๐๐๐ค๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ค๐ by Teshome Beyene
Tigrai 2017: A Year of Turbulence, Resilience, and Reflection
Condensing a year of turmoil and uncertainty into a few pages is no easy task; however, it is possible to highlight the major events and their implications, while acknowledging that no summary can fully capture the anxieties, hopes, and contradictions experienced by the people of Tigrai.
The humanitarian situation remained dire throughout 2017. Makeshift settlements continued to dot the region, serving as a stark reminder of the ever-pending work of recovery and reconciliation. More than a million Tigreans continued to live in temporary shelters, displaced by conflict and insecurity. Moreover, territorial integrity remained incomplete, and promises to return occupied lands had yet to materialize. In short, the Pretoria Agreement is almost atrophied, with each party blaming the other for failing to meet its obligations.
Ordinary crimesโincluding robberies that ended in killings, kidnappings, and brutal assaultsโinitially seemed to decline but surged later in the year, revealing deep-rooted social problems. This rise in urban instability reflects wider systemic issues: unemployment remains largely unaddressed, and the demobilization and reintegration of young fighters has yet to take place. Together, these unresolved problems highlight a persistent internal malaise that threatens social cohesion and calls for urgent attention from both local authorities and broader governance structures.
Politically, the year was turbulent and disheartening. The removal of Getachew Reda as interim presidentโa few weeks before the formal end of his two-year termโmarked a turning point; his leadership had lent a measure of credibility, albeit he moved too slowly. He was replaced at the end of March by General Tadesse Worede under circumstances widely seen as compromising, with brief terms of reference suggesting near-subservience to federal authority. While Tadesseโs initial conciliatory approach offered hope for independent action, perceptions of his alignment with TPLF leadership soon eroded elite confidence.
Initially, General Tadesse appeared focused on revitalizing the government through a more effective bureaucracy, reconciling conflicting interests, and pursuing other well-meaning goals. Nevertheless, his start was uneven, and public expectations were not particularly high either. The circumstances of his rise to power were seen as questionable, which overshadowed his early efforts, even as people remained willing to give him a measure of benefit of the doubt. Analysts and activists alike criticized the lack of representativeness in his cabinet and his quiet sidelining of the Council of Elders and Technocratsโa body championed by Getachew and General Tsadakanโwhich some viewed as a significant disappointment.
The TPLF faced fragmentation, as leaders competed for influence and recognition, often prioritizing personal ambition over collective credibilityโa dynamic highlighted by the conduct of the controversial party congress in August 2024. Moreover, in January 2024, Tigraiโs military leaders formally pledged support to the TPLF faction based in Dr. Debre Tsion, a historically significant move that fractured trust within the broader TDF and led some members to return to the bush in preparation for potential conflict, although no large-scale clashes occurred.
Another troubling development was the TPLF leadershipโs recent attempt to assert control over key institutions, notably the TDA and EFFORT. TPLFโs action plunged both organizations into governance crises, undermining their independence and potentially disrupting the continuity of their long-standing developmental and civic work.
External calculations added further tension. The ‘Tsimdo,’ a proposed strategic partnership with Eritrea under Isaias Afwerki, quietly pursued by undisclosed elements within the TPLF, faced broad opposition. Interestingly, despite some muted enthusiasm in its favor, Isaias Afwerki did not endorse the initiative and even expressed veiled regret over not having acted more harshly against Tigrai, as revealed inย a transmittedย interview he gave this year. By the end of the year, Tsimdo had largely stalled, reflecting widespread public distrust and skepticism among local leaders.
Meanwhile, Raya resisted TPLF-imposed appointments and asserted the right of the people to leaders of their choice, reflecting ongoing tensions over political dignity and local agency. Administrative reshuffles elsewhere left zones without effective leadership for months, further eroding public confidence.
Additionally, Western Tigrai suffered from rampant gold looting and environmental risks from mercury and other chemicals. Authorities impounded some heavy-duty equipment and issued statements, yet enforcement remained inconsistent. In one of the most absurd moments of the year, President Tadesse publicly half-excused the corruption. He publicly argued for the atonement of the looting, saying that it had been carried out by local actors and that the proceeds may well be ‘invested in Tigrai,’ a justification widely regarded as both laughable.
Amid the turbulence, cultural revival and creative expression offered glimmers of hope. Ashenda, along with Meskel and Timkat, was celebrated across towns and villages, demonstrating remarkable resilience despite temporary. Literary and musical achievements captured public imagination: Mak Ezraโs Entwahade, Tesfalem Gebresilassieโs Yihalu, and the dances of young girls echoing the movements of their mothers and foremothers conveyed continuity and pride. Yet the year also brought sorrow, as Tigrai mourned the loss of notable figuresโAmare Teshale, Tadese Mizan, and Mulugetaย Gesesse, among othersโwhile the legacy of Meles Zenawi underwent unprecedented critical scrutiny, reflecting a generation unwilling to accept history unexamined.
Socially, responsible civic action grew bolder than ever, with individuals and groups speaking out on Tigraiโs politics and showing a clear moral compass. Their effortsโwhether on governance, education, or local accountabilityโreflected thoughtful engagement with the regionโs challenges, often handled with care and principle.
