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Tigray Democratic Solidarity
Newly created political party in Ethiopia From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Tigray Democratic Solidarity (Tigrinya: ዲሞክራስያዊ ስምረት ትግራይ), also known as Simret (Tigrinya for "Solidarity"), is a newly formed political party in the Tigray Region of Ethiopia.[1][5][3][2][7][8]
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History and Formation
The Tigray Democratic Solidarity (Simret) was granted provisional registration by the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE) on 26 May 2025.[2]
The party's formation follows a major internal rift within the long-dominant Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) and the NEBE's subsequent revocation of the TPLF's legal status as a political party on 13 May 2025.[3][5][9] Simret's leadership is drawn from a faction of former TPLF senior officials and allies who were expelled from the party in 2024 after a public split.[9][10]
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Leadership and Structure
On October 24, 2025, the party held its constituent assembly in Addis Ababa, attended by 256 members.[4] The assembly formally elected the party's first leadership structure.[4]
The elected leadership positions include:
- President: Getachew Reda
- First Vice President: Nega Assefa
- Vice President: Haftu Kiros
- Head of the Secretariat: Seble Assefa
- Chairman of the Control and Inspection Commission: Gebrehiwot Gebreselassie
- Deputy Chairman of the Control and Inspection Commission: Abrehaley Abera
In addition to the main posts, seven executive committee members and 31 council members were appointed.[4] The party reported having over 5,600 registered members, though security concerns prevented many from attending the assembly.[4]
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Ideology and Political Platform
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Perspective
Simret's stated ideology is Liberalism.[6] Its platform is centered on democratic principles, the rule of law, and civil political struggle.[11]
Core Policies and Principles
- Anti-Oppression Stance: The party was established to "peacefully counter the oppression faced by the Tigray people" under the TPLF.[4]
- TPLF Opposition: President Getachew Reda stated that the TPLF continues to undermine peace in the region and across the country by coordinating with external actors.[4]
- Civil and Peaceful Struggle: Commitment to achieving political change through peaceful, civil, and democratic means, explicitly rejecting armed struggle or military affiliation.[11]
- Self-Determination and Autonomy: Upholding the right to self-determination and constitutional autonomy for the people of Tigray.[11]
- Inclusive Governance: Advocating for inclusive leadership, cooperation with other political parties, and rejecting the historical "one-party state" model in Tigray.[12]
- National Prosperity: A representative of the federal Prosperity Party attended the inaugural assembly, stating that Simret would contribute to strengthening Ethiopia's capacity for sustainable development and future prosperity.[4]
Political Context
Due to its origins, the party is viewed by some analysts and opposition figures as a splinter group of the TPLF, while the leadership has sought to distance itself from the TPLF's historical vanguardist and military-political model.[13][12] Simret has been accused by critics of being backed by the Ethiopian federal government to challenge TPLF dominance in Tigray, an accusation the party has denied, stressing its independence.[14][11] Lt. Gen. Tsedkan Gebretnisae, a military figure at the assembly, praised the party's founding as a reflection of the Tigray people's commitment to peaceful, idea-driven political engagement, criticizing the TPLF for politically exploiting the population.[4]
References
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