Getachew Reda’s faction of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) convened a series of strategic meetings in Mekele on Monday, aimed at “saving the TPLF.”
According to VOA Amharic, Getachew stated that “these meetings allow us to clearly define our differences and make decisions that benefit the region.”
Notably, senior TPLF leaders who were absent during the 14th Congress, organized by Debretsion’s faction last month, are now participating in Getachew’s meeting.
Recently, the Debretsion faction announced the expulsion of Getachew Reda and 15 other senior officials from the party, declaring that they can no longer represent the TPLF in any capacity.
At present, Getachew Reda serves as the president of the Interim Administration, which was established under the Pretoria Agreement. This interim body reportedly includes representatives from various stakeholders, including the TPLF, with Getachew leading the administration on behalf of the TPLF.
Getachew has raised concerns about alleged attempts by factions within the TPLF to orchestrate a coup, an action that could escalate tensions in the region if successful.
Reports suggest that Getachew’s faction enjoys the backing of the Federal government, whereas Debretsion’s faction appears to lack such support. The National Electoral Board of Ethiopia has stated that it will not recognize the outcomes of the 14th party congress, citing violations of procedural rules, including insufficient advance notice to the Board.
The internal divisions within the TPLF stem from disagreements regarding the Pretoria Agreement of November 2022, which brought an end to two years of violent conflict between the TPLF and Abiy Ahmed’s administration.
Reports indicate that Debretsion’s faction holds Getachew Reda and other former TPLF leaders, such as Tsadkan Gebretensae, accountable for what they perceive as capitulating to the end of TPLF-led governance in Tigray. Debretsion and his allies contend that the agreement should not have been finalized.
In contrast, Getachew Reda’s faction is now viewed as “collaborators” with Abiy Ahmed’s administration, although Getachew asserts that Debretsion himself implored him to endorse the Pretoria Agreement.