Latest news with #GetachewReda
Daily News Egypt
5 days ago
- Politics
- Daily News Egypt
Rising Tensions in Tigray: Interim Government Accuses New Party of Armed Attack
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.
eNCA
14-05-2025
- Politics
- eNCA
Ethiopia bans historic Tigrayan opposition party
TIGRAY - A leading opposition party that dominated Ethiopian politics for decades has been banned from any political activity, the Election Commission said Wednesday, ahead of national elections due next year. The Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF) has roots that go back a long way in national politics. It led the 1991 revolution that toppled the authoritarian Derg regime and ruled until 2018, when current prime minister, Abiy Ahmed, took power and effectively sidelined the party. In 2020, the TPLF's home region of Tigray in northern Ethiopia erupted in a vicious two-year conflict against the federal government that ultimately claimed some 600,000 lives. A peace accord in November 2022 has failed to address many issues stemming from the war. The TPLF, now in opposition, has been roiled by internal divisions in recent months, resulting in violent clashes in Tigray and the removal of the regional leader, Getachew Reda. In a statement on Wednesday, the Election Commission's board said it had "resolved to formally deregister" the party on the grounds that it had failed to hold a general assembly. The decision comes as Ethiopia prepares for elections to be held by June 2026 at the latest. The TPLF had already been suspended for three months in February and warned of deregistration if it did not take "corrective action" within three months. The TPLF can still apply for re-registration for the 2026 polls. TPLF senior leadership did not immediately respond to AFP's requests for comment. - Changing status - Although the peace deal ended the war in November 2022, there has been frustration in Tigray at the failure to implement its terms, including the return of some one million people displaced by the war. The TPLF first lost its party status at the end of 2020 when hostilities broke out, only regaining recognition after the peace deal. It was considered a terrorist entity by federal forces while the war continued. Political analysts were not surprised by the latest decision, but said the consequences remain to be seen. "This is pushing TPLF to reconsider their relationship with the federal government," said Horn of Africa specialist Kjetil Tronvoll. He told AFP the move could push the party into "reconsidering new alliances with other political actors in Ethiopia and the region". That was a reference to neighbouring Eritrea, which has had fraught relations with Ethiopia since gaining independence in 1993. Although the two countries fought together against the Tigrayans in the 2020-22 war, tensions have again resurfaced in its aftermath, with some analysts fearing they are preparing for renewed conflict.
Al-Ahram Weekly
11-04-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Ethiopia names Tigray ex-leader as govt minister sparking concerns - Africa
Ethiopia on Friday appointed a former rebel and recently ousted Tigrayan leader as a government minister, a move analysts fear could exacerbate divisions in the increasingly restive northern region. Tigray still suffers from the aftermath of a brutal two-year conflict, ended by a 2022 peace deal that established the interim administration. The war was one of the deadliest in recent decades, claiming roughly 600,000 lives and pitting Tigrayan rebels against federal forces, supported by local militias and the Eritrean army. Getachew Reda was ousted as leader of the interim administration, replaced earlier this month by the head of the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), Debretsion Gebremichael, after an internal power struggle. On Friday, Getachew was appointed by Addis Ababa as an "advisor on East African affairs to the Prime Minister with the rank of minister," according to an X post. The 50-year-old previously served as minister of communications until Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed came to power in 2018. Getachew's appointment is the "ultimate betrayal and risks increasing polarisation" across the region for both elites and general population, said Mehdi Labzae, an Ethiopia specialist at France's National Centre for Scientific Research. "Getachew Reda has maintained great popularity, he carries weight, we'll see what happens now," he told AFP. Horn of Africa specialist Kjetil Tronvoll agreed, saying the appointment will "accentuate divisions" in a region still devastated by the bloodletting. "Getachew Reda will be accused of showing his true colours by collaborating with the enemy," he told AFP. While peace has mostly returned to the region, a failure to fully implement the terms of the 2022 Pretoria peace deal has fuelled divisions within the Tigrayan political elite. And the TPLF divisions have rekindled fears of a new conflict, with armed men loyal to Debretsion seizing several towns last month and overthrowing mayors appointed by the interim administration. Relations are also strained between Ethiopia and its neighbour Eritrea, which is accused of supporting Debretsion's faction. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Yahoo
