Unfolding the Ongoing Political Dynamics in Ethiopia : Why the Departure of TPLF and Its Doctrine is Important

Demiessie, Habtamu (2020): Unfolding the Ongoing Political Dynamics in Ethiopia : Why the Departure of TPLF and Its Doctrine is Important.

Abstract

The Tigray People Liberation Front (TPLF) has been maker and breaker in the politics and state governance in Ethiopia since 1991.The last three years, however, marked when TPLF experienced a steep decline in the influence curve. As a reflection of a slump in its influence, TPLF has been aggressively reacting against the central government. In the early days of November 2020, TPLF „dared‟ a military setback against the Ethiopian army division in Tigray region, where TPLF holds government power.In response, the federal government forces, in collaboration with the paramilitary and militia forces of regional states of Amhara and Afar waged massive strike against TPLF`s forces. The government of Ethiopia has defined the cause of military intervention in Tigray region to „enforce law and preserve the sovereignty of the country‟. A one month military operation is getting to its end, and TPLF big-wigs are on a run away. As a matter of fact, TPLF has been shaping essential constructs that define discourses in Ethiopia`s political play field for the past three decades. The doctrine of TPLF political line is based on the concept of revolutionary democracy. Revolutionary democratic principles were governing the courses of politics in Ethiopia by defining some of the most important subjects of political economy like interpretation of political history of Ethiopia on Marxian notion of class conflicts; partisan view of rights; dominance of identity politics over citizen politics; the dominance of government in the economic order, among others. However, the recent changes unfolding in Ethiopia would end the age old influence of TPLF narratives on essential subjects of political economy. More importantly, the weakening of TPLF influences hopes for a new page by ending the roots of distortions that has been impeding political development in Ethiopia. In this regard, the departure of TPLF hopes for popular causes and Ethiopian values to take firm position in the political and state governances. This paper reflects on the prospective face of Ethiopian political scenery in the post-TPLF period. By way of illustration, the backdrops of TPLF`s political doctrine is defined, discussed and critically evaluated. The paper also examines possible changes in the political, economic and social businesses in Ethiopia accompanied by the departure of TPLF`s influences.

• Item Type: MPRA Paper
• Language: English
• Keywords: Ethiopia, TPLF, Revolutionary Democracy
• Subjects: H - Public Economics > H0 - General; P - Economic Systems > P3 - Socialist Institutions and Their Transitions

References

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Demiessie, Habtamu G., 2017. The Cruces of Post-1991 Ethiopian Politics: Revolutionary Democracy, Democratic Developmentalism and the late Meles Zenawi, LighteningSource Publishers, U.S.A

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