Mekelle, Ethiopia — The winds of change are sweeping across the Tigray region as Getachew Reda’s term as president comes to a close. It marks a turning point, setting the stage for new leadership whose central mission is to uphold the tenets of the Pretoria Agreement signed two years ago. But who will step up to the plate?
In a bid to steer the region toward peace and stability, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has extended an invitation to the people of Tigray. He encourages them to engage actively in the selection process for the interim administration’s new president. This period of transition follows a tumultuous two-year civil war that ravaged the northern part of Ethiopia. “A change in leadership,” Ahmed suggested to parliament last week, “is not only likely but necessary.”
The Ethiopian constitution arms the Prime Minister with the authority to usher in another interim leader for the coming year. It underscores a crucial juncture where political dynamism meets constitutionally-backed action. Getachew Reda’s announced replacement arises amid internal party turbulence, catalyzing an adjustment some see as overdue.
For months, tensions simmered within the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF), catching the attention of many. Enter an anecdote: Remember playing tug-of-war as a child? Each pull intensifies the friction, and eventually, something has to give. Reda’s relationship with his predecessor, Debretsion Gebremichael, morphed into such a scenario—each pulling on different ends.
Debretsion, still helming the TPLF, had fervently voiced the necessity for a fresh face, blaming Reda for creating upheaval. Disagreements culminated dramatically when Reda suspended three senior military commanders, a decision defied by the Bureau of Peace and Security. Now, when internal discord makes headlines, one has to ponder—how often do personal conflicts impede public progress?
The interim administration alleged that these military leaders engaged in acts contrary to government directives, possibly stirring further turmoil. Yet, the Bureau of Peace and Security, under the stewardship of Tadesse, Reda’s deputy, refused compliance, citing breaches of standard procedures and legal frameworks. The priorities, it seems, clashed on the battlefield of governance.
Seeking federal intervention, Reda lamented, “This power struggle, abandoning the people’s welfare, stokes insecurity and chaos.” His plea echoes a profound truth—how can leaders shield their communities when engulfed by internal storms?
As whispers about Lt. Gen. Tadesse Werede, a figure of prominence in Tigray’s forces, loom as potential successors, Prime Minister Ahmed’s announcement casts uncertainty on these speculations. Despite challenges in implementing the Pretoria Accord, it is a moment that beckons clarity and decisive leadership. One cannot help but wonder: Will peace find its rightful place in Tigray’s near future?
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring
