The Path to Wholeness: Comprehensive Reparations for Tigray

Image Source: VOA Africa

The genocidal war on Tigray, which started on November 2020, unleashed a torrent of suffering and shattered the very foundation of the region. True restoration and lasting recovery demand a multifaceted approach that includes restoring a budget from the Federal government and into providing reparations for damages done during the genocidal war. 

The Echoing Harm of Withholding Funds: A Missed Opportunity:

As documented by Addis Standard in October 7, 2020, the Ethiopian House of Federation cut federal budget subsidy for the Tigray region based on the allegation that the regional government is illegal. This means no communication or support was provided to the regional leaders. This restriction continued through the genocidal war on Tigray. 

According to Ammanuel Assefa, head of the office the Tigray Interim Administration and as reported by Addis Standard, said that as of September 2023, “the people of Tigray do not have access to “full budget” support.” It means that the restriction has continued in one form or another well after the Pretoria Agreement. 

Further, as reported by The Reporter Ethiopia, in a letter to the Ministry of Revenue, the House, led by its speaker Agegnehu Teshager, said Tigray is only eligible to share tax revenues beginning from the date the Ministry of Finance started disbursing the region’s budget. As Ammanuel eloquently put it: “The House’s letter concludes that Tigray did not deserve the tax as it was not considered part of the federation in the past two and a half years...However, it is actually the Tigray people who are members of the federation, not the region itself. Tigray was not outside the federation, so the Tigray people have the right to those benefits. We requested disbursement of the shared tax revenues for the past three years, but the House speaker wrote a letter blocking it.”  

The decision to withhold the federal budget from Tigray not only exacerbated the existing vulnerabilities but also had detrimental cascading effects. It deprived the region of vital resources needed to:

• Provide Basic Services: The lack of funds hampered the ability to deliver essential services such as healthcare, education, and sanitation, further jeopardizing the well-being of the Tigrayan people. This budgetary neglect left Tigrayans exposed to preventable diseases such as COVID-19, hindered their access to knowledge, and undermined their ability to maintain basic hygiene, further compounding their suffering.

• Maintain Infrastructure: The deterioration of infrastructure due to a lack of funding for repairs and maintenance restricted movement, hampered communication, and hindered economic activity. This crippled the flow of essential goods, choked communication channels, and stifled economic opportunities, creating a vicious cycle of hardship.

• Prevent Economic Collapse: Without access to budgetary resources, businesses were unable to operate, markets remained stagnant, and job opportunities dwindled, further crippling the regional economy. This financial strangulation pushed the region towards the brink of economic collapse, leaving communities struggling to meet their most basic needs.

The Glistening Wounds of a Region:

The genocidal war on Tigray inflicted a profound and multifaceted wound, etching a deep scar upon the region's soul. The human cost is staggering: over 600,000 lives tragically lost, about one million displaced, and the psychological scars of violence forever imprinted on the survivors. Essential infrastructure lies in ruins – hospitals unable to heal, schools destroyed and devoid of students, and communication networks severed, silencing vital connections. The economic and social fabric of Tigray is deeply damaged, jeopardizing the livelihoods of millions and threatening the very foundation of our society.

Beyond Budget: A Tapestry of Reparations:

Therefore, the region demands not only restoration of budgets, but comprehensive compensation for the damages inflicted during the genocidal war. This compensation must encompass a broad spectrum of needs, weaving together various threads to mend the broken tapestry of Tigray:

• Remembrance and Support: Financial assistance and support programs are crucial for families who have lost loved ones. This could involve the establishment of memorial funds to honor the departed, educational opportunities for orphaned children, and long-term healthcare for those bearing the physical and emotional scars of war-related injuries.

• Healing the Invisible Wounds: Addressing the widespread trauma inflicted upon individuals and communities through robust mental health services, psychosocial support programs tailored to specific needs, and initiatives that foster community healing and reconciliation. These services should be provided by members of the community itself in order not to retraumatize. This comprehensive approach is crucial to rebuild shattered lives and restore the social fabric of Tigray.

Economic Rejuvenation: The Bedrock of Recovery:

Beyond compensation for life and psychological damages, economic revitalization is the cornerstone of Tigray's recovery. This multifaceted effort should be woven from various threads:

• Resurrection of Infrastructure: More than 80% of the region’s health buildings, water infrastructure and schools were damaged during the war according to African Defense Forum. Repairing and reconstructing damaged roads, bridges, hospitals, schools, and communication networks is essential to restore basic services like healthcare and education, facilitate the movement of goods and people, and create an environment conducive to economic activity. This infrastructure revival will breathe life back into the region, enabling commerce, communication, and the rebuilding of shattered communities. 

• Reinvigorating Businesses: Grants, loan programs, and technical assistance can empower businesses to rebuild lost inventory, repair damaged facilities, and restart operations. This will generate jobs, stimulate the local economy, and empower communities to reclaim their economic independence and rebuild their lives with dignity.

• Empowering Agriculture: Tigray's economy is deeply rooted in agriculture. Providing farmers with seeds, fertilizers, irrigation systems, and access to markets is vital for ensuring food security, generating income, and fostering long-term economic growth. This investment in agricultural revitalization will not only nourish the region but also empower its people to become self-sufficient and chart their own path towards a sustainable future.

Weaving a Future of Hope: A Collective Responsibility:

The path to recovery for Tigray requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the multifaceted wounds inflicted by the genocidal war and restriction of funds. It necessitates not only budgetary restoration but also a commitment to providing holistic reparations, economic revitalization, and a recognition of the harm caused by the withholding of funds. 

By exerting pressure on the federal government to restore federal budget and reparations, the international community can play a pivotal role in supporting Tigray on its journey towards wholeness. This international support can empower the Tigrayan people to rebuild their lives and communities with dignity, hope, and the resilience that has always characterized their spirit.