Community organizations play a pivotal role in supporting individuals, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering unity among diaspora populations. Unfortunately, for many Tigrayans in North America and other parts of the world, the community organizations they rely on often fall short of their stated objectives. While some groups claim to serve the cultural and social needs of Tigrayans, many have deviated from their original purpose and now function as instruments of political influence rather than community support. This article focuses on some of the most prominent Tigrayan diaspora organizations, like the Union of Tigrayans in North America (UTNA), the Tigray Community Association in Washington DC, the Tigray Development Association in North America, and other organizations, highlighting how they have failed to meet the basic needs of their members and instead become platforms for political agendas.
The Disconnect Between Objectives and Actions
At first glance, organizations such as UTNA, the Tigray Community Association in Washington DC, and the Tigray Development Association present themselves as champions of the Tigrayan community. Their websites and public statements emphasize objectives that are supposed to benefit the diaspora: cultural preservation, community building, and supporting Tigrayans in need. However, these organizations fail to follow through on their promises.
For example, while they claim to work on behalf of Tigrayans in North America, particularly new immigrants facing integration challenges, their actions tell a different story. Newcomers to the diaspora often struggle with basic needs like finding jobs, understanding how to navigate life in a new country, and even accessing critical social services. Yet, the organizations that are supposed to be providing support lack clear and dedicated systems to address these issues. There are no dedicated helplines, job placement programs, or initiatives to help individuals settle into their new lives. These organizations also fail to provide the necessary resources for community members to understand their rights, learn English, or even integrate into the broader social fabric of their new homes.
The Tigray Connection: Political Influence and Control
One of the most troubling aspects of these organizations is their close ties to the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), the political party that has long dominated Tigray’s governance. While these organizations present themselves as community-oriented, their main function has become that of a fundraising and political tool for the TPLF and its leadership. These groups serve as a “cash cow” for the party, funneling resources back into the political machinery of TPLF, rather than into the hands of Tigrayan community members who need support.
The lack of financial transparency is another major concern. Many of these organizations do not publish annual reports, audits, or even provide details on how funds are used. There is no public voting system for organizational leadership, nor do they have open recruitment processes for staff. Leaders are often chosen based on political affiliations rather than community needs, and they are rarely held accountable for their actions. The absence of clear governance structures or elections means these organizations lack the democratic processes expected in the countries where they operate, leading to an environment where questions are not welcomed, and dissent is often silenced.
The Culture of Suppression and Intimidation
In the so-called “democratic” environment of the diaspora, one might expect organizations to encourage free speech, open dialogue, and the diversity of opinions. Instead, many Tigrayan diaspora organizations operate in a way that stifles these very principles. Dissent is often met with hostility, and those who question the leadership or policies of these organizations may face intimidation and threats. Leaders are known to suppress open discussions, and anyone who challenges their authority risks being ostracized or even targeted.
In extreme cases, individuals are threatened with bans from visiting Tigray or accused of betraying their community. This tactic is particularly troubling because it uses the fear of harming loved ones in Tigray to silence critics within the diaspora. The message is clear: question the leadership, and you will face consequences that may affect your family back home.
A Political Agenda Over Community Well-Being
Perhaps the most significant issue with these organizations is their overtly political nature. Instead of focusing on the well-being of the Tigrayan community, these organizations have become vehicles for promoting the political agenda of the TPLF. Their activities primarily revolve around organizing protests or supporting the party’s political positions rather than addressing real, everyday issues faced by diaspora members.
Moreover, these organizations seem determined to prevent the emergence of other groups that may offer a different perspective or challenge their authority. Rather than encouraging healthy competition and diverse voices, they seek to monopolize the diaspora space and control the narrative. This monopoly not only limits the potential for constructive community engagement but also undermines the very essence of what a community organization should be.
A Few Exceptions: The Tigray Community Organization in Colorado
While many Tigrayan diaspora organizations fall short in serving their communities, there are notable exceptions. One such example is the Tigray Community Organization in Colorado. Unlike many of its counterparts, this organization focuses on the well-being of its members by offering practical programs that meet their needs. These include Tigrigna language classes, healing sessions, and community get-togethers, all of which foster unity and preserve Tigrayan culture. The Tigray Community Organization in Colorado proves that it is possible for community organizations to focus on the actual needs of their members while promoting cultural pride and preserving heritage.
The Call for Change
In conclusion, it is clear that many Tigrayan diaspora organizations are not fulfilling their core mission of supporting their communities. Their focus on political agendas and their connection to the TPLF has resulted in a lack of transparency, accountability, and genuine community service. These organizations must be reminded that their primary duty is to the people they serve, not the political party they support.
Community organizations should prioritize the well-being of their members by offering concrete services such as job placement, social support, and cultural education. They should operate with transparency, publish regular financial reports, and ensure that leadership is chosen through democratic processes. Once these organizations fulfill their responsibilities to the diaspora, they can then consider extending their support to Tigray, if the community agrees.
Tigrayans in the diaspora deserve organizations that are focused on their needs, not those of political elites. The organizations that truly care about their community should put their people first and work towards fostering unity, empowerment, and long-term success.