Reflections on Four Years

2024 has been a year shadowed by catastrophe and genocide. From Palestine to Sudan to the Congo and countless other countries, the world is consumed in tragedy. For Tigrayans, November 4, 2024 marks four years since the beginning of a brutal genocide. In terms of the magnitude of destruction and loss, the genocidal war on Tigray is the deadliest conflict of the 21st century to date. Each year Tigrayans approach this day with dread knowing that it is yet another year in which the suffering of the people of Tigray continues.  Each year, we find ourselves reflecting: Why has the world stayed silent for so long in the face of such violence? And yet, this question goes unanswered.

Year after year, we recount the unspeakable tragedies that have ravaged Tigray. Conservative estimates indicate that at least 800,000 Tigrayans have died. Over 120,000 women have been subjected to Conflict Related Sexual Violence and continue to face gender-based violence to date. The genocidal campaign against Tigrayans has entailed ethnic cleansing, obliteration of infrastructure and healthcare, illegal imprisonment, and mass starvation on an unimaginable scale. And each year, it feels as though these facts weigh less and less on the conscience of the world.

In 2024, a glimmer of hope surfaced: the genocide in Tigray was finally recognized for what it was by an independent team of investigators. We dared to hope that maybe, finally, the world would heed this call for justice and demand action. The report was clear: A deliberate genocide had been committed in Tigray. The report further layed out the necessary steps for accountability. Yet, as the months have passed, international actors have not moved, their inaction speaking louder than any words.

November 2024 also marks the two-year anniversary of the signing of a Cessation of Hostilities Agreement, also known as the Pretoria Agreement. Although this agreement eased tensions and brought an end to most of the active fighting in Tigray, we know that it has not brought true and lasting peace. Instead, it has allowed Abiy Ahmed to continue a genocide under the world’s mistaken belief that peace has been achieved. These past two years have brought empty promises and worsening devastation, as the humanitarian crisis continues inadequately addressed and atrocity crimes persist in occupied areas. 

What unimaginable suffering must the people of Tigray endure before the world—and the people of Ethiopia—are moved to act? For four years, Ethiopians have turned their backs on their own. People are taking part in hate fuelled violence and allowing Abiy Ahmed not only to pursue the erasure of Tigrayans, but also spread war and destruction across the country. It has become unmistakably clear that Abiy Ahmed is no leader, but a self-serving authoritarian who holds onto power illegally, propped up by Western and Ethiopian allies who should be holding him accountable. In this betrayal, Ethiopians have watched and participated in the invasion, devastation and brutalization of their fellow citizens. What does this indifference say about the soul of Ethiopia?

Even in the face of devastation, we are witnessing how power struggles among leaders persist. The infighting among Tigray’s political figures is destructive and must end. These divisions only strengthen our enemies, allowing Abiy Ahmed and Ethiopia’s political elites to manipulate and divide us further. This infighting is destructive and shows that the leaders of Tigray are willing to put their own interests above the people of Tigray, and as such should be held accountable. By weakening ourselves, we pay the highest price: every moment spent arguing is another life lost. These fractures within Tigray’s leadership are also creating divisions among the diaspora, undermining our collective movement for a free Tigray. Unity—both here and in Tigray—is essential to our survival.

As Tigrayans in the diaspora we must never lose sight of a free Tigray. Our disappointment in the world, our anger, our distrust in leaders—none of this can divert us from centering the people of Tigray. In the end, we must rely on ourselves and on the resilience of Tigray’s people to find a path forward. The spirit of Tigray has been unbreakable, enduring through Menelik, Haile Selassie, Mengistu, and now Abiy Ahmed. In the face of fascism, the people of Tigray have always defied injustice and fought for the right to self-determination. This is who we are. It is our job to amplify the voices of those who have been silenced. The world may ignore us, but we cannot afford to ignore each other. We cannot let another year pass us by. We must mourn and honor our martyrs and honor the sacrifices made for a free Tigray. To the people of Tigray, you are not forgotten. 

Eternal glory to our martyrs. Free Tigray.