26-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ethiopia PM seeks news Tigray leader amid fears of war
In an effort to quell rising tensions in its troubled Tigray region, Ethiopia's prime minister has said he will appoint a new leader in the area. Tigray's interim President Getachew Reda fled to the capital, Addis Ababa, earlier this month following a power struggle in the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which runs the region. In a novel approach, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed asked Tigrayans to suggest who the region's new leader should be via email. The infighting has sparked fears that Tigray could return to the civil war that claimed an estimated half a million lives. Prime Minister Abiy on Wednesday said Tigray's leadership had failed to create the conditions for elections following the 2020-22 civil war which saw the TPLF battle Ethiopia's federal government. A peace deal stopped the gruelling conflict and led to the formation of an interim administration, which was tasked with running the region until elections were held. 'No-one can handle another war' - Tigrayans fear fresh Ethiopian conflict Tigray conflict: 'We have no food, we face death' Getachew was appointed to run the administration as part of the agreement, taking over from former leader Debretsion Gebremichael. But two weeks ago, Debretsion led a TPLF faction which took control of the Tigray administration. In a social media post on Wednesday, Prime Minister Abiy said that "taking into account the realities on the ground" it was "necessary to appoint a new president of the interim administration". Abiy invited the people of Tigray to suggest candidates for the position via email. He also said the interim administration's two-year mandate would be extended by another year. Tigray has continued to face challenges since the peace deal was signed, including delays in demobilising TPLF forces and vast humanitarian needs. Several countries including the US, UK and the European Union have warned about the recent power struggle, saying there must be "no return to violence". Amid these concerns, Abiy has acknowledged that the Ethiopian army is currently overstretched, given ongoing conflicts in the Oromia and Amhara regions. "My answer is peace," he told the Ethiopian parliament last week. The conflict in Tigray killed an estimated 500,000 people. All parties - including neighbouring country Eritrea, which backed the government - were accused of gross abuses, such as the mass killing of civilians and widespread sexual violence. How war has hurt Ethiopia's Olympic hopes The fighting is over. The rapes continue 'I lost my leg on the way home from school' Go to for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica Africa Daily Focus on Africa
BBC News
26-03-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Getachew Reda: Ethiopia's Abiy Ahmed to replace Tigray president amid fears of war
In an effort to quell rising tensions in its troubled Tigray region, Ethiopia's prime minister has said he will appoint a new leader in the interim President Getachew Reda fled to the capital, Addis Ababa, earlier this month following a power struggle in the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which runs the a novel approach, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed asked Tigrayans to suggest who the region's new leader should be via infighting has sparked fears that Tigray could return to the civil war that claimed an estimated half a million lives. Prime Minister Abiy on Wednesday said Tigray's leadership had failed to create the conditions for elections following the 2020-22 civil war which saw the TPLF battle Ethiopia's federal government.A peace deal stopped the gruelling conflict and led to the formation of an interim administration, which was tasked with running the region until elections were held. Getachew was appointed to run the administration as part of the agreement, taking over from former leader Debretsion two weeks ago, Debretsion led a TPLF faction which took control of the Tigray a social media post on Wednesday, Prime Minister Abiy said that "taking into account the realities on the ground" it was "necessary to appoint a new president of the interim administration".Abiy invited the people of Tigray to suggest candidates for the position via also said the interim administration's two-year mandate would be extended by another year. Tigray has continued to face challenges since the peace deal was signed, including delays in demobilising TPLF forces and vast humanitarian countries including the US, UK and the European Union have warned about the recent power struggle, saying there must be "no return to violence".Amid these concerns, Abiy has acknowledged that the Ethiopian army is currently overstretched, given ongoing conflicts in the Oromia and Amhara regions. "My answer is peace," he told the Ethiopian parliament last conflict in Tigray killed an estimated 500,000 people. All parties - including neighbouring country Eritrea, which backed the government - were accused of gross abuses, such as the mass killing of civilians and widespread sexual violence. Go to for more news from the African us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica
