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Petty differences should be set aside in the long-term interests of Tigray and its people
On the twelfth anniversary of Prime Minister Meles Zenawi’s passing, it is more important than ever to learn the lessons of his leadership given that Tigray’s political elite are embroiled in a power struggle. They should learn from his legacy and rise to the occasion instead of contributing to worsening Tigray people’s strife.
Meles was a statesman and visionary leader who transformed Ethiopia and rekindled a new sense of Pan-Africanism that brought rays of renaissance. Despite any real or perceived shortcomings, there are lessons to learn from his approach that put Ethiopia on the path to peace and development.
Meles was born in May 1955 in Adwa Enda Selassie in Tigray, Ethiopia. He did his schooling in Adwa and in 1972 joined the medical faculty of Addis Ababa University, where he studied for two years.
After leading 17 years of fighting that toppled the Derg dictatorship, Meles received an MA in business administration from the U.K.’s Open University 1995 and an MS in economics from the Erasmus University in the Netherlands in 2004. That contributed to his world-class thinking on the concept of the “Democratic Developmental State”.
As many others did, I truly appreciated Meles’ work ethic, intellect, and personality. He was, among many other things a family man, reliable, and witty. Every year the Mo Ibrahim Prize for Excellence in African Leadership was announced, I nominated him for it. He was deserving as shown by the testimonies to his statesmanship, visionary leadership, and formidable intellect.
Meles’ Mind
There are many articles and tributes from the well-known academics, government leaders, and ordinary people about his accomplishments.
One of his celebrated achievements is his work to defend the interests the Global South in the face of pushback from gigantic institutions and government leaders. Nobel economics prize winner Joseph Stiglitz captured the essence of how formidable and dedicated Meles was in his fight to help Ethiopians and Africans extricate themselves from poverty and conflict through Zenawinomics:
“Events in Ethiopia offer a case study of the ways in which globalization can go awry, and they highlight the need for reform. In March of 1997, barely a month into my job at the World Bank, I went to Ethiopia to meet with Prime Minister Meles Zenawi…During our discussions he showed a deeper and more subtle understanding of economic principles (not to mention a greater knowledge of the circumstances in his country) than many if not most of the international economic bureaucrats I would deal with in the succeeding three years.”
His bold step in starting construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam in 2011 despite Egypt’s opposition and his diplomatic prowess to bring together Nile riparian countries to sign the Nile Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) are some of his great achievements.
His efforts to improve the diplomatic influence of Africa, which weakened after his passing, are among his notable contributions. He was critical in establishing the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) and led the continent in global climate change forums.
Meles died while working to make his country and continent better and greater on the world stage. Unfortunately, the light he ignited for his country to become the light of Africa has been dimmed by his successors, especially Abiy Ahmed—and now by those in Tigray itself.
Lost Opportunities
Still, Meles was not perfect.
Some of his limitations were his belief in “trickle down politics”, which expected good governance in Ethiopia to trickle down to Tigray and other peripheral regions; his magnanimity that made the Eritrean regime to get another chance for revenge; and his decision to pass the baton of leadership to Hailemariam Desalegn.
Hailemariam epitomized the type of person Meles referred to when a journalist asked “what keeps you up at night?” He responded that it was “his fear of someone making a mistake that dims the light of hope for the country”.
This became a reality with Hailemariam’s decision to cede power to Abiy; his failure to take action on some of the chameleons and incompetent stooges, like the Amhara and Oromo EPRDF leaders who worked with him but later became champions of the betrayal of the Tigray people through their participation in the genocidal war on Tigray.
It is wrong to put everything on Meles given the collective leadership of EPRDF and TPLF. However, since the buck stops with the leader, I question whether he nourished the right future leaders of Tigray and held failing ones to account.
I do not doubt that, as always, he tried his utmost, but our current parlous state—which can be attributed to a lack of strategic leadership and institutionalization—by no means absolves him.
Leadership Lessons
Tigray’s current political crisis doesn’t put the values and interests of the people of Tigray front and center. I understand politics involves fighting for power, but it should not be at the expense of the common interest.
After going through a genocide, partly because of the lack of astute leadership in Tigray, it is disappointing to see public resources wasted on holding extended party meetings that only bring more division.
It is sad to see the party that destroyed the fascist army of the Derg, the party that led the socio-economic transformation of Ethiopia, the party that kept the peace of the Horn of Africa, the party that brought together the people of Tigray from all walks of life to defend the community’s extermination, and the party that was led by Meles, wasting its time and resources squabbling over power.
Tigray is currently facing famine, millions of internally displaced people, and decimated civilian infrastructure while in a volatile region with almost all neighbors in a state of conflict or otherwise militarized. Despite all these challenges the leaders of Tigray are squabbling for power. They have spent almost two years without making much change to the dire living situation of the people because the leadership is weak to take quick and decisive action.
