What TDF Commanders Declare Is What Tigray Needs

At this critical juncture, the well-structured and thoroughly deliberated declaration by TDF commanders, a decision that took days of careful discussion and concluded yesterday, signals an unprecedented move to break the political deadlock within Tigray’s leadership. The statement, issued amid escalating tensions between the TPLF splinter group led by  Getachew Reda and TPLF, underscores the military’s dissatisfaction with the Tigray Interim Administration (TIRA) and its handling of critical issues. marks the decisive action that Tigray desperately needs.

The resolution outlined in the 13-point declaration by the TDF commanders aligns well with the proposals of the TPLF’s 14th Congress and includes the reorganization of TIRA as proposed by the TPLF. The military explicitly accused TIRA, under President Getachew Reda, of undermining Tigray’s interests by failing to implement the Pretoria Deal and instead focusing on reforms without a clear roadmap for resolving key issues such as the return of IDPs and the restoration of Tigray’s territories. This decisive call to reorganize TIRA reflects a broader effort to restore accountability and ensure that leadership priorities align with the collective needs of Tigray’s people. This move underscores the importance of respecting majority consensus after thorough deliberation, a cornerstone of fair governance.

Those opposing the TDF commanders’ decision and, worse, publicly lamenting their actions must reflect on their stance. While I recognize the deficiencies and accountability shortcomings within the TPLF and its leadership, the reality is that governance must ultimately adhere to the principles of majority consensus and pragmatic decision-making. When faced with two imperfect choices, the rational path is to support the one that aligns more closely with common sense and collective interest. My support for the TPLF is not rooted in admiration but in practicality—to guide it toward addressing critical issues that serve the people’s demands and limiting its scope to what benefits Tigray’s future. In this context, the TPLF represents the more viable path forward for stabilizing and advancing Tigray. The opposition from vocal critics, particularly those aligned with President Getachew Reda’s faction and social media advocates, not only undermines the collective will but also risks plunging Tigray further into chaos. Such resistance fits nowhere in the principle of common-sense governance, which dictates that, after all voices are heard, the majority decision prevails. Anything else leads to mob justice, driven by vocal activists and urban elites, whose detachment from the broader reality poses significant risks to Tigray’s stability.

The question to these opponents is simple: Do you advocate for collective decisions made after dialogue and majority consensus, or do you support divisive agendas that prioritize individual or group interests over the collective good? At a time when unity is paramount, this question demands an honest reckoning.

Moving forward, TIRA must be rearranged immediately with newly defined tasks and responsibilities. This reorganization should include a clear timeline and transparent communication with all stakeholders, including mediators. Tigray can only navigate the current challenges and secure its sovereignty and dignity by embracing decisive and collective actions.

For those who interpret this move or decision as an outright invitation to conflict with Abiy Ahmed and its inevitable consequences, let me be clear: this is not a call for confrontation. Tigray’s leaders and people have waited too long, longing for a peaceful resolution to these challenges. But as I’ve said in earlier pieces, we are dealing with a calculated adversary, and genuine peace requires honest and forward engagement. Confronting this devil with vigor is not born of fear of what may come but of determination to ensure justice and sovereignty.