
“The federal government is in the process of extending the term of the interim government, taking into account the realities on the ground and in this connection it has become necessary to appoint a new president of the interim administration. According to Article 3(2) of Regulation No. 533/2015, it is the responsibility of the Prime Minister to appoint the President of the Interim Administration. Candidates who you believe can efficiently perform the duties of the Interim Administration and ensure the peace and security of the region can send their nominations to the Prime Minister’s Office email address below starting today. Reference email info@pmo.gov.et” (Abiy Ahmed Ali – ‘ Call for Notices of the President of the Interim Administration of Tigray’ 26.03.2025).
“Abiy Ahmed’s call for the election of the president of Tigray through an email from the Prime Minister’s office is not only politically inappropriate but also a clear violation of Tigray’s constitutional rights, the Pretoria Agreement, and the democratic principles that govern Ethiopia’s federal system. The only legitimate path forward is for the people of Tigray, through their locally elected representatives and in full compliance with Tigray’s constitution, to determine their political leadership. The Tigray region’s right to self-determination must be respected, and any external interference in this process must be unequivocally rejected” (Tigrayan Advocacy & Development Association (TADA) – ‘Rejection of Abiy Ahmed’s Email Call for Tigray interim Administration Presidential Elections’ 26.03.2025).
“Despite these challenges, following the TPLF’s decision to withdraw its delegation of the presidency of the Interim Government of Tigray, discussions were held with the Ethiopian government to determine a replacement. An evaluation of the Interim Administration’s performance revealed its shortcomings, leading to a consensus that the president should be replaced. Consequently, the TPLF’s Central Committee proposed General Tadesse Werede for the position, which was accepted by the Ethiopian government. However, disregarding the CoHA-led process and mutual agreement, the Office of the Ethiopian Prime Minister issued a public call for candidates, falsely asserting that the decision rests solely with the Prime Minister. This move, which contravenes the CoHA, is unacceptable” (Tigay People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) – TPLF Statement on Current Developments, 26.03.2025).
Now that the fraction of the TPLF party associated with Getachew Reda is ousted. There is uncertainty of whose taking over and becoming the President of the Interim Regional Administration of the Tigray Region. Yesterday’s action of the Prime Minister and his Office is very clear. They want to have a say and they going to decide in the end.
This decision just shows how Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali wants to insert his control and consolidate power. If the TPLF or anyone else thought, they would have a say in it. They are completely wrong. This is all about having puppets and “yes-men” in the Offices of Mekelle. Abiy only cares about control and having someone that will bend the knee for him. Therefore, the TPLF could have resolutions and ideas of who’s the successor of Reda. Regardless of that, the final say and words is Abiy’s. That is the game they played and what give way when they accepted the Pretoria Agreement. They signed of their will and bowed down to him.
The TPLF accepted this and the Tigray region is bound by it. They should have seen this coming, as Abiy have done and played other regions for fools too. Just so he can ensure they have someone he trusts and knows will serve out of loyalty to him. That’s who the PM goes for and not for anyone else. Democratic credentials or any other means doesn’t matter to the PM. He needs his “yes-man” and loyal cadre who will submit to his whims. That’s who he will chose and decide to appoint.
The loss of Reda is only the beginning and the Pretoria Agreement only gave leverage to Addis Ababa and little to nothing for the TPLF. They are now pawns and the PM is checking them. That’s what is happening here. No one should be surprised that the PM does this and think this is fair. He wants what he wants and he knows he can get it. Because, he is the Head of State and the Tigray region doesn’t want more hostilities. Therefore, he got the bargain and the trade-off was already done by the TPLF. They just made it easier with ousting Reda too.
Now Abiy can get his crony and his subject, who will serve him and not the people of Tigray. Peace.