This would never have happened under Meles. For example, his decisive action during the 2001 TPLF split was instrumental in moving Ethiopia in the right direction.
Meles must have benefited from his voracious reading, which may have exposed him to wisdom from Emperor Haile Selassie (“Throughout history, it has been inaction of those who could have acted that have made it possible for evil to triumph”), Winston Churchill (“I never worry about action, but only inaction”) and Theodore Roosevelt (“In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.”)
My question to the leaders of Tigray is: what keeps you up at night? Who is going to take action to stop the squabbling and focus on saving lives and protecting livelihoods in Tigray?
Elite Role
Tigray’s elite including its media should avoid contributing to the division within the TPLF by taking sides. Tigray Diaspora influencers should stop categorizing the factions as progressive or conservative without providing supporting evidence.
It is also harmful to characterize the TPLF split as the result of localism. The evidence doesn’t support it since both factions have people from almost all the big towns of Tigray. The recent inflammatory statement on localism by interim administration spokesman, Redae Halefom, who wrote a Tigrigna book on ‘Tigrawaynet’ two years ago, is an example of politicization of localism that needs to be condemned.
To my understanding, the split is caused by politicians jostling for position, which is a normal thing in democracies. However, the infighting is beyond that. It is accompanied by divisive rhetoric and actions that are percolating to the bureaucracy and segments of the population, including the diaspora and its organizations.
Academic Neutrality
For example, the failure of Global Society of Tigray Scholars (GSTS) to rearrange its annual meeting added to the division since it was perceived as taking sides. It brought together more than 1,000 people to discuss 28 presentations. However, some scholars from the TPLF were not able to participate due to the overlap of the conference with the party’s congress.
This led to perceptions of partisanship—especially given that some senior GSTS figures have publicly criticized the TPLF leadership. While it may not have intended to do so, GSTS added fuel to the fire. The Union of Tigrayans in North America (UTNA) took a position by sending a representative to the TPLF congress, but at least it was transparent, not hiding behind “unavoidable scheduling problems”, as GSTS did.
All media actors should try not to inflame a polarized situation. They should instead provide opportunities for all sides to appear on their media together to debate in a civil fashion. Media partisanship is common, but the current situation is very delicate and requires careful consideration by every Tigrayan and friend of Tigray, including YouTube channels publishing hearsay from those with an axe to grind.
Key to calming the situation is the Tigray Security Forces play their cards wisely, resisting siding with either faction and instead acting in the interest of the rule of law and long-term interests of Tigray.
Similarly, institutions like Tigray Development Association, the Endowment Fund for the Rehabilitation of Tigray, and the Relief Society of Tigray should be clear of political influence and their top officials should be barred by bylaws to assume party leadership positions.
Tigray and its people are more than any of us or our organizations. They have sacrificed blood, time, and resources to build their institutions over a long period of time. They need to be reformed and renewed to be ready for the next challenge—but, just like Tigray itself, they should never be destroyed.
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Main Image: Meles Zenawi, Prime Minister of Ethiopia speaks during the session ‘Africa — From Transition to Transformation’ at the Annual Meeting 2012 of the World Economic Forum at the congress centre; Davos, Switzerland; January 26, 2012; Photo by Monika Flueckiger.
This is the author’s viewpoint. However, Ethiopia Insight will correct clear factual errors.
Published under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International licence. You may not use the material for commercial purposes.
Tigreans are always under the opperasion of the Ethiopian elits, since the down fall of the Aksumite Empire. And the 2020 inter-regional Genocidal war that left handreds of thousand Tigreans miserably killed ans wounded, millions displaced, and tens of thousands migrated, tens of thousands of women and girls raped, The Tigray territorial integration taken over by our regions and countries such as Eritrea, and was ignited by the Federal gov. And its allied Eritrean, Somalia and special forces of the Ethiopian nations, nationalities and people’s and Drones from three middle east countries including Rusian and China, this destructive war is registered as the first in its kind and such barbaric war should be stoped from now on wards. No more genocidal war, and atrocities on Tigrans.
Meles was better than the others. Tigray became heroes because of Meles Zenawi.
