The Global Society of Tigray Scholars and Professionals (GSTS) has accused the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) of pursuing hegemonic control over economic resources, dominating civic and business institutions for political gain in Tigray.

The TPLF, which dominated the four-party coalition of the previous administration, is facing the threat of liquidation from the National Election Board of Ethiopia (NEBE), which has called on the party to register again or lose its status.

The TPLF is also facing criticism from all fronts for failing to relinquish its iron grip on politics in Tigray, which is still reeling from the two-year war that ended in November 2022.

In a press release issued on April 30, 2025, the GSTS condemned what it described as the TPLF’s broader strategy to consolidate power by influencing non-partisan public and private sectors in the region.

GSTS contends that the act runs contrary to and violates internationally recognized principles of neutrality.

The allegations stem from reported interference in the Tigray Development Association (TDA), an organization founded in 1989 in Washington, DC, by Tigrayan diaspora members to address poverty, disease, and illiteracy.

According to GSTS, TDA has faced increasing political influence since internal divisions first sprouted within the TPLF in 2001. The press release further stated that “political interference steadily intensified, ultimately leading to the institutional capture of TDA, overshadowing its core mission”.

The claims centre on the 12th TDA Congress, held last month in Mekelle, according to a statement from GSTS.

The organization reported opposition and walkouts by representatives from Tigray’s South and Southeast Zones, independent observers, and alumni, who cited an alleged attempt to control the board of governance.

“Those who opposed and walked out cited a politically motivated conspiracy to seize control of the Board of Governance of the association,” reads the statement.

The Authority for Civil Society Organizations (ACSO) reportedly advised against continuing the assembly due to misconduct, but remaining participants proceeded with elections.

GSTS stated that prior to the congress, a list of 11 individuals, including high-profile TPLF leaders, was circulated among delegates. Additionally, the organization’s report stated that nine were elected to the board of directors, and two to the monitoring commission.

GSTS described this as part of a broader strategy by the TPLF to exert control over economic and civic institutions.

“GSTS alleges that high-profile current leaders of the political Party were hand-picked by the TPLF,” the statement reads.

The organization argues the move is “part of the TPLF’s long-term strategy to exert hegemonic control over economic resources and institutions across civic and business sectors with political ties”.

GSTS also called for corrective measures, including a new assembly of stakeholders led by independent Tigrayan figures who would not hold leadership roles in TDA.

TDA scheduled its 12th congress for 27 April, but the meeting was reportedly disrupted by protests and subsequently cancelled.

Getachew Reda’s faction of the TPLF—formerly part of the Tigray Interim Administration (TIA)—issued a statement urging Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede’s administration to prevent what it called a takeover of TDA by a ‘power-intoxicated group’.

In a separate statement on his official social media platform, Getachew described TDA as an institution ‘every Tigrayan considers their own’ and called it essential for Tigrayan unity.

“It should be rejected,” he stated. “Let’s say stop. This group should not be allowed to destroy the rest of our institutions.”