
Today it has gotten to my attention that the Tigray National Political Forum (the Alliance for Radical Change) or the Opposition Parties in the Region of Tigray have planned to hold demonstrations on the 7th September 2023. These parties are Salsay Weyane Tigray (SaWeT), National Congress of Great Tigray (Baytona) and Tigray Independence Party (TIP). They have sent a joint letter protesting to the Interim Regional Administration, which has blocked the planned demonstration in Mekelle. By law the Opposition Parties should be allowed to do so.
The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) is clearly feeling the pinch and the mounting steps ahead. There is no easy road, if the TPLF have any road to begin with. The Tigray region is in a shaky peace with obstacles and outsiders still keeping territories. The TPLF is weaker and lacks the moral authority for what’s it currently doing. The Cessation of Hostilities has only brought a false peace and a lack of mechanisms to ensure a proper one. As the Amhara is still occupying lands and Eritrean Defence Forces is too. Therefore, the TPLF have lost by negotiating the peace and giving way to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. He won and got his way. By weakening them to an extent that the TPLF had to fold.
That’s why it’s interesting to read the slogans of the Alliance for Radical Change. These says something about the brewing sentiments within the public of Tigray. It is a statement of how the CoHA and TPLF have failed the region. Yes, the brutal and genocidal war destroyed the region. The region never gotten free-flow of humanitarian assistance or help from the government. Which is why it’s hurting to this day. Alas, the Opposition Parties is just doing their duty and holding the IRA and TPLF checked.
Just read these poignant slogans that TIP released today ahead of the protests.
“The slogans of the Alliance for Radical Change peaceful demonstration:
1. The struggle for the return and security of the land of Adibo
2. Displaced and displaced Tigrayans should return to their homes
3. Avoid the territorial and popular unity of Tigrayans
4. Humanitarian aid to beneficiaries now
5. No one who steals humanitarian aid will escape accountability
6. Eliminate the administration that does not protect the security of Tigrayans
7. Salaries for employees and pensioners
8. Stop the killing of Tigrayans
9. Sexual violence against women in Tigray is violence against Tigray
10. Justice for all the crowns of Tigray
11. A popular and democratic government is established
12. Credible and acceptable political system now
13. It becomes a one-party system
14. Murderers and robbers are brought to justice
15. Let’s set out for radical change
16. The TPLF regime should be removed
17. Tigray Nationalism: Tigray Exodus
18. Let the voices of our fighters be heard
19. Adequate footing shall be provided for the wounded and disabled
20. The sacrifices of our heroes are honorably told
21. Mother Tigray , waiting for the news of her heroic sons
22. Stop the land grabbing. Let the invaders be brought to justice.
23. ITEM from person of vested interest to the public
24. Those who slow down the struggle against extinction, be held accountable!
25. Dictatorship is hated and democracy reigns
26. Freedom for the people of Tigray
27. Peace, security and safety of the people!
28. Income supply to the farmer now
29. Stop overriding the basic demands of the people for political reasons
30. International attention to our people who are suffering at the hands of the enemy
31. One Tigray! To all of us in Tigray!
32. It is the natural right of our people to govern themselves!
33. Secret prisons should be closed
34. The rights of those subject to the law shall be protected
35. Stop human trafficking
36. The peace and security of our people shall be respected
37. Smuggling is disgusting: smugglers to accountability
38. Bread for our people” (Tigray Independence Party – TIP, 01.09.2023)
I think these slogans says it all about what is happening in Tigray. The Alliance for Radical Change certainly needs people on its side and hopes for a big turnout. The Opposition Parties has to show resilience and swift actions to show the TPLF that they mean the real deal. This is a blow for the IRA and the TPLF. As they are now feeling the pinch from within and not only from the outside. The insiders are also starting to bicker and that should have consequences. The Opposition Parties are now piling on pressure on Reda. He needs to listen to this and acknowledge the failure of his administration. Reda needs to understand the grievances and the public outcry. People are suffering and the costs of the conflict is just rising.
There is little to show for the CoHA. Unless, it was titles and easily becoming legit party again. That the TPLF still have to get validated. However, we know they are now in talks and can negotiate further with the Prosperity Party. Therefore, if the Reda and IRA wants things to happen. They can push for it and possibly succeed. If that happens… then the demonstration was for something and not just false hope for the masses. Peace.














