GSTS Stands Against Political Meddling in Civil Society Organizations, NGOs and Private Institutions
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GSTS has received credible reports of the partisan institutional capture of the Tigrai Development Association (TDA), an all-Tigrayan-owned and led development organisation, by a faction of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF). GSTS denounces this takeover and demands necessary corrective measures in the form of an assembly of all stakeholders be swiftly convened.
Since its founding in Washington, D.C., USA in 1989 by visionary Tigrayans in diaspora, TDA has stood as a beacon of hope for Tigray, working tirelessly to extricate the people of Tigray from poverty, diseases, and illiteracy.
Though formed as a non-partisan organisation, TDA’s promising progress faced political interference emanating from the 2001 TPLF factional, internal schism that set TDA’s institutional leadership in turmoil. Political interference steadily intensified, ultimately leading institutional capture of TDA overshadowing its core mission.
The political interference has now reached a new level of institutional capture in the recent 12th TDA congress held on 26-27 April 2025 in the capital city of Tigray, Mekelle. During the Congress, there was massive opposition and walkouts by representatives from Tigray’s South and Southeast Zones, independent observers from all political parties, and alumni. Those who opposed and walked out cited a politically motivated conspiracy to seize control of the Board of Governance of the association.
Furthermore, it has been reported that the Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) cited serious misconduct and advised against the continuation of the assembly, but the rest of the participants, ignoring the walkout and legal advice, pushed through for the continuation of the congress and got their representatives elected to the TDA Board. Prior to the Congress, GSTS learned that a list of names of eleven (11) individuals residing in Tigray - including high-profile current leaders of the political Party, allegedly hand-picked by the TPLF head office, had been circulated among their loyal delegates. Ultimately, all of these individuals were installed: nine (9) to the Board of Directors and the remaining two (2) to the Monitoring Commission of TDA.
This action is part of TPLF's broader ongoing strategy for hegemonic control over economic resources, and all civic and business institutions with political constituencies in violation of universally accepted principles of non-partisan public and civic institutions.
GSTS condemns the political manipulation over TDA in the strongest possible terms and calls for an end to partisan interference in the internal governance of civic societies, NGOs, and private institutions. As a corrective, and to ensure the survival of a vibrant TDA and deter similar partisan institutional capture, GSTS calls for a new and inclusive assembly of all stakeholders conducted by independent Tigrayan personalities who will not take any leadership position in TDA.
The Global Society of Tigray Scholars and
Professionals (GSTS)
30 April, 2025
#Tigray: New Interim administration faces backlash over lack of inclusivity in cabinet appointments
Tigray’s IRA is facing mounting criticism over what is describe as a failure to uphold principles of political inclusivity & Pretoria agreement in the reshuffling of the cabinet.
Ethiopia Intensifies Anti-Tigrayan Propaganda
Ethiopia continues anti-Tigrayan propaganda despite the peace deal. Film crews are conveniently on-site even before incidents involving #Tigray|ans occur. Propaganda doesn't deceive people; it merely helps them to deceive themselves.
ብምርምር ሕርሻ ትግራይ ጨንፈር ኣኽሱም ዝተመሓየሸት ትራክተር ከም ሞተር ማይ እተገልግል።🙏
Mini tractor modified to be used for water pump by Tigrai Agricultural Research Aksum branch.🥰
Devastating Fire Explosion at Um Rakuba Refugee Camp Claims Life of Six-Year-Old Boy
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A catastrophic fire explosion rocked the Um Rakuba refugee camp in Sudan early this afternoon, leaving a trail of destruction and despair. The camp, which shelters Tigrayan refugees fleeing ethnic cleansing in Western Tigray, was struck by the blast at approximately 01:00 pm, resulting in casualties, injuries, and significant property damage.
Eyewitnesses reported that the explosion claimed the life of a six-year-old boy, while a two-year-old child sustained injuries and was rushed to a nearby medical facility for urgent treatment. The incident has sent shockwaves through the camp, with residents describing the scene as "extremely distressing."
The camp’s health center, already grappling with a severe shortage of medical supplies, was unable to provide adequate care for the injured child. As a result, the toddler had to be transferred to another facility outside the camp to receive proper medical attention.
In addition to the tragic loss of life and injuries, the explosion caused extensive damage to property, including the destruction of several homes. Families who had already been displaced by the war on Tigray now face further hardship as they struggle to recover from the aftermath of the blast.
The cause of the explosion remains unclear, and authorities have yet to release an official statement. The refugees need immediate assistance to address the urgent needs of the affected families, including medical supplies, shelter, and food.
The Um Rakuba camp, which houses thousands of Tigrayan refugees, has long faced challenges due to overcrowding and limited resources. Today’s incident underscores the dire conditions faced by refugees and the urgent need for international support to prevent further tragedies.
Eritrea 🇪🇷 is building roads after 27 years, after looting thousands of construction machinery from Tigray during the genocidal war on Tigray. Even in its weakest form, Tigray is contributing to Eritrea’s growth.
Even if i LOVE to see TPLF monopoly gone in tigray politics FromI see a character that can lead that can move a nation forward in @reda_getachew in the whole party.
Thank you.
Nearly one million babies and pregnant and lactating women will be left to starve in Ethiopia due to the US aid cuts.
The children in this document means children under 5 yo. This is food that we promised to send them.
This is more important than anything in the news today.
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We urge the TIRA, TPLF, and the Tigrayan diaspora to de-escalate tensions and prioritize peace. Our people have endured enough suffering—we must not turn against each other or resort to war.
Tigray Needs Peace 🕊️
#SayNoToWar#Tigray
Irob Anina was honored to participate in the launch of Journalist Bisrat Kahsay’s new book, which explores the rich history and culture of the Irob community. As part of our commitment to our existence and preserving our identity, we proudly sponsored 100 copies of the book.
10 lucky attendees will have the chance to win copies during one of our upcoming events. The remaining 90 copies will be donated to libraries throughout Tigray, ensuring wider accessibility and awareness of our cultural heritage.
If you are interested in purchasing a copy. Please contact Biserat Kahsay directly to secure one!