Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed appointed Tadesse Worede as the new leader of Tigray’s interim administration amid rising tensions and fears of renewed conflict with Eritrea. Tadesse, a former commander in the TPLF, has committed to reforms essential for peace and development. However, internal divisions and heightened military readiness pose ongoing challenges.
On Tuesday, Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed appointed Tadesse Worede as the new leader of the interim administration in the Tigray region. This decision is significant due to ongoing tensions within the ruling party and rising fears of renewed conflict with Eritrea. Tadesse has served as the deputy president for the past two years and previously held a prominent role as a commander in the Tigray People’s Liberation Front (TPLF) during the 2020-2022 conflict, which resulted in extensive casualties and displacement.
The relationship between Ethiopia and Eritrea has deteriorated following a peace agreement last November that allowed TPLF to govern Tigray, a situation that displeased Eritrean authorities. TPLF has fractured into two factions, one led by Debretsion Gebremichael, which opposes the interim administration, further complicating the political landscape in the region. Last month, tensions heightened as Debretsion’s faction took control of Adigrat, leading to accusations of potential collaboration with Eritrea against the interim leadership.
Eritrea has stepped up military preparations, prompting Ethiopia to move troops toward their shared border, even as Prime Minister Abiy has attempted to mitigate fears of an outbreak of hostilities. Tadesse Worede has committed to eight key initiatives, including addressing the needs of war-displaced individuals and facilitating the disarmament of fighters. Abiy expressed confidence in Tadesse’s capabilities to guide the region through this transitional phase.
In his statements, Abiy highlighted Tadesse’s understanding of the previous administration’s strengths and weaknesses, suggesting that he is well-equipped for leadership. The Prime Minister expressed his vision for Tadesse to utilize this “historic opportunity” to promote peace and developmental aspirations among the Tigrayan populace.
In conclusion, the appointment of Tadesse Worede as the leader of Tigray’s interim administration is a pivotal development in the context of Ethiopia’s internal strife and relations with Eritrea. His prior experience and commitment to crucial reforms present a potential pathway towards stabilization in the region. Nevertheless, the ongoing tensions and divisions within the TPLF and the regional militarization continue to pose significant challenges that must be addressed to avoid further conflict.
Original Source: theprint.in
