The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), under the leadership of Debretsion Gebremichael (PhD), has initiated a dramatic reshuffle by dismissing five officials from the interim administration of Tigray, including President Getachew Reda. This announcement was made on October 7, 2024, raising concerns about potential conflict with federal authorities.
The TPLF indicated that it would inform the federal government about the appointment of a new leader to replace Getachew. However, the federal government has only recognized Getachew Reda’s interim administration, meaning this dismissal could escalate tensions and potentially lead to armed conflict between federal forces and the faction led by Debretsion.
In its statement, the TPLF declared that all officials in the interim administration, including Getachew and other cabinet members, have been stripped of their decision-making powers. The party emphasized that this decision would be communicated to relevant entities, including governmental and non-governmental organizations, administrative bodies at all levels, Tigray security forces, the federal government, regional states, and the international community.
Among those dismissed are Beyene Mekru, Professor Kindeya Gebrehiwot, Dr. Hagos Godefay, and Almaz Gebretsadq. The TPLF also announced the removal of leaders appointed to oversee the six zones in the region and has since appointed seven new leaders, including Abreha Tekeste (PhD), the former Ethiopian Finance Minister.
This decision follows a prior statement from the TPLF asserting that the interim administration was established solely to execute the Pretoria Agreement and provide essential services, rather than to function as a permanent government. The TPLF criticized the interim administration for behaving as if it were a stable government by issuing declarations in its cabinet’s name.
Additionally, the TPLF accused the interim administration of failing to fulfill its responsibilities as outlined in the Pretoria Peace Agreement and instead pursuing manipulative tactics to consolidate power.
The political landscape in Tigray remains fraught with uncertainty due to internal divisions within the TPLF, particularly between Debretsion and Getachew, the now-ousted President of the Tigray Interim Administration, who was expelled from the party during the 14th TPLF Congress. The potential for armed conflict looms large, given the federal government’s recognition of only Getachew Reda’s leadership.