Ethiopia Dismisses TPLF And 8 Other Rebel Groups' Alliance As Weak And Destructive

Africa | Commentary | Ethiopia November 6, 2021

(Photo: Downtown Addis Ababa, Ethiopia)

Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) rebels have forged an alliance with some 8 other rebel groups in Ethiopia. The alliance is called United Front of Ethiopian Federalist and Confederalist Forces (UFEFCF). The alliance pact was signed in Washington DC, USA, by representatives of the different groups, on November 5, 2021, according to some media. Apart from TPLF, other major groups in the alliance include Oromo Liberation Army (OLA) and Agaw Democratic Movement (ADM). The alliance is said to be aimed at bringing regime change in Ethiopia through military action or any other means.

Notwithstanding, however, the federal government of Ethiopia seems not to be worried about UFEFCF. Reportedly, the federal government has dismissed the alliance as very weak, destructive, and lacking support from the majority of the populace. In other words, the federal government does not think the rebels alliance can effect regime change simply because it does not have what it takes to do that.

The assertion of the federal government about the capability of UFEFCF, is said to be shared by some political experts in the East African region. The experts believe that, being led by TPLF that formerly played dominant political role in Ethiopia for about three decades that were characterized by undemocratic practices and human rights violations, UFEFCF would unlikely get support from majority of the country's over 80 ethnic groups.

Within the above context, UFEFCF may bring havoc in Ethiopia, but may never be able to topple the federal government and take power. Probably, the appropriate option for TPLF in particular, could be resorting to dialogue to try resolve the issues that led to its current military conflict with the democratically elected federal government of Ethiopia. Failure to do that and continued military actions may eventually alienate the alliance locally and internationally, as it may be seen as polarizing and geared towards destroying the incredible economic milestones Ethiopia has made in recent years. _____________________________ © 2015 - 2021 Africauptodate. All Rights Reserved