“National Unity for Survival”: From Words to Action

Tigray’s survival depends on credible reform, not campaign rhetoric.

TPLF has launched a campaign under the banner of “national unity for national security and survival,” holding meetings with women, youth, artists, the educated, and other social groups to call for collective strength in a time of crisis. At a moment when Tigray faces extraordinary challenges, any effort to bring people together is welcome. Tigray desperately needs unity.

Yet the campaign urges people to drop grievances and political differences and join the “Mekhete” (Resistance) without addressing the causes of division. This approach is unlikely to succeed if it does not first acknowledge and address the legitimate grievances and differences it asks people to set aside.

Unity cannot be conjured through slogans or rallies. It must be earned through reform and credible action. Without these, the campaign risks being perceived as a superficial gesture rather than a genuine call for solidarity.

Costly Misreading

Some, especially the leaders of the party, may attribute the rift between TPLF and the people to misunderstanding. The evidence suggests a different story. Many Tigrayans have turned away not because they misheard its message, but because of lived reality: Poor governance, insecurity, youth unemployment, economic desperation, and pervasive corruption.

This is exemplified by the widespread perception of impunity, where officials implicated in scandals—such as the sale of iron scraps from the war—face no consequences, while the majority of the population struggles to survive.

Each day brings deterioration, not hope. This has created deep frustration that the ruling party lacks not only the capacity to solve problems but also the moral authority to call for unity.

Yet the party continues with formulaic campaigns, as if ordinary politics can work in extraordinary times. That reflects a grave misreading of the public’s mood, which undermines the trust it seeks to build. True unity demands addressing grievances, not dismissing them.

Political Renewal

For the “Unity for Survival” call to be embraced by a broad majority, it must be grounded in tangible reforms. The following steps are critical to moving the campaign from words to action and building the durable unity Tigray needs.

Reform the Party Program—Unity cannot be credible while TPLF clings to “revolutionary democracy,” an ideology that many now associate with one-party dominance and stifled political competition. In the 1990s and 2000s, it was the framework that centralized control and stifled pluralism. Tigray does not need this repeated.

A meaningful program must embrace a true multiparty democracy, rule of law, and the principle that no single party owns the people’s future. It must lay out a practical vision for governance, justice, and economic recovery, issues that touch people’s daily lives.

A decisive break from some past doctrines, informed by both recent lessons and shifting geopolitical and global realities, is essential to convince the public that change is serious.

It is often argued that reform is a luxury during a crisis. I would contend the opposite: Precisely because Tigray is in crisis, building a more inclusive and legitimate political framework is urgent. Without it, the solidarity needed to face external threats will be fragile.

Leadership that Commands Trust—A reformed program requires leadership that commands public trust. This means promoting figures known for their vision, competence, and, most critically, their moral integrity.

Competence here is not about academic titles but the demonstrated ability to read the moment clearly, act decisively, listen to diverse voices, and put Tigray’s interests above personal or factional gain.

In a time of widespread sacrifice, the perception that some have amassed sudden wealth through corruption disqualifies them from credibly calling for unity. Only leadership that is seen as capable, accountable, and incorruptible can make the call for “Unity for Survival” believable.

A Neutral Army—The army must reaffirm that it belongs to the people of Tigray, not to any single party. It must correct its earlier misstep, particularly item 7 in the Press Release, which signaled affiliation to TPLF.

The army leadership should further recognize that siding with TPLF offers the party only limited benefits while imposing heavy costs on Tigray’s cohesion. A party that must rely on popular support rather than military affiliation will ultimately be stronger and more legitimate.

Properly led and given its historical attachment and rural structure, TPLF could remain politically relevant even without military backing. Military involvement is therefore unnecessary for its survival. What it does instead is deepen exclusion, widen divisions, and damage more than it preserves.

Unity will remain untenable if the military is seen as partisan. Many could support the call if the army openly declared neutrality, committed to protecting all citizens, and guaranteed safe space for every political actor. Only a professional, non-partisan army can both protect Tigray from external threats and sustain internal balance.

Independent Institutions—The interim government is scheduled to end in six months. A credible election requires independent institutions. If we do not plant these seeds now, we cannot reap their fruit later.

Unity becomes convincing only if the judiciary, media, and other vital institutions are allowed to function independently. These institutions must be accountable to the public and the law, not to a single party. Only then can we prepare a level playing field where unity and democracy can thrive.

Earning Unity

“Unity for Survival” is a necessary and welcome call, but on its own it is incomplete. Citizens expect more than words; they expect that this call be paired with tangible reforms.

For this call to resonate deeply and mobilize the nation, it must be demonstrated through a credible path forward that includes the four essentials discussed: a reformed political program, credible leadership, a non-partisan army, and independent institutions.

The campaign is therefore a good start, but not the finish line. Most Tigrayans are ready for unity, but they will rally only to a call that is backed by change. The call for “Unity for Survival” can inspire, but only reform can sustain.

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While this commentary contains the author’s opinions, Ethiopia Insight will correct factual errors.

Main photo: “National Conference of the People of Tigray”, 5 October 2025, Mekelle. Source: TPLF Facebook Page

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