There is a crescendo of voices building as politicians, journalists and public officials rush to condemn the “war” taking place in Ethiopia and demand a cessation of hostilities. Well-meaning folks, and some with hidden agendas, are demanding that Abiy Ahmed enter into negotiations with the TPLF and to arrive at peace through inclusion.
For the average person reading the above paragraph, it sounds like a reasonable appeal. However, this view does not take into account the historical nuances that led to this conflict and the developments of the past couple of weeks which forced Mr. Ahmed’s hand. I do not write this article to champion war—I believe in my heart that wars are humanity’s greatest failure—nor is my intent to be a cheerleader for Mr. Ahmed.
However, there is a difference between aggression and self-defense. It’s on this point that I want to give the reader more context beyond the sound bites, talking points and unsought advice that are being doled out freely by the punditry over the past couple of weeks with respect to Ethiopia. Any discussion about the recent flare up in Tigray requires a broader appreciation than just the events of the past two weeks and a deeper understanding of the supposed aggrieved party.
The turmoil in Ethiopia has been decades in the making. After ruling Ethiopia for 27 years with an iron fist wrapped in barbed wires, the TPLF finally fell out of power upon the conclusion of a murderous campaign against the Oromo, Ahmara and other ethnic groups. Nearly three decades of terrorizing Ethiopians with brute force, mass jailing and...continued...
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