Accurate Observation that is lacking in Tigray political discourse, specially while Extermination of Tigraians is ongoing by other means!! The Failure of the Current leadership of TPLF and PMT (Provisional Government of Tigray) cries out for NEW THINKING and The Removal of Both from the levers of power. So, what comes now and after is crucial. I would suggest Now: The primary issue is that food and Security of every Tigrian and Tigray itself. This is paramount!!If there is security, Food distribution to our people who have been made victims of Famine because of Genocidal and barbaric forces and return of survivors to Tigray can’t be accomplished. Tigrians need to establish A secure authority that can do this. The only way this can be done in current situation is for TDF to take power. (DDR is A Dream while the Neiborhood is being armed to A teeth!!) Please don’t talk to me about democracy either while Baby Pastor installed at arat kilo. What I am talking about is while TDF establishes order and returns Tigray to pregenocide status co, All Political parties in Tigray could Refine their political strategies and tactics including preparing for electionsthat comes after TDF secures the space for fair competition. otherwise, I don’t see a democratic participation in Tigray at this moment under baby Pastor Jumpy!! By The way whatever was agreed in Pretoria that isn’t talked about but otherwise communicated should be clearly explained to the people of Tigray. During this period Tigran Intellectuals should discuss the future of Tigray and come up with the way forward instead of participating in meaningless critic of tplf or pmt. This has been done enough already -Go Light the Future so Tigray could find clear road.
After securing Tigray the TDF Gov should declare A time period for consultation and
creating procedure for fair competition. This declaration should include how long the consultation period is going to be and how long the competition should last. During TDF Gov time Tigrian parties should refine ideas and their visions including settling differences. If they can’t solve differences, they must create separate parties with clear visions and how to accomplish them instead of fighting for legacy names.
At last, I want to thank you Mr. Mulugeta for your timely article. Courageous decisions are indeed required in Tigray Right Now with current and Future forecast as A GUIDE!!
Note to host of this site: Please post my comment. this is second time I am posting this comment. why didn’t you post it?
Accurate Observation that is lacking in Tigray political discourse, specially while Extermination of Tigrians is ongoing by others means!! The failure of the current leadership of TPLF or PMT (Provisional Government of Tigray) cries out for new Thinking and The Removal of Both from the levers of power. So, what come Now and after is crucial. I would suggest
Now: the primary issue is that the food and security of every Tigrian and Tigray itself. So safety and security of every tigrian and Tigray itself is paramount. if the is no security The food distribution to our people who have been made victims of Famine because of genocidal and barbaric forces and the Return of survivors to their land cannot be accomplished. So we need to establish A secure authority that can do this. the only way this can be done in current situation is for TDF to take power. Please don’t talk to me about democracy at this moment!! what I am talking about is while TDF establishes order and Returns Tigray to pregenocide status co, All political parties in Tigray could refine their political strategies and Tactics including preparing
for elections that comes after TDF secures the space for fair competition. otherwise, I don’t see A democratic participation in Tigray at this moment specially under Baby Pastor Jumpy. “By the way whatever was agreed in Pretoria that isn’t talked about but otherwise communicated should be clearly explained to the people of Tigray.”
During this period Tigrian Intellectuals should discuss the future of tigray and come up with the way forward instead of participating in meaningless critic of the TPLF or PMT, that have been done enough already – go light the future so Tigray could find clear road.
Then after secure Tigray is accomplished, The TDF Government with Consultation should Declare period for the creating procedure for fair competition. This declaration should include how long the consultation period is going to be and how long the Competition should last.
During TDF government time, Tigrian parties should refine ideas and visions including settling their differences. if they can’t solve their differences, they must create separate parties with clear separate visons and how to accomplish them instead of fighting for legacy Names.
At last, I want to thank you Mr. Mulugeta for your timely article. Courageous decisions are Indeed Required in Tigray right NOW with current and future forecast
as A GIUDE!!
The biggest problem in Tigray and the root source of the current crisis in the region is the undemocratic nature of the TPLF. The organisation had its roots in Marxist ideology that is intolerant of any opposition, and never believed in the need to change leadership periodically through democratic elections and open debates.
Under the circumstances, the only salvation left for Tigray and the greater polity called Ethiopia is to work towards establishing a democratic order where leaders are elected through free and fair elections that are time bound and open to scrutiny. Back dealings and demagoguery won’t work.
I am not trying to stifle criticism and freedom of expression but, rather aimed at writing critically appraising the activities of a few individuals who try to make a political career by using their PHD credential to enforce their opinion. I believe personally in the free flow of ideas that individuals can write articles or essays in defense of their own fundamental rights and their own aspirations at any rate, out of respect I hope my suggestions or criticism will be constructive and dignified. “If it wasn’t for my bad luck,” said the old blues singer, “I would have said I have no luck at all”. As if suffering under TPLF’s tyranny wasn’t bad enough of a curse, our poor people are faced with stark reality, deadly war and genocide a fast-approaching break-up of the country. That was Meles Legacy.
We have witnessed post-Meles Ethiopia trajectory turmoil and political vision like house of cards crumbled the general direction of Ethiopia’s political and economic transformation grand vision scaled down or abandoned. I wish the author’s intention was to open a dialog between the Interim Administration and TPLF lead Debretsion PHD, and the opposition to usher a new beginning and forge a cohesive approach. The author’s message was lost in the sea of ignorant political discourse. I assume he is probably blinded and misguided to know in depth what transpired to the current ticking time bomb or deliberately omit to glorify Meles Zenawi.
