In Western Tigray, the aftermath of the genocidal war on Tigray and subsequent agreements between the Ethiopian Federal Government and the Tigray Interim Regional Administration have exposed severe human rights abuses. These abuses include the forced denial of Tigrayans’ rights to speak their native Tigrigna language and engage in their cultural practices. This suppression is intrinsically linked to historical and contemporary policies of Amhara expansionist tendencies, which have sought to assert Amhara dominance in the region through forceful occupation and cultural erasure.
The Suppression of Tigrigna Language and Culture
Language and culture are integral to the identity and cohesion of any community. In Western Tigray, which is being forcefully and unconstitutionally occupied by Amhara expansionists, Tigrayans are being forcefully prohibited from speaking Tigrigna in public spaces such as streets and marketplaces. Additionally, there is a ban on listening to Tigrigna music, which serves as a vital expression of cultural heritage. These measures are deliberate attempts to erode the cultural identity and solidarity of the Tigrayan people.
The suppression of the Tigrigna language is a direct violation of international human rights standards. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) enshrines the rights to freedom of expression and cultural participation. The current actions in Western Tigray starkly contravene these principles, amounting to severe human rights violations.
Amhara Expansionist Tendencies and Forceful Occupation
Amhara expansionist tendencies refer to historical and ongoing efforts by Amhara political and military leaders to expand their territorial control and influence over regions that are traditionally inhabited by other ethnic groups. In Western Tigray, these tendencies have manifested in the form of forceful occupation by Amhara forces, which began during the Tigray genocide that erupted in November 2020.
During the genocidal war, Amhara forces, alongside the Ethiopian National Defense Force (ENDF), moved into Western Tigray, asserting control over Tigrayan lands. This forceful and unconstitutional occupation has been characterized by widespread reports of atrocities, including ethnic cleansing, mass displacement, and other human rights abuses aimed at changing the demographic makeup of the region. The goal has been to assert Amhara claims over these territories and to solidify their control through demographic and cultural changes.
The current efforts to suppress Tigrigna language and culture are part of this broader strategy of Amhara expansionism. By erasing the cultural and linguistic presence of Tigrayans, the forcefully and unconstitutionally occupying Amhara forces aim to entrench their control and eliminate the Tigrayan rightful ownership of the land. This not only undermines the Tigrayan community’s rights but also seeks to rewrite the historical and cultural landscape of Western Tigray in favor of Amhara hegemony.
Human Rights Implications
The suppression of Tigrigna language and culture in Western Tigray has profound human rights implications. It constitutes cultural genocide, which involves the deliberate destruction of the cultural heritage of a group, and ethnic discrimination, which violates the principle of equality and non-discrimination enshrined in international human rights law. The Ethiopian Constitution guarantees the right of ethnic groups to speak, write, and develop their own language, and to express, develop, and promote their culture. The actions in Western Tigray directly contravene these constitutional protections.
Moreover, the denial of the right to use one’s language and engage in cultural practices impacts the psychological and social well-being of individuals and communities. Language and culture are essential for personal identity and community solidarity. By prohibiting Tigrigna and associated cultural practices, the forcefully occupying forces are not only attacking the external expressions of Tigrayan identity but also eroding the internal sense of self and community belonging.
The Role of the International Community
The international community has a crucial role to play in addressing the human rights abuses in Western Tigray. International organizations and human rights bodies should document and report on the abuses, providing a basis for accountability and justice.
Humanitarian aid and support for displaced Tigrayans must also be prioritized, ensuring that those who have been forced to flee their homes can return safely and with dignity. Efforts should be made to rebuild communities in a way that respects the cultural and linguistic identity of Tigrayans in their own lands.
The suppression of Tigrigna language and culture in Western Tigray is a grave human rights abuse that threatens the cultural identity and well-being of the Tigrayan people. It is closely linked to Amhara expansionist tendencies and the forceful occupation of Tigrayan territories. Addressing these abuses is essential for fostering peace, reconciliation, and respect for human rights in Ethiopia. The international community must act to ensure that the rights of Tigrayans are protected and that justice is served for the victims of these oppressive practices.
