Major General Teklebrhan W/Aregay (PhD)

July 31, 2024

The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has long wielded information as a potent tool for maintaining control. A culture of secrecy and opacity has been entrenched for decades, allowing the party elite to manipulate public opinion and evade accountability. However, the emergence of the digital age is challenging this status quo. This brief delves into the implications of this shift, examining the historical context, current trends, and potential pathways forward.

The Culture of Secrecy

The TPLF’s information hoarding strategy has been central to its governance model. By controlling the narrative, the TPLF regime has maintained a firm grip on power. This culture of secrecy was perpetuated by several factors: a pervasive public apathy characterized by the belief that leaders know best (ውድብና ትፈልጥ), fostering a culture of indifference; a climate of fear that silenced dissent, stigmatizing whistleblowers and those who questioned the status quo; and the ideological underpinning of Leninist principles, including democratic centralism and secrecy, which provided a justification for information control.

The Dawn (ዋግዋጎ) of Transparency

With a paradigm shift underway, the rise of digital technology and social media has made it increasingly difficult to suppress information. This is leading to a gradual erosion of the TPLF’s information monopoly. Increased access to information through the proliferation of media outlets and online platforms has empowered individuals to seek out information independently. Moreover, the emergence of citizen journalism has seen ordinary citizens taking a more active role in reporting and disseminating information. Despite efforts to maintain secrecy, government leaks continue to expose the inner workings of the regime. The TPLF’s internal divisions have provided a unique opening to leverage the power of information transparency and cultivate a new generation of change agents.

Challenges and Opportunities

While the trend towards transparency is encouraging, it also presents challenges. The TPLF is likely to resist this change through intimidation, disinformation, and other tactics. However, this shift also offers opportunities for positive change. Promoting transparency and open dialogue is essential for building a culture of accountability and establishing a more accountable and responsive government. Moreover, by providing access to information, citizens can become more engaged and informed participants in the political process, empowering them to hold leaders accountable. Strengthening independent media is crucial for maintaining this momentum and ensuring that those in power are held to account.

The TPLF is likely to resist this change through intimidation, disinformation, and other tactics.

The decline of information hoarding in Tigrayan politics will be a significant development with far-reaching implications. While challenges remain, the potential benefits of a more open and transparent society are immense. By embracing the power of information, Tigrayans can build a stronger, more democratic future.

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