A Legacy of Power Control without Vision
The Debretsion splinter group’s primary focus has been the consolidation of political and economic power for its members and their allies. For decades, their governance was defined by corruption, nepotism, and special interest politics, where family ties and patronage were more important than the future of Tigray. This group ruled in autocratic isolation, blind to Tigray’s long-term strategic needs—political, economic, and security-related.

Historically, Tigray’s relationship with the Ethiopian state has been one of deep-rooted conflict, spanning over 800 years. Yet, this group failed to grasp this historical dynamic. Their inability to shape a national vision for Tigray that considered this history, while crafting a modern, forward-looking strategy, left the region vulnerable to repeated attacks and betrayals from the Ethiopian state.

A Catastrophic Failure at the Federal Level
The splinter group miserably lost its influence at the federal level, despite years of controlling key institutions. When they handed over power, tanks, and federal resources to the new Abiy Ahmed-led regime, they did so without securing guarantees for Tigray’s future security. This blind handover weakened Tigray’s defense capabilities and signaled a lack of political foresight, as the group failed to anticipate the looming genocide that would devastate the region.

Failure to Anticipate and Prepare for Genocide
One of the greatest betrayals of the Debretsion-led splinter group was its failure to recognize the impending genocidal war. Despite clear signs of escalating tensions, this group failed to prepare militarily. With a mere 9,000 troops on hand, they left Tigray woefully unprepared for the brutal invasion that followed. Their lack of preparation cost countless Tigrayan lives, resulted in the displacement of millions, and allowed enemies to violate Tigrayan territory with impunity.

Failure to Defend Tigray’s People and Territories
When the genocide began, the splinter group’s lack of strategic military leadership was glaring. They failed to protect the borders and the people of Tigray. Tigray’s national territories were invaded, and communities were subjected to horrific violence, with little to no organized resistance from the leadership. The people of Tigray felt abandoned by those who were supposed to safeguard them, with many asking: Where was the leadership in our darkest hour?

NoMore Debretsion Gebremichael: Accountability for Their Failures

The splinter group’s opposition to the Pretoria Peace Agreement, an internationally sanctioned peace agreement aimed at restoring Tigray’s territorial integrity and returning internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their homes, is another mark of their ineptitude. Instead of supporting the Tigray Interim Government’s efforts to implement the peace accord, they have actively undermined it, stalling the restoration of Tigray’s dignity and national identity.

The lack of diplomatic engagement by this group has left Tigray internationally isolated. At a time when regional and international alliances are crucial for the region’s survival, the outdated, rigid policies of the Debretsion group have done nothing to advance Tigray’s diplomatic agenda. They have consistently failed to secure critical support from both regional and global actors, leaving Tigray vulnerable on all fronts.

A Failure to Lead Post-Genocide Recovery
Perhaps most damning is the group’s inability to initiate a post-genocide political transformation in Tigray. With Tigray in desperate need of institutional reforms, economic recovery, and political renewal, the Debretsion group has blocked any efforts to transfer power to the younger generation—those who hold the future of Tigray in their hands. Instead, they continue to cling to power, resisting meaningful change and failing to bring the fresh vision that Tigray so desperately needs.

An Outdated and Rigid Policy Framework
The Horn of Africa and the Red Sea regions are undergoing rapid political shifts, and yet, the Debretsion splinter group has shown no understanding of these dynamics. Their policies remain stuck in a past that no longer serves Tigray’s national interest. They have failed to assess and adapt to the current geopolitical realities, thereby endangering Tigray’s fut

by Yirga yacob