Rising Tensions in Tigray: Interim Government Accuses New Party of Armed Attack

Daily News Egypt

3 days ago

Tigray, the northern Ethiopian region that endured two years of brutal civil war until the Pretoria peace agreement in late 2022, is once again witnessing alarming signs of political and security instability. The region's interim administration has accused a newly formed political party, Semret, led by former regional president Getachew Reda, of carrying out an armed attack that left one member of the regional security forces dead. The incident took place on July 30 in the Melzat area of southeastern Tigray.
In a strongly worded statement, the Peace and Security Bureau of the interim administration claimed that the assailants, allegedly affiliated with Semret, were disguising their actions as political mobilization while pursuing a foreign-funded agenda aimed at destabilizing the region. The administration identified the slain officer as Hilo Andi Kendia and labeled the attack 'a calculated act of terrorism,' warning that further provocations could trigger serious internal conflict between the fragmented political and security factions in Tigray.
The administration also accused Semret of 'betraying the spirit of peace' and fueling internal discord at a time when the region is struggling to rebuild state institutions, reintegrate ex-combatants, and address the dire humanitarian and economic fallout of war.
In response, Getachew Reda categorically denied the allegations, calling them 'fabricated and politically motivated.' In a statement on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Reda accused the interim administration of seeking to eliminate political competition through smear campaigns and intimidation. He insisted that Semret is a fledgling political movement with no military wing, no access to weapons, and no interest in resorting to violence. 'We are advocating for peaceful political engagement and inclusive governance, not conflict,' he said.
The escalating war of words comes amid mounting concern among observers and civil society groups over the erosion of the fragile peace in Tigray. Since mid-2024, tensions between rival factions have increased, with growing discontent over the lack of transparent transitional governance, disarmament disputes, and dissatisfaction with the interim authority's performance.
The July 30 incident marks the most serious accusation yet between the Tigrayan interim authorities and emerging political movements, and could set a dangerous precedent. Civil society organizations, fearing a slide back into war, have renewed calls for dialogue and reconciliation.
In June 2024, a coalition of local NGOs and religious leaders launched the 'Peace and Dialogue' campaign, urging political actors in Tigray to refrain from inflammatory rhetoric and prioritize national and regional unity. The group warned that without a genuine political transition and the inclusion of all stakeholders, the risk of renewed violence remains high.
Meanwhile, the federal government in Addis Ababa has remained largely silent on the internal political dynamics of Tigray, focusing instead on federal-level stabilization. The lack of mediation or oversight has allowed local grievances and rivalries to fester unchecked.
Analysts warn that if political fragmentation in Tigray continues, the region could face a repeat of the devastating cycle of violence that led to tens of thousands of deaths and displaced millions just three years ago. The international community, including the African Union and United Nations, has also yet to issue a formal response to the latest developments.
As Ethiopia enters a critical period of post-conflict transition, the situation in Tigray is increasingly seen as a test case for whether the country can truly move beyond civil war—or whether the deep divisions that fueled the previous conflict will once again boil over.