The calcified nature of TPLF
Posted: 21 Jul 2024, 01:27
The question one has to ask in the case of the TPLF is this: does the resuscitation of the TPLF from the brink of extinction benefit the Tigray people, or Abiy and Shimele’s so-called Prosperity Party? One would argue that it is the latter, not the former, who is going to benefit from a reconstituted TPLF.
The TPLF and OLF, as the architects of the ethnic federation, had two divergent interests in embracing this ethnic constitution. The TPLF, as the shaker and mover of the Ethiopian government, knew that if true equal ethnic representation were instituted, it would be at a disadvantage. Therefore, the TPLF ensured that the key power centers remained in its hands. Since the TPLF did not perceive a threat from the OLF and OPDO power structures, it believed its position was secure and never to be threatened by any particular group, including the Amharas, who were under the control of Bereket and loyal TPLF surveillance. The OLF and OPDO had submitted meekly while spreading their politics unhindered, becoming more powerful under the noses of the TPLF. The TPLF’s Oromo language barrier made it aloof and unable to easily penetrate the intricacies of Oromo politics, so it was taken off guard when the OPDO became more assertive on the national stage.
The TPLF was able to wield so much power because of its federal government resources. Despite being a minority in number, the TPLF controlled the lion's share of power and resources, and every other power fell in line enthusiastically. Fast forward to today: the TPLF is dethroned and has no means to enforce its dominance but is still arguing to keep ethnic federalism as the saving grace of Ethiopian politics. The latest TPLF meeting and its use of old Meles-era archaic terminology to describe the reality in Tigray shows the calcified nature of this political organization. Tigrayans should be at the forefront of dismantling the ethnic federation and replacing it with a democratic federal arrangement where individual and group rights are respected.
Regarding the regions that the TPLF incorporated into its administrative region in its heyday by force, it has to sit down and talk to the Amharas of the region and work out a win-win settlement. Any kind of trickery and political shenanigans would be costly for the Tigrayan people in short and long run .
The TPLF and OLF, as the architects of the ethnic federation, had two divergent interests in embracing this ethnic constitution. The TPLF, as the shaker and mover of the Ethiopian government, knew that if true equal ethnic representation were instituted, it would be at a disadvantage. Therefore, the TPLF ensured that the key power centers remained in its hands. Since the TPLF did not perceive a threat from the OLF and OPDO power structures, it believed its position was secure and never to be threatened by any particular group, including the Amharas, who were under the control of Bereket and loyal TPLF surveillance. The OLF and OPDO had submitted meekly while spreading their politics unhindered, becoming more powerful under the noses of the TPLF. The TPLF’s Oromo language barrier made it aloof and unable to easily penetrate the intricacies of Oromo politics, so it was taken off guard when the OPDO became more assertive on the national stage.
The TPLF was able to wield so much power because of its federal government resources. Despite being a minority in number, the TPLF controlled the lion's share of power and resources, and every other power fell in line enthusiastically. Fast forward to today: the TPLF is dethroned and has no means to enforce its dominance but is still arguing to keep ethnic federalism as the saving grace of Ethiopian politics. The latest TPLF meeting and its use of old Meles-era archaic terminology to describe the reality in Tigray shows the calcified nature of this political organization. Tigrayans should be at the forefront of dismantling the ethnic federation and replacing it with a democratic federal arrangement where individual and group rights are respected.
Regarding the regions that the TPLF incorporated into its administrative region in its heyday by force, it has to sit down and talk to the Amharas of the region and work out a win-win settlement. Any kind of trickery and political shenanigans would be costly for the Tigrayan people in short and long run .
