Tigray: A Call for Unity and Solidarity

Tigray is at a historical juncture: the people of Tigray have yet to emerge from the genocidal war Ethiopia and Eritrea waged against them. Parts of Tigray’s land remain occupied, while a fifth of its population is scattered as Internally Displaced People (IDPs) within Tigray and as refugees in Sudan. Civilian infrastructure, including education, agriculture, and health facilities, remain destroyed, with very little prospect of rebuilding and restoration.

The cessation of hostilities agreement (COHA) signed in Pretoria in 2022 may have silenced the guns but has delivered a negative notion of peace where the vast majority of the people continue to live under a colossal humanitarian crisis: children have yet to resume their education fully; survivors of genocidal conflict-related sexual violence have yet to find basic medical services, justice, healing and closure; children born from rape have yet to find spaces where they can be integrated to the community; war veterans and their families remain deprived of basic services; the people of Irob and Kunama continue to face existential threats from the regime of Eritrea and the people of Tselemti, Western Tigray, parts of Southern Tigray have yet to return to their homes safely and the refugees in Sudan have yet to return to their home country. 

While the COHA ended the armed violence in Tigray, the genocidal campaign continues through different, insidious means. The population remains deprived of the essential resources to recover from prolonged suffering. What is unfolding is a genocide by attrition, as basic necessities for survival and sustainable peace are systematically withheld. More importantly, the prospect of justice and accountability for victims of genocide is growing dim due to the premature termination of international investigations and their replacement by the sham transitional justice mechanism established to provide quasi-compliance than real justice.

Despite these enormous challenges, which require the concerted effort of every concerned Tigrayan, the political leadership of Tigray has been preoccupied with power struggle, ignoring their key priorities, exacerbating the suffering of the people, undermining the prospects of justice and accountability, and slowing the pace of social and economic recovery. The ongoing zero-sum politics among the political factions is causing polarisation and unnecessary apprehensions among the people of Tigray who have yet to find respite from existential challenges they are facing everyday. The ongoing political turmoil is adding salt to the injury which is tearing apart whatever is left of Tigray and its people. 

Worryingly, the urgent and critical issues of the day,  including the return of IDPs and refugees, the liberation of Western and Southern Tigray as well as the Irob and Kunama communities, justice and accountability for victims of genocide and conflict-related sexual violence are being pushed out of the frame and ignored in favor of power struggles that dominate the spotlight. Women are driven out of political and peace discussions, devaluing their efforts. Unfortunately, it is not an exaggeration to say that Tigray’s society has witnessed an incredible and vibrant level of unity and solidarity in a time of war than in a time of negative peace, making it vulnerable to both inside and outside threats. It is very clear now, more than any time, that the people of Tigray people are in need of standing together in solidarity and unity to chart a path towards a common purpose of building a better Tigray. 

In light of these developments, we, the undersigned, are calling all concerned citizens of Tigray at home and abroad to prioritise the peace, welfare, and security of the people of Tigray. 

Our voices converge on these principles and values:

1. A Just and Peaceful Home 

We dream of a Tigray, a just and peaceful home for all its inhabitants, regardless of gender, political persuasions, religious affiliations, or social and economic statuses. The values and social fabric of Tigray are forged through a long history of coexistence among people of different religions and traditions and have survived through several centuries of external and internal threats. The ongoing political turmoil leading to social polarisation are antithetical to the historical and lived experience of the people and disruptive to these long-cherished values. Therefore, we call on all Tigrayan citizens to nurture past generations’ legacy while struggling for justice and freedom rather than fall into the trap of the current developments that risk the destruction of social bonds. Tigray deserves a positive peace where people stand in solidarity and solve their mounting challenges collectively.

2. Equality and Dignity

Tigrayans are united by a shared experience of history, traditions, and culture and the tragic events of genocide. However, the outcomes of genocide are not experienced equally. Women, children, people with disabilities, the elderly, ethnic minorities, and poor urban and rural farmers have been disproportionally affected by the genocide. Though we may have different and divergent interpretations of the causes and factors of the current state of affairs, it is our moral imperative to demand the needs of the most vulnerable members of our society to be at the centre and forefront of initiatives, policies, and programs aimed at Tigray’s recovery. We insist that all Tigrayans have inalienable rights and deserve equality and dignity. The violation of these rights, either by omission or commission, and the subsuming of these rights under political expediency undermine the pillars of a just society. We believe that it is the urgent responsibility and historical duty of our generation to build on past achievements and to ensure the inalienable rights of all citizens are respected and protected. 

