AMN Plus-August 16, 2026
Political science scholar Solomon Tefera said Shabia, the TPLF, Shene and Fano have once again come together in what he describes as an alliance aimed at destabilizing Ethiopia and advancing what he calls the interests of the country’s historical adversaries.
Speaking in an interview with AMN, Solomon described the groups as anti-peace forces that have put aside their previous differences and formed what he likened to a renewed marriage agreement.
According to the scholar, an alleged alliance involving Shabia, Egypt and the TPLF dates back to the 1960s and was aimed at undermining Ethiopia’s efforts to secure access to the sea. He claimed that the alliance has now expanded to include Fano and Shene.
Solomon also described the relationship between Shabia and Egypt as being driven by competing interests in Ethiopia’s resources. He alleged that while Shabia seeks to exploit Ethiopia’s resources, Egypt aims to exercise exclusive control over them.
He further accused Shabia and the TPLF of using the people of Tigray as both a means of escape and a bargaining tool while benefiting financially from the ongoing situation. He said Shabia was angered by the federal government’s decision to end the war through the Pretoria Peace Agreement and subsequently began cooperating with other forces to destabilize the country.
The scholar also accused the TPLF and Shene of causing suffering within their respective communities while allegedly using those communities as justification for their political agendas.
Solomon urged the public to examine what he described as the groups’ historical relationships and political objectives and to remain vigilant against efforts that could undermine Ethiopia’s stability and unity.
He also stressed the need to strengthen Ethiopia’s efforts to secure access to the sea. According to him, the country’s lack of direct access to the sea has created significant economic and strategic challenges and limited its ability to fully utilize its resources.
Solomon further emphasized that completing the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD), while a major national achievement, is not enough on its own. He argued that securing reliable access to the sea is equally important for Ethiopia’s long-term economic development, strategic interests and national survival.