The Tigray Interim Administration has accused certain military leaders of attempting to dismantle local governance, warning that such actions could lead to a serious crisis. This follows a confrontation in Seharti Samre district, where security forces allegedly used force to seize a kebele administration stamp, injuring 17 people, according to the district administrator.
In a statement issued on February 20, the administration claimed that some figures within the Tigray military forces were undermining its authority. It condemned the use of force against civilians and urged military leaders to remain within legal boundaries. Atakelti Girmay, the district administrator, criticized the intervention, stating that security forces should focus on maintaining stability rather than interfering in political matters.
However, Colonel Hagos Gebre, head of the regional security unit “Army 26,” denied any wrongdoing, asserting that security forces responded to public concerns and did not harm residents. He dismissed the accusations as an attempt to damage the military’s reputation.
The dispute comes amid growing divisions within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), with rival factions emerging under Debretsion Gebremichael and Interim President Getachew Reda. Some military leaders previously called for restructuring the interim administration, claiming it had failed its mission.
The administration denounced these efforts as an unlawful power grab that could threaten the Pretoria Agreement, which led to the formation of the interim government. It urged military forces to refrain from interfering in governance and warned of severe consequences if the situation escalates further.