Ethiopia’s Decision: Strategic Move or a Recipe for Discord?
By Ali Musa, Axadle Times International – Monitoring
Amid the intricate labyrinth of political maneuvers, Ethiopia has embarked on a significant and somewhat controversial step. On a recent Friday, the government appointed Getachew Reda—former rebel and erstwhile leader of the Tigray region—as a ministerial advisor. This move arrives with its set of complexities, leaving analysts pondering over the potential consequences for the already volatile northern region.
One cannot help but reflect on the haunting shadows of a conflict that linger in the Tigray region’s narrative. The peace deal struck in 2022 marked a cessation of hostilities in a war whose tragic tally was devastating: an estimated 600,000 lives lost. A war that saw Tigrayan rebels fiercely clash with federal forces, as well as local militias and Eritrean allies. And yet, peace feels fragile, like a delicate glass sculpture, easily shattered.
To understand the current political quake, we must revisit the events just a month prior. Getachew Reda found himself ousted from his role at the helm of the interim administration—a casualty of an intense power struggle within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). Enter stage left: Debretsion Gebremichael, the new leader steering the course amid choppy waters.
Fast forward to Friday, where Getachew adopts a new mantle—as an advisor for East African affairs to the Prime Minister, holding a ministerial rank. One can’t help but question the motives behind such a significant appointment in the grand scheme of Ethiopian politics.
“A betrayal of the ultimate kind,” says Mehdi Labzae, an expert deeply entrenched in Ethiopian affairs at France’s National Centre for Scientific Research. His statement carries the weight of a thousand concerns. But why such stark language? Is it because Getachew Reda’s popularity is like a double-edged sword, capable of rallying support or sowing discord, depending on the wielder?
It’s worth noting that Getachew once served as a minister of communications, navigating the corridors of power until 2018, under the then-newly emerged leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. This context enriches the conversation with layers of political complexity and historical resonance.
Yet, there are others like Kjetil Tronvoll, a seasoned analyst of the Horn of Africa, who opine that this appointment could further widen the chasms in a region still marred by recent bloodshed. His statement echoes across the discourse, “Getachew Reda will be accused of showing his true colors by aligning with former adversaries.”
In the broader spectrum, one must ponder if this step towards reconciliation might inadvertently fuel tensions within the Tigrayan political elite. The Pretoria peace deal, while foundational, seems yet to cast a full shadow of calm over the myriad divisions it sought to quell. Have the scars from a tumultuous past truly healed, or do they merely lie dormant beneath the surface?
Ethnic allegiances and political aspirations intertwine to shape the ever-evolving landscape. With armed factions loyal to Debretsion recently seizing towns and overthrowing interim leaders, is a renewal of conflict but a whisper away? Moreover, the complex relationship with neighboring Eritrea, accused of backing Debretsion’s faction, adds yet another layer to an already intricate equation.
Could this be Ethiopia’s chance at paving a path to sustainable peace, or will it unearth old grievances, setting the stage for renewed conflict? Only time will unveil the answers, as Ethiopia continues to navigate these challenging waters.
Edited By Ali Musa, Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
