๐๐๐ค๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ค๐ by Teshome Beyene
TDA: Endangered Institution
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The Tigray Development Association (TDA) was once a relatively independent organization rallying Tegaru around its development mission. That seems to have changed last week. A tense congress ended with a third of attendees walking out, yet elections proceededโresulting in two executive committee members of the TPLF joining the 15-member board.
The pattern is now familiar: after asserting dominance over the TDF and EFFORT, TPLF is tightening its hold on TDA. Civil society institutions, by design, should stay above politics. This kind of interference erodes public trust and weakens their impact.
Getachewโs New Party: It Should Set Itself Apart!
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Reports suggest Getachew Reda is forming a new political party. With eight others already in the mix, the key question is: what makes this one different?
Unless it presents clear positions on Tigrayโs future status, peace and security, and land/resource rights, it risks becoming just another indistinct voice.
The timing is strategicโGetachew is capitalizing on his popularity with the young โbut the public deserves more than a rebranding.
Hopefully, this isnโt just a move to settle scores with TPLF leadership or curry favor with the Prosperity Party.
Tadese Meets the Council: A Promising Gesture!
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General Tadese and the leaders of the Provisional Council met finally this week. A group photo confirmed the meeting. But the Council leaders appeared subdued. Still, itโs a positive step. Tadese would do well to treat the Council as a vital advisory partnerโrepresentative, if not elected. He may not get a broader base of voices elsewhere.
Protests and Demonstrations: Legitimate Expressions of Dissent
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This week saw localized protestsโfrom calls for removing certain security regiments stationed in a locality to frustration over land allocations for low-cost housing in Mekelle.
General Tadeseโs cabinet must act swiftly to defuse these tensionsโreal or perceived with a positive frame of mind. Most importantly, it is better advised to see such public actions as an exercise of an intrinsic right of expression.
I would like to add that media outlets like Dedebit Media aren’t helping in this regard. Instead of fostering unity, they’re amplifying division among Tegaru, whether aware or unaware.
TPLF Cadre Meeting: Old Habits, Diminishing Returns
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TPLF held a major cadre meeting in Mekelle this weekโnothing new for an organization that thrives on endless internal gatherings. But this one comes just almost on the eve of its potentially losing its license on the decision of the Federal Election Board.
It is likely aimed to show defiance and/or prepare a strategy for survival. That said, many people have grown weary of these performative meetings. They no longer inspire, let alone deliver.