M/G Teklebrhan W/Aregay (Dr)

August 26, 2024

Introduction

The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), a key player in Ethiopia’s history, was instrumental in toppling the Derg regime and creating a federal democratic system. However, the TPLF name is now claimed by two newly formed factions, both of which have significantly strayed from the organization’s original principles. This prompts the question: why do these factions continue to use the TPLF name despite their clear departure from the founding ideals?

The TPLF emerged in the 1970s as a revolutionary movement seeking to address the grievances of the Tigrayan people, who had long faced discrimination and marginalization under successive Ethiopian governments. Through a combination of military prowess and political savvy, the TPLF successfully ousted the Derg regime in 1991 and established a new federal system that granted significant autonomy to Ethiopia’s various ethnic groups.

The TPLF’s Success

The TPLF’s victory can be attributed to several factors. First, the organization emerged at a time when the Tigrayan people were increasingly disillusioned with the Ethiopian government’s authoritarian rule and its brutal discrimination. Second, the TPLF was able to mobilize the Tigrayan population by appealing to their sense of identity and grievances. Third, the TPLF’s leadership demonstrated a remarkable ability to adapt to changing circumstances and learn from its mistakes. Finally, the Derg’s own brutality and incompetence ultimately undermined its legitimacy and made it vulnerable to overthrow.

The TPLF’s Transformation

While the TPLF initially emerged as a revolutionary movement with progressive ideals, its character underwent significant changes following the overthrow of the Derg regime. The organization gradually evolved into a more conservative and authoritarian force, prioritizing its own interests over those of the broader Tigrayan population. This transformation was evident in the TPLF’s increasing reliance on clientelism, nepotism, and extractive economic policies.

The Factions’ Persistence

Despite the TPLF’s transformation, its name continues to hold significant political and symbolic value. By associating themselves with the TPLF, factions can leverage its historical legacy and mobilize support. Additionally, the TPLF name can provide a degree of legitimacy and protection, particularly in a politically volatile environment.

However, the factions’ use of the TPLF name is fundamentally flawed. The original TPLF was a creation of the Tigrayan people, not a private entity controlled by a select group of elites. The organization’s legacy belongs to the people of Tigray, not to the factions that have appropriated it for their own purposes.

Why the Fight for TPLF Identity?

The factions’ competition for the TPLF name is driven by several key factors:

• Historical Legacy and Reputation: The TPLF’s pivotal role in overthrowing the Derg regime and establishing a federal Ethiopia has left a lasting mark on Ethiopian history. By associating with the TPLF name, factions can capitalize on this positive legacy, attracting support and legitimacy. Additionally, the TPLF name can shield factions from negative connotations associated with the current political climate or internal conflicts.
• Political and Social Mobilization: The TPLF name can serve as a powerful rallying cry for supporters who identify strongly with the organization’s historical achievements. This can help to mobilize people around a shared cause, even if the factions’ current policies differ. Furthermore, by using the TPLF name, factions can foster a sense of unity among their supporters, strengthening their political position and making them more difficult to challenge.
• Strategic Considerations: Disassociating from the TPLF name could lead to political isolation or marginalization. By maintaining the TPLF identity, factions can hope to remain relevant within the Ethiopian political landscape. Moreover, the TPLF name can provide leverage in negotiations with the Ethiopian government. By invoking the organization’s historical significance, factions can attempt to secure concessions or favorable treatment.”

Rescue the TPLF legacy from the factions

The people of Tigray, particularly the youth, must reclaim the TPLF legacy from the clutches of these factions. To achieve this, several steps are necessary: First, the TPLF’s history should be formally recorded and integrated into the broader historical narrative of Tigray. This will safeguard the organization’s legacy for future generations. Second, the TPLF should be declared a public institution, belonging to the people of Tigray, to prevent any individual or group from monopolizing its name and legacy. Finally, the people of Tigray must unequivocally reject the claims of both factions to represent the TPLF. These factions have significantly deviated from the organization’s original principles and should not be allowed to use its name to further their own interests

The TPLF’s enduring legacy should not be allowed to be tarnished by the actions of a few self-serving factions. By reclaiming the TPLF legacy for the people of Tigray, it is possible to preserve the organization’s historical significance and ensure that its ideals continue to inspire future generations.

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