TPLF ousts Tigray interim administration leaders, including President Getachew Reda

The Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), led by Debretsion Gebremichael, announced today, October 7, 2024, the removal of five members from the interim administration of the Tigray region, including President Getachew Reda.

In a statement, the TPLF stressed its intention to inform the federal government about the new leader who will replace the interim administration president.

“Officials serving in the interim administration, including President Getachew and other cabinet members and bureau heads, will no longer have the authority to lead, make decisions, or issue directives,” the statement read.

The TPLF stressed that the decision would be communicated to all relevant entities, including governmental and non-governmental organisations, administrative bodies at all levels, the Tigray security forces, the federal government, regional states, the international community, and other concerned parties.

Among those removed are Beyene Mekru, Professor Kindeya Gebrehiwot, Dr. Hagos Godefay, and Almaz Gebretsadq, who were serving as cabinet members.

In addition, the party announced the dismissal of leaders appointed to the six zones within the region. The TPLF has appointed seven new leaders, including Abreha Tekeste (PhD), the former Ethiopian Finance Minister.

This development comes a week after the TPLF issued a statement emphasising that the interim administration was established solely to implement the Pretoria Agreement and provide essential services, rather than to function as a permanent regional government.

The party expressed concerns that the interim administration is positioning itself as a permanent government and issuing declarations in the name of its cabinet.

TPLF accused the interim administration of “neglecting its responsibilities outlined in the Pretoria Peace Agreement and instead engaging in manipulative efforts to consolidate power.”

The political landscape in Tigray remains uncertain, with internal divisions within the TPLF deepening. The split has created a rift between Debretsion Gebremichael, the party’s veteran leader and chairman, and Getachew Reda, who was expelled from the party following the 14th TPLF Congress.

This growing division adds further instability to the region as the federal government and other stakeholders await clarity on the next steps.