In attacking the northern command, TPLF thought two things were in its favor
Posted: 28 Nov 2020, 12:24
One of the biggest miscalculations in modern African history was TPLF's decision to attack the Northern Command during their one day emergency meeting on 31st of October. They argued that Abiy didn't have the stomach for war. They said he was a hippie who would at best, fight for a few days and submit to international pressure. TPLF thought Abiy's need to maintain his image as a peaceful man would supersede his need to fight on. They argued even if he fought on that TPLF can hold off the ENDF until January 20, when Biden's administration would take control. They felt a Biden administration, which is close to Susan Rice, would place crippling sanctions on Ethiopia that would force Abiy into a power sharing agreement with the TPLF.
Of course, they greatly miscalculated. Not only did Abiy reject all international pressure, but his forces routed TPLF in the battlefields in under 3 and half weeks. Now TPLF is facing extinction all because of a hasty decision made in Mekelle on the 31st of October.
Of course, they greatly miscalculated. Not only did Abiy reject all international pressure, but his forces routed TPLF in the battlefields in under 3 and half weeks. Now TPLF is facing extinction all because of a hasty decision made in Mekelle on the 31st of October.