In Memory of those who sacrificed their life to bring peace to the people of Tigray

In the wake of a devastating war involving Abiy Ahmed’s Prosperity Party and the Amhara Fano militia, the people of Tigray have continued to face hardships. Thousands have been killed, and the collective trauma remains palpable. Despite these tribulations, many held out hope that the peace accords reached between the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and Ethiopia’s central government would mark the beginning of a return to normalcy.

The Promise of a Transitional Government

One of the key tenets of the peace accord was the establishment of a transitional government in Tigray. This was envisioned as a crucial step towards the region’s reconstruction and eventual democratic governance. The accord stipulated that the transitional government would include officials appointed by the TPLF, who would hold 50% of the seats, while the remaining half would be drawn from civil society organizations within Tigray.

Unfulfilled Expectations and Finger-Pointing

However, months after its official establishment, the transitional government has yet to make substantial progress in governing Tigray effectively. Instead of moving towards reconstruction and stability, the transitional authority finds itself mired in blame-shifting. It claims that cadres of the TPLF are obstructing efforts to implement policies and advance the transition to a more stable and democratic form of governance.

A Historical Perspective: The Politics of Division

This impasse should not be viewed in isolation but must be understood within the broader historical context. The people of Tigray have long faced internal divisions fomented by political elites. This tactic of sowing discord within the Tigrayan community can be traced back to strategies employed by historical figures like Menelik II and Haile Selassie, aimed at weakening Tigray by fostering internal conflicts.

The Imperative of Unity

Despite a history marred by internal strife and external aggression, the people of Tigray have weathered unimaginable atrocities and destruction, largely due to their unity. If the current internal power struggle among political elites is allowed to fester, it risks playing into the hands of those who wish to inflict further harm upon Tigray.

Unity is more than just a source of strength; it is the lifeblood that has enabled the people of Tigray to withstand numerous challenges. As they face the trials of the present day, it remains the one asset they can ill afford to lose.

Conclusion

In these trying times, it is crucial that the people of Tigray, along with their leaders, recognize the importance of fulfilling the promises made during the peace accords. This involves not only making genuine efforts to move past the blame game but also actively working to reinforce the unity that has historically been Tigray’s most powerful asset.

The sacrifice of thousands of young people, who gave their lives in the quest for peace and stability in Tigray, weighs heavily on our collective conscience. Their loss serves as a sobering reminder of the high human cost of conflict and underscores the urgent need for reconciliation and effective governance.

For the sake of its future, Tigray cannot afford to let internal conflicts undermine the collective goal of peace, reconstruction, and democratic governance. Remembering the sacrifices of the younger generation should galvanize all stakeholders to make a concerted effort to fulfill the promise of a stable and united Tigray.