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“Clarity matters: Woyanism is not a political party. It is an ideology and way of life most if not all Tigrayans adhere to. To be Woyane is to revolt against subjugation and marginalization. It is to stand up for what is right.” — Meaza Gidey, Activist #lekatit11
Woyane is a Tigrigna word for rebellion or revolution. In the last century, Tigrayans have partaken in two popular uprisings: the First Woyane Rebellion and the Second Woyane Revolution.
With the war waged on Tigray on Nov 4, 2020, we may be currently witness the Third Woyane.
With the war waged on Tigray on Nov 4, 2020, we may be currently witness the Third Woyane.
Emperor Haile Selassie + his gov aimed to centralize power without regard to existing customary laws, political structures &/or respect to ethnic differences which led to rebellions across Ethiopia — one of which was a powerful Tigrayan peasant uprising known as the First Woyane.
The First Woyane opposed forced integration into Emperor Haile Selassie’s centralized government. Their uprising was met with a harsh response, where Haile Selassie collaborated with the UK in aircraft support to violently silence the First Woyane via dropping 100+ bombs.
Following the repression of the First Woyane, the people of Tigray were forced to pay large sums of money in taxation and their land was confiscated and distributed to gentry loyal to the Emperor as a punishment and as a deterrent to future revolt. This led to the Second Woyane.
In 1974, the Derg came into power and declared any ethno-nationalist grievance or demand for self-determination as contrary to Ethiopian unity and interests.
Different Tigrayan groups formed to dismantle the Derg & secure Tigray’s self-determination.
Different Tigrayan groups formed to dismantle the Derg & secure Tigray’s self-determination.
On February 18, 1975, the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) launched a revolt against the military government of Ethiopia, the Derg.
On May 28, 1991, the TPLF, along with other rebel groups, overthrew the Derg. Over 250K people were killed, with 1M+ displaced.
On May 28, 1991, the TPLF, along with other rebel groups, overthrew the Derg. Over 250K people were killed, with 1M+ displaced.
Now, unelected PM Abiy Ahmed is working to centralize his power through a hegemonic political agenda and has waged a genocidal war on Tigray and suppressed other opposition parties in the country.
In the process, he may have ignited the Third Woyane, which expands to digital.
In the process, he may have ignited the Third Woyane, which expands to digital.
Woyane is not a term reserved for a specific political party or group. It is an ideology recognized by most Tigrayans. It is a Tigrayan rebellion or revolution to denounce suppression by a centralized entity.
For more information, find additional resources below.