Furthermore, the outpouring of compassion and support for Tembien, where famine claimed lives in Abergele, was particularly encouraging, highlighting the solidarity of Tigraiโs communities. Equally heartening was the help extended to war-injured youth, providing mobility aids and support that may have eased suffering partially and restored some dignity. These acts underscored the resilience and moral commitment of ordinary citizens, even amid widespread hardship and uncertainty.
In addition, a few voices within Tigraiโs Muslim community advocated for the right of young girls in Axum to attend school while wearing the แแพแ (hijab).ย They acted carefully and responsibly, avoiding actions that might worsen an already delicate situation. Ultimately, the matter was resolved through a court ruling, demonstrating both civic prudence and the effectiveness of legal mechanisms.
The opposition remained diligent in issuing statements and clarifying policy positions; however, their failure to mobilize communities or hold public forums limited civic engagement. Calls for peaceful resistance, such as General Tsadakanโs announcement of a new movement, quickly lost momentum.
Meanwhile, the absorption of some TPLF politicians into Abiy Ahmedโs federal government sparked intense debate, with many seeing it as a betrayal following the recent devastation in Tigrai. Moreover, Getachew Redaโs candid but harsh interviews from Addis Ababa drew both mild admiration and concern, reflecting ongoing debates over leadership, accountability, and political direction.
As far as the remaining rump of TPLF is concerned, outlawed in May for failing licensing requirements, it continued operations amid whispers of internal division, while federal authorities failed to enforce the legal ruling.
Tigrai has never been as sharply divided along provincial lines as it is today, largely due to the shortsighted decisions of a group of TPLF commanders mentioned earlierโthereby deepening fissures and leaving communities and political actors alike uncertain and wary.
Yet amid these challenges, hope persisted. Youth and intellectuals engaged actively across multiple media channels, civic societies voiced independent positions against party interference, and the judiciary demonstrated unprecedented independence, issuing rulings contrary to party interests, suspending unlawfully called EFFORT assemblies, passing judgments against powerful figures in the case of Zewdi Haftuโs murder, and even closing benches in protest against undue pressure.
Finally, a seminal conference for reconciliation has recently been called in Tigrai by General Tadese Worede, offering a rare chance to address longstanding divisions. Yet true reconciliation requires careful thought, genuine intent, and an unwavering commitment to justice; it can succeed only if it is allowed to proceed free from political interference. Without sincerity and independence, even the best-intentioned initiatives risk becoming hollow gestures rather than meaningful steps toward lasting peace.
Reflecting on 2017, Tigrai emerges as a region caught between historical struggles, political fragmentation, and urgent demands for recovery. The road ahead remains uncertain; nevertheless, the experiences of the year underscore the need for careful leadership, inclusive dialogue, and close attention to local realities.
May Tigraiโand Ethiopia more broadlyโdiscover genuine pathways to reconciliation, dignity, and lasting peace.
Finally, may displaced populations return home, territorial integrity of Tigrai be restored, governance regain credibility, and citizens experience a safer, more stable, and happier year ahead.
PS: I have made minor corrections today to make this piece as accurate as it could. I have indicated the changes inย bold plus italics.ย Apologies for that.
Melat Kiros: A New Generation Steps Forward
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Melat Kiros, an Ethiopian American from Tigrian parents, born in Ethiopia and raised in the United States, has entered the race as a candidate for Coloradoโs 1st Congressional District for the November 2026 elections. She is challenging Representative Diana DeGette, who has held the seat since 1997 and will have served nearly three decades in Congress by the time of the election. Melatโs message is clear: it is time for a new voice.
If successful, Melat would become the first American of Ethiopian descent to win a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. At just 28 years old, she represents a new face of leadershipโyoung, female, and from a minority background. These are often seen as barriers in politics, but Melat approaches them as strengths, determined to show that representation matters.
She brings with her the grounding of both professional and academic achievement. A lawyer by training, she has worked as an attorney, on congressional campaigns, organizing young voters in Colorado, and similar tasks, and is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of Coloradoโs School of Public Affairs. Her doctoral research examines how money influences politics and, in turn, shapes the economic, social, and physical conditions of ordinary citizens. True to her convictions, Melat has pledged not to take contributions from corporations or special interest groups, relying instead on individual supporters to finance her campaign.
Politically, she identifies with the Democratic Partyโs working-class ethos. In a recent video message, she expressed deep concern over homelessness in America, declaring that a nation of such wealth should never accept the suffering of its most vulnerable. On her professional platforms, she has gone further, affirming that housing, healthcare, food, and education are not privileges but basic rights that should be accessible to all.
In July, Melat formally launched her campaign and has already begun reaching out to the Ethiopian diaspora, including an introduction at a gathering in Seattle during an annual community event. The road ahead will be long and demanding, but she has entered the contest with determination and a spirit of service.
Melatโs candidacy carries symbolic weight. It offers the possibility of breaking new ground for Ethiopian Americans in U.S. politics, while also inspiring her generation to believe in public service and leadership. Whatever the outcome, her step into the political arena is an achievement in itself, and a sign of broader possibilities for the future.
Let Melat be Crowned with Success!
God Bless America!