3.  Understanding, Reconciliation and Healing 

The genocide in Tigray has left deep wounds and scars; as we try to heal and build a better future for Tigray, it is imperative that we foster understanding, reconciliation, and healing amongst all Tigrayans. We firmly believe that recognizing and respecting our diversities, including the profound impact of the genocide on different segments of our society, is a crucial step toward fostering understanding, unity, and, ultimately, healing and fostering brotherhood and sisterhood.

We believe that grassroots peacebuilding initiatives are vital for building trust within communities, while psychosocial support and trauma healing programs will address the profound psychological scars left by the conflict.  We demand that truth and accountability mechanisms be established, including independent investigations and truth commissions, and those in existence are strengthened to bring accountability for the atrocities that occurred and ensure justice for victims. 

We believe in inclusive political and economic reforms to ensure that all Tigrayans have a stake and a voice in national discussions, paving the way for equal opportunities and progress. Together, these efforts will help rebuild Tigray’s economy and establish a foundation for long-term peace, stability, and prosperity for creating a resilient society where every Tigrayan can contribute to a brighter future.

4. Freedoms of Expression and Association

Every Tigrayan has the right to freedom of expression and the right to speak without fear of reprisal. We demand an open society where all voices, regardless of status or opinion, are heard and respected. Every citizen should have the opportunity to raise grievances and point out injustices within their government. No one should live in fear of exposing misconduct. True accountability in leadership can only be achieved when the media is free and independent, safeguarding transparency and justice for all. When the law is upheld, and freedom of expression is ingrained and anchored in the culture, it protects all equally, ensuring that those in power remain accountable and responsive. Only by nurturing this openness can we create a society where every Tigrayan has the chance to progress and contribute to a better future for all. Freedom of expression demands accountability and the rule of law. Thus, we request the media of Tigray play a constructive role in fostering a culture of responsible and critical use of media.  

5. Building institutions free of political interference

Traditionally, Tigrayan institutions at home or in the diaspora have never been free of political interference, constraining their contribution towards fostering the unity and solidarity of our people. It is important that Tigray’s institutions stay independent and act in alignment with the rule of law, prioritising collective interests above any political affiliations and safeguarding the future of Tigray. Similarly, defence, development, and vital economic institutions should maintain political independence and should be subjected to clear regulations and bylaws that ensure that top officials in these organisations do not simultaneously hold leadership positions in political parties. 

6. Unity and Solidarity 

We witness how political polarisation creates boundaries that divide people, weaken unity, and fuel hatred, which in turn perpetuates injustices. The emergence of diverse views and voices are welcome and should not be stifled since they are critical to a growth of robust democracy. However, the exercise of those freedoms should not lead to further fragmentation and destruction of the social fabric that holds Tigray together. Therefore, we appeal to all Tigrayans to pursue justice and accountability while simultaneously recognizing our interconnectedness and our collective responsibilities to maintain unity and solidarity. We urge all Tigrayans to recognize that our dignities have no boundary and the violation of one’s dignity is the violation of all dignities, stand in unity and solidarity while we are pursuing a just and peaceful Tigray.

Signatories:

Individuals:

• Batseba Seifu
• Berhane Kidanemariam
• Birhan Gebrekirstos Mezgbo
• Donek Zemo
• Getachew Assefa 
• Goitom Mekonen
• Leake Zegeye
• Meaza Gidey Gebremedhin
• Melat Habtu
• Mitiku Tesfaye
• Mulugeta Gebregziabher
• Rita Kahsay
• Samrawit Assefa
• Teklehaymanot Weldemichel
• Temesgen Kahsay

Organisations:

• Irob Anina Civil Society (IACS)
• Omna Tigray 
• Make Injera Not War