilding trust, and cultivating a harmonious society
in Tigray. Regrettably, these critical issues are relegated to a secondary status by TPLF leadership,
who appear more focused on internal power struggles, compounded by a profound disregard from
the international community that further diminishes the populace's hope.
Most disheartening is the fact that the TPLF's enduring influence in the region, along with its
authoritarian tendencies, persists even as its national prominence wanes. The fractious political
landscape within TPLF leadership breeds hopelessness and resentment among the populace,
entrenching a cycle of despair. Amidst these tumultuous dynamics, factions within the TPLF are
fiercely vying to maintain their grip on power, employing various means—save for violence—
such as hate propaganda, open defamation, and disinformation disseminated through their
supporters and media platforms. Thus, the saga of the TPLF compels a profound reflection on the
nature of power and authority, as well as the elusive quest for genuine peace. It underscores the

complexities and contradictions inherent in the human pursuit of governance and stability,
revealing how the struggle for authority often obscures the path to true reconciliation and harmony.
In the broader context of power dynamics, the reluctance of tyrants to relinquish control is a theme
that resonates deeply with the TPLF's political culture and essence. Tyrants are often ensnared by
an unyielding desire to cling to dominion, driven by insatiable ambition and a paralyzing fear of
loss. The prospect of relinquishing authority evokes a dread of retribution, as they grapple with
the consequences of their past transgressions—corruption, human rights violations, and more. This
fear instills a deep-seated anxiety that compels them to maintain control. The TPLF, reflecting this
tyrannical archetype, exhibits a profound distrust of potential successors, fearing the instability
and chaos that could ensue in their absence. This trepidation fortifies their determination to hold
onto power, compelling them to cling to their positions until the very end.
Thus, the reluctance of the TPLF to cede power mirrors the complex interplay of ambition, fear,
control, and distrust that characterizes many authoritarian regimes. Their desire to shape the
political, economic, and social landscape becomes an all-consuming obsession as they seek to
imprint their vision upon society. In this light, the TPLF's current aspirations to remain in power
underscore the intricate tapestry woven from the threads of human nature and the existential dread
of legacy, illuminating the broader rational inquiry into the nature of tyranny and the perpetual
grip of power.
The Dark Side of Power Struggle within TPLF
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.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The Tigray War has plunged the region into a chasm of profound turmoil, where the very fabric of
society is frayed by the TPLF's relentless grip on power. This dominion, steeped in corruption,
repression, and a profound lack of visionary leadership, has not only exacerbated humanitarian
crises but has also obliterated the prospects for authentic peace. As the international community

bears witness, the imperative for a genuine political transition and the realization of peace
agreements emerges as a beacon of hope amidst the darkness. Yet, the feasibility of enacting
substantial reforms and comprehensive overhauls under the aegis of the TPLF presents formidable
obstacles.
In confronting these existential challenges, the immediate prioritization of humanitarian aid
becomes a moral imperative. Ensuring unfettered access to sustenance, medical care, and
psychological support for those affected is not merely an act of charity; it is a fundamental
recognition of our shared humanity. While the facilitation of inclusive political dialogue among
diverse stakeholders is essential for fostering reconciliation, we must remain acutely aware of the
constraints imposed by the TPLF’s authoritarian regime. Thus, our endeavors should be directed
toward cultivating safe havens for dialogue at the grassroots level, empowering local communities
to engage in advocacy that transcends oppressive boundaries.
The fortification of local governance and civil society institutions is paramount, yet this must be
approached with circumspection, as the TPLF may fiercely resist such transformative initiatives.
International engagement ought to be a clarion call for supporting independent organizations and
movements capable of operating in defiance of TPLF control, thereby nurturing accountability and
transparency from the very roots of society. Furthermore, the development of programs aimed at
youth employment and education is vital, serving as a catalyst to alleviate socio-economic
challenges and to empower the younger generation. These initiatives should be pursued through
alliances with non-governmental organizations and international bodies adept at navigating the
labyrinthine complexities of an authoritarian regional context.
Lastly, while the implementation of robust anti-corruption measures is essential for restoring faith
in governmental institutions, we must acknowledge the significant resistance such efforts may
encounter. Advocacy for transparency and equitable resource distribution should strive to cultivate
public awareness and mobilize grassroots movements demanding accountability. Thus, through
recalibrating these recommendations to the intricate realities of the current political landscape, we
may yet find the potential for Tigray to embark on a gradual journey toward a more stable, peaceful,
and equitable future, even in the face of daunting challenges.