The Divide Within the TPLF Leadership and its Impact on Tigray’s Administration: A Call for Inclusive Governance

The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) has been the dominant political force in the Tigray region for decades. However, a notable divide has emerged within its top leadership, creating ripples throughout the region's governance structure. This internal conflict has impacted the functioning of the Tigray Interim Regional Administration (TIRA), which is primarily composed of members from the TPLF. Given that the TIRA is meant to guide Tigray through a fragile post-genocide (genocide) period, this discord has raised concerns about its ability to lead effectively and inclusively.

The Need for Inclusivity in TIRA

The current composition of the TIRA, which heavily favors the TPLF, has stunted its potential to become a genuinely representative body. To address this, there is an urgent need to reduce the percentage of TPLF-affiliated members within the administration. Instead, the TIRA should transition towards a more inclusive, merit-based model, incorporating technocrats selected based on their expertise and contributions, rather than their political affiliations. 

In this context, the ideas of political theorist Woodrow Wilson, particularly his views on the separation between politics and administration, are highly relevant. In his essay on the state of administration, Wilson argued that governance should be insulated from political partisanship, with administrative functions carried out by professionals based on merit, not political loyalty. Applying Wilson’s principles to the TIRA would mean prioritizing competence and expertise in leadership positions, ensuring that governance in Tigray is not driven by factional interests but by a commitment to effective, impartial administration.

Abiy Ahmed’s Divide and Rule Strategy

Complicating matters further is the strategy of Abiy Ahmed, who has adopted a divide-and-rule approach to maintain control over the TPLF’s internal fractures. By exploiting these divisions, Abiy seeks to weaken Tigray’s leadership and prevent the region from consolidating its political power. Moreover, his neo-liberal economic policies have earned him significant support from the international community, which views his reforms beneficial. Unfortunately, this international support has often overlooked Abiy's destabilizing actions in the Horn of Africa.

The international community must understand that while Abiy’s economic policies may appear beneficial on the surface, they are part of a broader strategy that undermines regional stability. By leveraging his international support, Abiy has managed to keep global attention away from his destructive domestic and Horn of Africa policies. It is crucial for the Tigrayan diaspora and all those advocating for peace in the Horn of Africa to expose this tactic, urging the international community to rethink its uncritical backing of Abiy’s government.

A Call for Tigrayan Unity

In light of the ongoing divisions within the TPLF and the external pressure from Abiy’s government, Tigrayans must remain unified. The unity that was demonstrated during the darkest days of the genocide —when the region faced gunfire and drone strikes—must continue. While there is cease fire, genocide persists, albeit in a different form. Tigray is still subject to systemic oppression, ethnic cleansing, weaponized rape, forcefully and illegally occupied territories, and disunity only weakens our ability to confront these existential threats.

Importantly, Tigrayans should not fall into the trap of supporting one faction within the TPLF over another. Despite their internal conflicts, both factions stem from the same political ideology. Focusing on factional allegiances risks further fragmenting the region’s resistance to external pressures. Instead, Tigrayans should unite behind the broader goal of creating a meritocratic, institution-based administration that serves the people of Tigray, rather than the interests of political elites.

Reimagining the TIRA

To truly serve the interests of Tigrayans, the TIRA must be restructured as an inclusive body, representing a wide array of voices from across the region. This includes appointing technocrats with proven track records of governance and development, not just individuals with deep ties to the TPLF. Such a move would not only enhance the effectiveness of the administration but also build public trust in the region’s leadership. Tigray’s future depends on the establishment of strong institutions grounded in meritocracy, where leadership is based on qualifications, not political connections.

The TPLF’s internal divisions and Abiy Ahmed’s divide-and-rule tactics pose significant challenges to Tigray’s governance and stability. However, these challenges can be overcome through inclusive, merit-based leadership in the TIRA and a unified front among Tigrayans. The international community must be made aware of the destabilizing actions of Abiy Ahmed in the Horn of Africa and encouraged to reconsider their support for his policies. At the same time, Tigrayans must focus on maintaining the unity that carried them through the worst of the war, ensuring that they continue to resist efforts to divide and weaken our region. Only through unity, inclusivity, and meritocracy can Tigray achieve lasting peace and self-determination.