Tigray new leader, Tadesse Werede, has been appointed to head the interim administration of Ethiopia’s northern Tigray region. This comes after months of internal friction that nearly shattered the delicate peace achieved after the devastating two-year civil war.
The former deputy of outgoing interim leader Getachew Reda, Tadesse’s elevation marks a pivotal moment for Tigray as it continues to recover from a conflict that killed an estimated 600,000 people and displaced millions.
His leadership is seen as a strategic move aimed at stabilizing the region amid ongoing political tension and fragile reconciliation efforts.
Tigray New Leader Appointed Amid Growing Factional Tensions
Tadesse Werede’s appointment follows a fierce power struggle between Getachew Reda and Debretsion Gebremichael, the long-time leader of the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), the dominant political force in the region for decades.
Sources close to the transitional administration suggest that Getachew’s position had been weakening for months. Analysts believe the renewal of the interim government’s mandate gave Ethiopia’s federal government the perfect opening to facilitate a leadership change.
An internal document reviewed by AFP shows that Tadesse has committed to addressing the region’s most pressing challenges. He pledged to focus on disarmament, resettlement of internally displaced persons (IDPs), and preparing for long-awaited regional elections—milestones seen as crucial to a return to full political normalcy.
Tigray New Leader Gains Federal and Regional Backing
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed confirmed the leadership change in a social media post, calling the transition “peaceful and orderly.” “We have officially and peacefully implemented a program to facilitate the transfer of power,” Abiy stated on X (formerly Twitter).
Abiy also expressed strong confidence in the new leader, saying that Tadesse “has a clear understanding of both the strengths and shortcomings of the previous administration.” He added that the federal government believes Tadesse is “well-positioned to guide Tigray through this critical transition.”
Tadesse’s previous experience as deputy to Getachew Reda and his military background are seen as advantages in navigating the region’s complex political and security landscape.
Signs of Instability as TPLF Forces Seize Adigrat
Despite the peaceful nature of the power handover at the administrative level, the situation on the ground tells a more volatile story. Just last week, armed supporters aligned with Debretsion Gebremichael took control of Adigrat, Tigray’s second-largest city, and removed the mayor appointed by the outgoing administration.
The incident underscores the challenges facing the Tigray new leader, especially the need to unify various political and military factions that remain loyal to different power centers. It also raises questions about the level of control the new administration will be able to exert across the region.
Stalled Peace Deal and the Road Ahead
The Pretoria Agreement, signed in November 2022 to end hostilities between the Tigray People’s Liberation Front and the federal government, has yet to be fully implemented. Key components—such as complete disarmament, return of federal services, and humanitarian access—remain unresolved or only partially enforced.
This lack of progress has fueled internal divisions within the TPLF and undermined public trust in the interim administration.
Tadesse’s leadership will be closely scrutinized in the coming months as he attempts to revive the peace process, restore basic services, and rebuild infrastructure destroyed during the war.
International Calls for Calm and Cooperation
The African Union, which is headquartered in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital, issued a statement expressing “deep concern” over the resurgence of tensions in Tigray. The AU has called on all parties to “recommit to the principles of peace and inclusivity” outlined in the Pretoria Agreement.
International observers also emphasize the importance of the Tigray new leader building inclusive governance that reflects the diverse voices in the region, including those marginalized during the conflict and its aftermath.
