The security forces in the Tigray region are now under the direction of Getachew Reda, the head of the territory’s interim administration.
Following a cabinet meeting on September 21, 2024, the interim administration declared that the security forces in the region will continue to function as part of the temporary government structure.
The statement emphasized that these forces are “carrying out their missions legally and systematically, guided by relevant studies and consultations, under the leadership of the president of the interim administration and the cabinet.”
It was also noted that the security forces “maintain a neutral stance regarding any agendas arising among the region’s political parties,” as stressed by the interim administration.
The assertion that the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) and the interim government are at odds was refuted in the statement. Instead, it maintained that a rift among the upper leadership of the TPLF is the primary source of the issues currently affecting the region.
The cabinet has proclaimed its authority over the area and vowed to prosecute individuals or organizations attempting to undermine the government’s framework or obstruct its operations.
To strengthen its efforts, the interim administration stated that it would continue assigning responsibilities at various levels of the government.
Additionally, the cabinet declared that “any attempt to undermine the government’s structure or overturn its decisions is unacceptable.”
Due to ongoing divisions within the TPLF, the political landscape in Tigray is currently characterized by uncertainty.
The party leader, Debretsion Gebremichael, is in conflict with Getachew Reda, the president of the Tigray Interim Administration, stemming from divisions within the TPLF. Getachew was expelled from the party following the 14th TPLF Congress.
In support of this determination, the TPLF announced last week that 16 former members and top leaders, including Getachew, had been expelled.
Concerns are rising about how the expulsion of Getachew and other prominent members who abstained from the Congress may impact their positions within the interim regional government. There are fears that Tigrayan forces might align with the growing schism resulting from this division.
Lieutenant General Tadesse Werede, head of the cabinet secretariat for Peace and Security and deputy president of Tigray’s interim administration, stressed in a recent briefing the importance of maintaining the security forces’ independence to protect public safety and welfare.
He also advocated for a partnership where the effectiveness of security forces and political activities would enhance one another.