March 21, 2025
Borkena
Toronto – Escalating tensions have developed for many months now in Ethiopia’s Tigray region as two factions within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) struggle for power. The situation culminated in the reported removal of Getachew Reda as President of the Tigray Region Interim Administration. Military officials, who expressed support for the Debretsion-led faction in a letter released in February this year, are said to be behind what is described as a “creeping coup”—a gradual series of actions over several weeks or months aimed at removing the current administration.
Getachew Reda, currently in Addis Ababa, denies his removal and claims he remains the president of the Interim Administration.
Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed addressed the issue during his parliamentary appearance on Thursday. He confirmed that the Interim Administration’s term in office has ended. The administration was established in March 2023 in accordance with the Pretoria Agreement, signed in South Africa in November 2022.
Prime Minister Abiy announced during his appearance in Parliament on Thursday that a one-year extension will be granted to the Interim Administration until the next election. However, he noted that an amendment to the existing legislation will be required beforehand.
According to the Prime Minister, the federal government’s assessment is that Getachew Reda‘s administration has performed well in averting another potential war in the region.
“There have been discussions with Interim Administration President Getachew Reda and his deputies, General Tadesse Worede and General Tsadkan Gebretensae,” Abiy Ahmed told parliamentarians.
The Prime Minister also indicated that conversations are underway with opposition parties operating in the region. The amendment to the law will be based on these discussions.
“The conviction on our part is that the Interim Administration will continue after the amendment to the legislation,” Abiy Ahmed added. However, there may be changes to the leadership, although the Prime Minister did not disclose further details.
Debretsion’s faction has been signaling a full takeover of power in the region—a move that has triggered resistance from the local population.
As reported by Borkena, security incidents have occurred in several cities, including Adigrat, Adigudom, and Mekelle. Forces loyal to Debretsion took control of city administrations. At least two civilians were killed, and several others were wounded as they resisted the forceful takeover. The group has reportedly seized official stamps by force.
The Prime Minister also warned that he has heard of moves by some military generals in the region to start a war against the federal government, believing that the Defense Force is preoccupied with conflicts in the Amhara and Oromia regions. “My advice is that I do not think so,” the Prime Minister said.
The crisis in Tigray has been ongoing for several months. Fears were high that war could break out between supporters of the two factions. Debretsion’s faction reportedly enjoys support from a considerable number of senior military commanders, while Getachew Reda’s faction is said to have the backing of the majority of the population and youth in the region.
Last week, three opposition parties released a joint statement condemning what they called a “coup” against Getachew Reda’s administration and accused the TPLF of human rights violations in the region.
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