It is the persistent stand taken by the opportunist like the author who claimed to be activist trying hard downplayed the dilemma Tigreans are tried to hide by their Awraja affiliation to hide the ideology or philosophy of the TPLF role. This remains much ignorance among those who claimed to possess special insight and knowledge about Tigrai to bury the truth. Most of them are affiliated by wishful thinking, conditioned by the previous status quo. One needs to differentiate the problem of Awraja and ideology from the situation in the heads of the spin-doctors and the propagandist.
The Tigrean youths paid so much sacrifice at their tender age so that we live in peace and tranquility regardless the path of the leadership past and current pursuing. Such resentment towards Tigrayans will not help to advance their political move. Enough is enough and let’s work together for the common good and open a dialog on things that matter the most for Tigrai.
Debretsion et al who should have been in prison are fighting to come back to the palace. It’s a shame they have followers!
As things stand now, Abiy is dealing with Tigray as a captive region, and he is not inclined to give Tigray the resources it needs to normalize and rebuild. While Debretsion may insist Pretoria agreement to be implemented especially in the matter of IDPs, Getachew Reda is trying to keep the peace, and work with the slow and limited things he can get from Abiy. This may be the real fissure in TPLF leadership. I would not characterize it as a petty squabble.
Whether TPLF will continue to function or is sidelined as the ruling party, this much is clear: TPLF will always represent the spirit of Tigray, the noble cause to defend Tigray.
You have to know that meles’s ideology is the source of all evils to the suffering of the Tigrayan people.he served the interest of the Eritrean bandits at the expense of Tigrayans.
If “Eritreans” are bandits then what are Tigrayans? Last I checked, “Ethiopians” called you daytime hyenas. Such a descriptive name and it seems accurate to me.
Meles Zenawi made many big mistakes but his worst one was putting the African Union in Addis Ababa. He brought shaytan to our country!
It is wrong to think the current situation under Meles. He had no mistake in clarifying the current TPLF cc members, he used to call them naive & never allowed them to be cc member. Hailemariam was not wrong but the guys who cascaded Tigrai to genocide & now denying it. They never understood what was going in Eth but fighting to topple Abay weldu & seize power in Tigrai, lost the basis of 17 years of sacrifice. Now again doing same.
So would Meles do to prevent these guys?
What is at hand is to mobilize our people remove all the cc members who lead before, during the genocide; they have no clue about world order, politics & communication.
Prof. If you have the inner value; speak the truth.
Meles controlled the 2005 genocidal alliance organized by world big players like USA, UK, EUROPE etc.
First you must admit that TPLF is a terrorist group. Only then can you see why everyone has been upset the past 30 years.
Do you really think there are good TPLF members, and if so then who are they?
Good contribution. For a better output to prevail out of the ongoing infighting between politicians of one party, stakeholders other than the politicians themselves will have to distance themselves from directly involving taking sides. This by itself discourages the politicians and helps the wider society shift focus on issues that ruined Tigray needs addressed urgently.
Tigray so called intellectuals are the danger for themselves and the entire Ethiopia. They always forget the only strength they had was labeling Amhara as their enemy but in the moment Oromos are in power. Those Oromos used to subscribe to the Tirgayans ideology until they get to hold power. So whatever the Tigray intellectuals say now doesn’t matter in the great scheme of things. They should have know Amharas were their brothers more than any other community. No regrets?
Brother is this why hailer selassie boomed timbean! Is this why hailer selassie starved tigrayan and took raya away giving to wollo as well try to assimilate tigrayan to amhara language. Please don’t lie be truthful all Ethiopian leader have betrayed tigrayans. Amhara elite ain’t any better.
Haileselassie didn’t discriminate to crash those revolted against his power whether they are from Tigray, Gojam or Bale. That was the modus operando of the time. All kings did it.
Thomas, you are stuck in the past. You are mad about “Haile Selassie” but his ascent to the throne was only made possible by Tigray leaders such as “Yohannes IV” and his family. Not only that but present-day Tigrayans have continuously spewed hatred for “Amharas” and would have gladly bombed Bahir Dar if given the chance.
Most importantly though, there is no way you can convince anyone the Raya is Tigrayan. Rayan people are former slaves just like the southern region of “Ethiopia” which means they will never be fully accepted by real Tigrayans.
The situation in Tigray is complex, and it’s crucial to examine the roles played by various groups in this conflict. It is reported that some factions, including those identifying as Amhara and they rebel, have been involved in severe human rights violations against the Tigrayan people, such as blocking essential aid and committing acts of violence against women and children. Before embracing terms like “brotherhood,” it’s important to acknowledge these grave actions and their impact on the Tigray committed mostly by Amhara ethnic group. A deeper understanding of these dynamics is necessary to foster genuine dialogue and reconciliation. Back in time you called us foe and now brother