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The Tigray region of northern Ethiopia is proceeding with local elections today despite a postponement of the nationwide elections due to the
Photo: Yonas Tadesse / Getty Images
The Tigray region of northern Ethiopia is proceeding with today’s local elections despite a postponement of the nationwide elections due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), formerly dominant in the ruling coalition in Addis Ababa and sidelined by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (who took office in 2018), remains in power in Tigray. The TPLF has opposed the federal government’s decision to delay the elections, thereby extending the current federal and regional administrations, as an unconstitutional tactic that infringes on their right to self-determination. The Senate declared the election null and void in advance on Saturday. But the relief from the previous government’s repressions appears to have paved the way for some long-standing regional grievances to be heard, such as demands for greater autonomy.
The African Union has been convened to mediate between the federal government and the TPLF. Abiy has ruled out any military intervention in Mekele in response to the confrontation. However, fears persist about possible punitive measures by Addis Ababa, which could further increase tensions. The situation could turn into a conflict or, in the long term, factor in a possible secession of Tigray from Ethiopia. This new confrontation will undermine the country’s already fragile unity and the democratization efforts made so far.
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