February 21, 2025
Borkena
Toronto – At least 20 people were reportedly wounded after gunmen opened fire in Seharti district, near Mekelle, in Ethiopia’s Tigray region.
Eyewitnesses told BBC Amharic that the incident occurred this past Wednesday, on the eve of Yekatit 11, the anniversary of the TPLF’s founding. This year, the TPLF marked its 50th anniversary with an unusually low turnout at the Mekelle stadium, reflecting the deep divisions between the two TPLF factions.
According to a BBC Amharic report, 10 gunmen in “Tigray army uniforms” initially arrived at Addis Alem kebele in Seharti district in response to reports of a problem. They later left and returned with 30 additional gunmen, forcing Melese Aseged, the head of Addis Alem kebele, to surrender the kebele’s official stamp. BBC Amharic also cited Negasi Berhanu, a local resident, who reported that the gunmen “harassed and terrorized” residents.
The report further stated that elders and residents of the kebele gathered and explained to the gunmen that the administration officials, whose stamps were being forcibly taken, had been elected. However, the gunmen ignored their pleas.
Tsegu Berhe, the head of women’s affairs in the kebele, was cited by the source as saying, “I was at home when the gunmen came and demanded the stamp.” She added that efforts were made to reach a consensus to avoid harm to the people. However, the gunmen attempted to flee with the stamp and opened fire on those who tried to stop them.
The Tigray Interim Administration has described the attack in Seharti district as politically motivated and implicated some commanders of the Tigray forces, though it did not specify their names.
“The tragic act of using force in Seharti district against innocent civilians demonstrates an attempt to forcefully dismantle the kebele structure,” the Interim Administration stated.
The administration condemned the attack and warned that the country could be dragged into a dangerous situation if such incidents continue.
The armed forces in the region, referred to by the administration as the “Tigray Defense Force,” had remained neutral for many months after the split with the TPLF became public last year.
However, earlier this month, over a hundred commanders of these forces held a meeting in Mekelle and announced their support for the Debretsion faction, opposing the Interim Tigray Administration, which was established under the provisions of the Pretoria Agreement.
About 20 senior military commanders, including Tsadkan Gebretensae, have expressed support for the Interim Administration. It was also reported that this group of commanders opposed a rumored military alliance between Eritrea and the Debretsion-led faction of the TPLF, which is allegedly preparing to wage war against the federal government, and administrations in Wolkait and Raya areas.
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