Teshome Beyene
Tigray was once a deeply traditional and value-driven society, grounded in cultural institutions that sustained and guided us for generations. Systems like the Sebea Enderta, the 20 Adi Wojerat, and the Baito, along with traditions such as Lzib, Shimiglina, Higi Endaba, and Erki Enderta, served as pillars of wisdom, fairness, and unity. These mechanisms resolved disputes, fostered community cohesion, and provided stability.
Over time, however, doctrinal politics and revolutionary ideologies eroded these foundations. In the name of revolutionary democracy, these age-old systems were replaced with structures like the cadre system, Limeat Gujile, and the polemical Gemgam. What followed was visionless leadership, incompetence, and growing disillusionment.
This is not to idealize the past; the systems of old were not without their flaws. Yet they were locally rooted and culturally relevant, providing functional frameworks for addressing the challenges of their time. These traditional mechanisms can and should be adapted to confront the complexities of our modern era.
The current crisis: a tipping point
Today, the situation in Tigray is dire. The recent decisions by the military leadership, from both a principled and pragmatic perspective, are indefensible. However, we must resist the temptation to dwell solely on criticism and divisive rhetoric. Instead, we must focus our collective energy on finding meaningful solutions. Time is running out.
Our youth are idle and unemployed, fleeing in desperation and risking their lives on perilous journeys across borders. Over a million people are living in makeshift tents, while our political leaders prioritize self-interest over the public good. Civil society is compromised, and military solutions are unreliable. Popular rebellion will only deepen the crisis, creating a spiral of instability with no predictable outcome.
For over two years, we have been in limbo. Following the peace deal in Pretoria, we had a critical opportunity to rebuild our ravaged society. Instead, we are mired in endless blame, division, and inaction. We now find ourselves teetering on the edge of the abyss.
A way forward: reviving tradition, rebuilding trust
The only way to avoid collapse is by rebuilding trust and unity. I propose the creation of a Council of Elders and Wise People (CEWIP), a pragmatic, values-based body rooted in our cultural traditions. This council would consist of elders and respected figures delegated from each Woreda. Their role would be to provide guidance, admonish wrongdoing, and stabilize society in these uncertain times.
This is not a step backward, nor is it an attempt to romanticize the past. It is about reconnecting with the wisdom and practices that once held our society together and adapting them for today’s challenges. The impartiality, calmness, and experience of our elders are precisely what we need to navigate this crisis and chart a sustainable path forward.
The case for CEWIP
Some may dismiss this proposal as naïve, but I am not deterred. Reviving our values and empowering our elders is not only a viable alternative but also a necessary one. A CEWIP would not be a permanent solution, but it would serve as an interim measure to avert further societal disintegration. It would be a bridge to stability, reconciliation, and long-term reform.
Rather than focusing on blame, let us prioritize solutions. Instead of division, let us pursue reconciliation. And instead of chaos, let us seek stability. A Council of Elders and Wise People can help us achieve these goals.
The time to act is now, before it is too late.
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